Best ice axe for climbing. Camp USA Corsa Ice Axe; 5.

Best ice axe for climbing Broadly, ice axes can be classified under three different headings – walking axes, mountaineering axes and technical climbing tools – and come in a variety of lengths, materials, designs and strengths. Ice Axes An ice axe is one of the fundamental tools for ice climbing, providing the support and stability you need to ascend vertical ice surfaces. Shafts used to be straight. Navigate snow and ice with confidence using our detailed guide to choosing ice axes and crampons. 50 Scottish-style mixed climbing makes great demands on ice axes. Best Ice Axes for Mountaineering: Expert Review & Guide / Buying Guide / By Marc McCollough Buying Guide / By Marc McCollough While our reviewers appreciate this feature, we must admit that it's pretty rare that we need to be able to clip two carabiners to an ice axe. Its design is stylish and efficient, demonstrating a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics in the harsh mountain climbing environment. Awesome multi purpose ice axe/tool hybrid. However, those that ‘go ice climbing’ are usually headed for specific feature as their main objective for the day, such as a particular frozen waterfall or gully, rather than loading up their best hiking backpack with a specific mountain in their crosshairs. In this guide, we list the best ice axes for ice climbing. ️ Ice Axes (Ice Tools) – These specialized tools have curved shafts and sharp picks for swinging into ice surfaces. Try several in the hand if possible: the head and grip of some are more comfortable to hold than others. Can take C1, C2 or C3 crampons. . Here are the five essential pieces of gear you must have for an ice climbing adventure: 1. How do you choose the best ice axe for your needs? Whether you are looking for an ultralight model for ski mountaineering, one with a modular head for steeper snow routes and complex glacier climbs, or a solid all-arounder to handle the full gambit of routes and conditions, we highlight some key factors to consider below. To find the right length ice axe based on your size, hold it while standing upright and relaxed with your arms by your sides. 11 $222. She is a volunteer climbing instructor at The Ice Coop, Colorado’s only dedicated ice-climbing gym, where she does much of her training. In the second part of this two-part review, we look at equipment suitable for harder winter climbing and Alpine routes. Before heading out, you need the right ice climbing gear to stay safe and efficient on the ice. Curved shaft: As expected, curved-shaft ice axes feature a slight bend. Black Diamond Venom. See relevant content for southeastclimbing. For Scottish mixed: DMM SWITCH £218. There are three main types of ice climbing axes that cater to different climbing styles: technical ice axes, alpine climbing axes, and mixed climbing axes. In this video I talk through a few different Petzl Ice axes and how to make better choices when buying your first tool or tools. Oct 2, 2020 · A strong and stable ice axe is a must in these types of situations. She is a former member of the U. 1. 11 /100 cm) FREE delivery Jun 3 - 4 May 15, 2024 · On the outset, the Black Diamond Swift clearly stands out as a premium ice axe choice. X - All Mountain - https://bit. Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe; 2. Best beginner ice axe: Grivel G-Zero Ice Axe. 378. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Jan 29, 2025 · The right gear helps you navigate treacherous ice surfaces while providing stability and protection. MSR Dynalock Carbon Ice Axe; Why Do People Need to Buy Ice Climbing Ice Axes? Ice Climbing Techniques and Their Relation to Ice Axes; Maintenance and Care for Ice Getting Started Climbing Ice. To combat these things, the industry for climbing gear, accessories, tools, and safety equipment to keep those that partake just that much more capable of completing this crazy difficult task. Easily held at the handle for strength or just under the pick for control, the Evo’s pick is made thicker in the middle for soft snow and sharp toothed at the tip for thick ice. It also keeps you safe on technical climbs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these recommendatio (Ice-climbing axe shafts have a pronounced curvature for a more ergonomic swinging motion). The next step is learning ho Mar 21, 2024 · Modern ice axes for ice climbing have little resemblance to what we climbers swung in the past. The curve provides a Best Ice Axes Reviewed 2025 'An essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains' - here are some of the best ice axes on the market, including options from Black Diamond, DMM, Salewa and more Oct 30, 2020 · BEST FOR: CLASSIC MOUNTAINEERING. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. Icefalls, north faces and goulottes are all ideal terrain for this ice axe. The ice axe is a must-have. