Ice axe climbing Color. iconic. 3 mm), it easily penetrates the coldest ice. Ice axes are essential tools for mountaineers, ice climbers, and winter hikers. The lightest ice axe You can find! Made from hybrid carbon and kevlar composite. Ice Axes. Molecule Alpine Ice Axe. 80 $ 24 . May 15, 2024 · Let's talk about the Petzl Sum'Tec, a true powerhouse in the world of climbing and mountaineering. Every ounce counts in high-end alpinism and ice climbing. 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. alpinetrek. Apr 28, 2025 · Type: Technical climbing axe for ice and mixed terrain. For moderate terrain, you will want to size your ice axe a little longer than you might otherwise. Now redesigned, the Raven is lighter, and sports an updated investment-cast, stainless steel head ergonomically improved fo Aug 22, 2018 · Through the 1980's ice axes became more specialized and diverse. May 1, 2025 · The PETZL Gully is a highly compact and ultralight technical ice axe designed for ski mountaineering and steep alpine climbing. Its blade is more curved and aggressive, making it ideal for vertical ice climbing. Jan 12, 2023 · From glacier travel to ice climbing, the best ice axes will provide the security needed to scale those big, intimidating slopes. 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. Sort by. The Grivel GZERO is an incredibly lightweight and sleek ice axe designed for technical climbing. We . It also has a bottom grip to improve control and precision. Feb 16, 2025 · Essential Gear for Ice Climbing. The NOMIC ice axe sets the standard for ice climbing. Spike cover protection, intended for protecting your gear during transportation, designed to fit onto any ice axe. Price: £58. g. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. a sole shareholder Legal head office: via Roma, 6 - 23900 Lecco (LC) - Italy The axe was also unique in that its short length heralded a new direction in axe design, one which focused the tool on pure vertical mixed and ice climbing. Ice axe aficionados have agreed that this product truly stands out in the crowd. The distinction between ice axes and ice tools lies in their size. Its PUR’ICE pick allows efficient placement in a variety of types of ice. The Outdoor Gear Exchange has a large selection of ice climbing and mountaineering tools from Petzl, Black Diamond, CAMP, and Grivel. 95 $ 99 . 4 offers from $17442 $ 174 42. 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. Our modern take on Chouinard's original curved-pick mountain axe, the Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe is a classic mountaineer's piolet that has been used on classic climbs the world over for decades. They provide a secure grip on icy and snowy surfaces, allowing for safe ascents and descents. His expertise and nerdy gear obsession are unrivaled in the field. Short axes don’t offer much leverage and provide poor arrest. His early ice axes and ice hammers had a straight, slightly declined pick that were not sufficiently “dropped” for direct aid on vertical ice. Oct 2, 2020 · A strong and stable ice axe is a must in these types of situations. This is to say that I will be using an ice axe for both climbing steep slopes and as a hiking pole. Perfect for climbers aiming for Rainier, Denali, and beyond. How to Size a Classic Axe. At just 280 grams, it’s one of the lightest technical axes on the market, yet it still features a fully steel pick that delivers solid performance on steep snow, ice, and mixed terrain. The technical or ice climbing ice axe is shorter and lighter than the classic one. SALAMANDRA – alpine/ice axe. They are generally considered to be for technical ice-climbing. Though designed primarily for technical mountaineering, it also shines in hiking and glacial travel. Here, a climber works their way up vertical ice with two axes, crampons toe-in to the ice. Filter . Climbing alpine ice, though, can also include walking flat-footed with crampons and a single ice axe. Ice Climbing Tools. Featured Best selling Alphabetically, ice climbing. An ice tool is a specialized elaboration of the modern ice axe, and often described broadly as an ice axe or technical axe, used in modern ice climbing and mixed climbing. technical mountaineering. We have climbing tools (with some great pair deals) as well as axes designed for mountaineering, winter walking and for ski touring. Ice climbing typically brings to mind frozen waterfalls. It features a chromoly steel pick that provides excellent penetration on both ice and mixed surfaces, making it a great choice for climbers looking to tackle steep, challenging routes. These products are crafted