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. While the primary use of a basic ice axe is for self-arrest and walking up a snowy slope, a technical axe is primary built for climbing. Nov 15, 2024 · We love the Nomic for its performance on vertical ice, but our testers found the Hydra to take steep ice climbing to a new level thanks to its incredible modularity, perfect balance, and best-in-class ice penetration. For example, if you are into steep mountaineering, a long walking axe is not the best idea. Jan 22, 2025 · What are the best ice axes of 2025? Best in Test: Petzl Glacier Adze Ice Axe. Will take C1 + C2 crampons. The Pro is part of a new Kobah line of alpine and mountaineering axes introduced by SMC last summer (2018) that includes the Kobah Speed Ice Axe (small & light option), the Kobah Ice Axe (traditional mountaineering axe) and of course the Kobah Pro which we’re reviewing. There are several types of axes, ranging from those intended as a winter hillwalking aid through to aggressive models designed for climbing. Learn the nuances of gear selection for hiking, mountaineering, and technical climbs, and ensure your safety with our Mountain Logic recommendations. Read more: Chouinard Equipment Blue Composite Shaft Ice Axe w/Curved Pick reviews (2) Best Sellers in Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Ice Axes #1 Bobillow Outdoor Camping Ice Axe Walking Pick for Camping Aluminum Alloy Mountaineering Axe Glacier Climbing Tool Lightweight Design,70 Cm Apr 18, 2018 · Walewski began tinkering with the idea of carbon fiber ice axes in 2013 during climbing outings in the Tatra mountains. Dec 25, 2024 · Choosing an ice axe. And finally, look for a Petzl Summit ice axe, designed specifically for classical mountaineering and offers superior grip and balance. ) Carabiner hole: This hole in the head of an ice axe is used to affix an ice-axe leash or sometimes to clip a carabiner (and some leashes attach via a carabiner). You can view Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 1: Classic Ice Axes and Crampons by Mar 2, 2025 · Here at The Adventure Junkies, we can help you choose the best ice climbing gloves to keep you confident holding your ice axe and placing ice screws, while keeping your hands warm enough to prevent the screaming barfies. It might be tempting to just pick out the most rugged-looking axe you can find (check out our guide to the best ice axes you can buy) but knowing how to choose an ice axe is important to make sure you end up with the right type – and length – for your Oct 21, 2024 · Best Ice Axe for Winter Hiking 2025. No model is as much of a blend between a traditional ice axe and an ice tool than the Petzl Sum'tec, and that's a good thing. With so many types out there, choosing the best one is hard. Perfect for climbers aiming for Rainier, Denali, and beyond. Here, a climber works their way up vertical ice with two axes, crampons toe-in to the ice. And because we know how important it is to invest in quality gear for dangerous sports like ice climbing, we here at The Adventure Junkies have compiled a list of the ten best ice axes to make your selection a little easier. (In axes for ice climbing, the adze is often replaced with a hammer. Climbing alpine ice, though, can also include walking flat-footed with crampons and a single ice axe. It's best for adventures into the alpine where you are likely to need an ice axe and could encounter a wide range of conditions, but the terrain you plan to travel isn't too technical, and every ounce matters. 1927 Mar 9, 2024 · 3. A. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along Jan 17, 2024 · Best Mountaineering Axe: Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe; Best Value Technical Ice Tool: Trango Raptor Ice Axe; Best Value Mountaineering Axe: Grivel G1 Ice Axe; Best Size Range in Mountaineering Axes May 1, 2025 · The right axe gives better grip and control. l Jan 2, 2025 · Ice tools have morphed from shorter versions of glacier travel axes to highly specialized tools for ice and mixed climbing. Dec 11, 2019 · It's only available in one length (45cm), but in reality, not one of our testers felt like that was a big deal, as it performed as designed. Jan 28, 2022 · The number of different modular-headed ice axes has increased in the past few years, and manufacturers are responding to this rapidly growing hybrid category. On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. The Venom features a curved shaft and aggressive pick options, which make it one of the best steep snow and ice climbing axes in our review. Some work best on vertical ice, others on mixed terrain. Feb 2, 2021 · For those who want to progress to steeper ski mountaineering objectives, Petzl also make a very similar ice axe with a beefier head and a trigger rest, the Gully. I’ve learned that the right tools are key for safety and success. Adze: This broad, hoelike feature is predominantly used to cut steps or seats in snow or ice. Full winter conditions in the hills and mountains present an added challenge for even the most experienced hill walker or mountaineer. M. Paddling. Ice climbing needs the right gear. We've put together this guide to highlight the best ice climbing axes of 2024, picked based on thorough research and expert opinions. Tip: Don’t go for technical ice climbing models The best system with socks is to wear Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. Steep Ice and Snow. The Black Diamond Venom is a hybrid ice axe which is suitable for both technical mountaineering and general mountaineering. Mine is a "medium length" so it could cross over between Alpine Axe and Ice Tool. Jan 17, 2024 · Best Ice Axes and Tools for Winter Climbing and Mountaineering. Grivel Ghost Ice Axe; 4. Petzl Quark - https://bit. We’ve laid out some of our favorites for mountaineering below, but there’s enough variety to meet you wherever you are in your outdoor journey. There are two main types: the all-round axe for beginners and the steep ice axe for experts. May 5, 2022 · The Petzl SumTec is a best mountaineering ice axe that is a bit pricey but comes with a slider for a leash a pick that is good for ice climbing and an adze great for chopping. Feb 12, 2024 · Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. Some are great for beginners, others for pros. BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP 206. The Best Hunting Gifts for Father’s Day 2025 May 30, 2025 4. Classic mountaineering style, at least 50cm long, up to 75cm. Dec 11, 2019 · Do You Need an Ice Axe. 0: Read Review: Arc’teryx AR 395a: 4 Firstly, you must ensure your ice axe's shaft is straight - this will ensure maximum efficiency while climbing. 17 min read. Learn about the features, pros, and cons of each model and how to choose the best one for your needs. The lightweight Summit Evo Ice axe is a versatile, strong tool that can dig into the roughest of surfaces. The Grivel Air Tech Evolution ice axe is cheaper and lighter comes with a leash and is durable and sturdy for solid anchors on alpine ascents yet performs well on steep Feb 1, 2025 · Name Gear Loops Ice Clipper Slots Haul Loop Adjustable Leg Loops Price Rating Review; Black Diamond Couloir: 2: 4: Yes: Yes $ 4. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Camp USA Corsa Ice Axe; 5. S. Fusions are the best mixed climbing axe I have ever used. Dec 8, 2022 · His early ice axes and ice hammers had a straight, slightly declined pick that were not sufficiently “dropped” for direct aid on vertical ice. Spike: This is the sharp bottom point of the axe that penetrates snow and ice. Feb 14, 2024 · The best icy outdoor adventures demand the best ice axes. Now, they come in all forms of permutations Jun 10, 2019 · Having an ice axe is important for mountain climbing, and we will break down some options and what is best suited for different terrain. Oct 1, 2021 · You can purchase an ice axe with a straight shaft or a curved shaft. There is also a larger and a smaller (38L) size of this pack, but for ice climbing, the mid-sized is just right. Feb 12, 2022 · Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 2: Technical Ice Tools and Crampons. Ice Axe Overview. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 40+ mountaineering axes, ice tools, crampons, and other ice and snow gear. Technical ice climbing is a type of mountaineering that requires specialized gear and expertise, as it involves ascending frozen waterfalls or alpine glaciers. The 57cm shaft is a goldilocks length for me – it’s just right for wielding over my head and long enough I can comfortably use it as a walking stick. Independent ice/snow climbing device reviews by real outdoors people. The Best Ice Axe – Top 5 Picks & Review / Buying Guide / By Marc McCollough Buying Guide / By Marc McCollough May 26, 2023 · This Weekend EXTRA 10% off all gear on EpicTV! *Petzl products are not included. Nov 7, 2019 · Ice Axe. Feb 4, 2019 · There are a whole ton of dizzying things that make the athletic act of rock climbing, and mountaineering a dangerous, and slippery avenue. The possibility to fully modulate the tool with various accessories gives it a unique versatility within its category. To choose an ice axe, you will first need a clear idea of what terrain you will mostly be on. More info at: www. The Best Ice Axe for Winter Hiking 2025 is: Best Overall: Petzl Glacier; Best Budget Ice Axe: Black Diamond Raven; Best Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe: Petzl Summit Evo; Best Mountaineering Ice Axe: Black Diamond Venom; Best Thru-Hiking Ice Axe: Camp Corsa; Grivel G1 Jun 21, 2024 · Technical ice axes are used for steep snow and ice climbing. B2=semi rigid – good for classic mountaineering and mid grade mixed climbing, but not suitable for pure ice climbing or harder mixed climbs. ly/3MXBTRjC. Dec 28, 2024 · Ice Climbing Tools: The Basics. B3=fully rigid – give much more support for front pointing on steeper terrain: suitable for steep ice climbing and harder mixed routes. com. His aluminium-alloy-shaft ice tools were manufactured for the public in the 1960’s, after three climbers died on Ben Nevis in Zero Gully when their wooden ice tools broke. Saturday 12th February 2022; By Bruce Goodlad. Mar 16, 2025 · The Black Diamond Swift is one of the best ice axes on test over the past few years. petzl. It can easily function as a cane when walking a low-angle slope, or it can be used to self-belay if you slip. The average ice axe will be between 50cm and 75cm. A perfect choice for the scrambler who wants a more climbing oriented axe, an alpinist looking for a tool to get across glaciers, snow, neve, and alpine ice, or the jack of all trades axe that can do it all. Jan 20, 2025 · Overview of Ice Climbing Ice Axes; The Best Ice Climbing Ice Axes. Best for versatility: Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe. For more of our top ice climbing gear recommendations, check out the Best Ice Climbing Backpacks. We compare features, uses, and value. Ice climbing typically brings to mind frozen waterfalls. The Osprey Mutant 52 is the mid-sized version of this model. It's an exhilarating sport that can provide climbers unique challenges and great rewards through stunning vistas and unforgettable experiences. It is a simple, well-made, T-rated axe that will cover you from hillwalking into climbing. When it comes to choosing the best ice climbing axes for rock climbers, it’s important to consider the specific type of climbing you’ll be doing. If you get into actual alpine ice climbing you're going to use ice tools not axes which are much shorter and are curved so that both ends are in constant contact with the ice and snow for better grip. Wed, January 17, 2024 at 9:59 PM UTC. The picks are perfectly angled and finished straight out the box, and I have never broken one, yet ;-) When Klem and I climbed Spray On Top they were the only axes we could rely on through a diverse range ice and mixed climbing. Best Value: DMM Spire Ice Axe. P. Ice Climbing Team and has climbed up to WI5 and M12- around the Colorado Rockies. Feb 16, 2025 · Essential Gear for Ice Climbing. Trango Altum Ice Ax - Lightweight Ice Axe for Mountaineering, Ice Climbing, and Glacier Travel, Gold, 45 cm Price, product page $99. 95 ( $222. 95 $ 99 . Ice Climbing Tools. Suitable for: Hiking; Trekking; General Mountaineering; Technical Mountaineering; Glacier travelling; Climbing . Secondly, it's best to go for an ultra-light ice axe, reducing fatigue on longer climbs. Climbing has been testing a pre-production model since last December, where we swung them on long multi-pitch flows around Cody Feb 1, 2025 · BEST FOR: WEEKEND ADVENTURES. This leaves the High Quality Pretty Blue Chouinard Ice Axe (did it make up for the "smart remark?"). Feb 16, 2018 · Climbing Technology say: Technical ice axe designed for ice climbing and technical mountaineering. A slight curve can also be ok, but generally speaking it's for more special use cases. Jun 14, 2019 · SMC Kobah Pro: The newest axe in this review and likely one of the least well known is SMC’s Kobah Pro. Like the Sum'Tec, we feel good about using Shop for Ice Axes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors to consider when selecting an ice axe, the different types available, and how to match the axe to your climbing style and objectives. Technical Jan 14, 2022 · If you’re hiking or mountaineering at high altitude, your outdoor kit will probably include items like crampons and even an ice axe. Petzl Quark Ice Axe; 3. 4 days ago · Compare different ice axes for glacier travel, ski mountaineering, technical ice climbing, and more. Straight shaft: A straight shaft ice axe is the best all-purpose tool. The 10 Best Ice Axes in 2024 Getty Images Jan 22, 2022 · Ice screws provide the protection on an ice climb (Image credit: Getty). Jan 28, 2025 · Corey is a freelance writer and editor based in Boulder, CO. The ice axe and crampons are essential. Climbs ice better than expected, and performs great as a ice tool. Colder temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns and fewer daylight hours make factors like kit selection, route planning and assessment of conditions Apr 28, 2025 · The ice axe is an essential tool for self-arrest, navigation, and technical climbing on snow and ice-covered terrain. Two of the Salamandra’s first three prototypes fell into the hands of some Jun 23, 2024 · Types of Ice Climbing Axes. There is a much wider range of technical axes than basic ice axes to help climber’s pick the best ice axe for the terrain they plan on climbing. My only regret was I threw one into the hole! Jan 12, 2023 · From glacier travel to ice climbing, the best ice axes will provide the security needed to scale those big, intimidating slopes. When you're scaling ice-covered walls, having the right ice climbing axe is a game-changer. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the head. Please turn off your ad blocker. It is used to provide a secure support when you're walking or to make it easy to plunge the axe into snow for a belay or rescue. Chris Meehan. mzmdk mropux hqzksrv ecmkd sdgeda cttuhyd cwi yeoiwz rwcib rjwpp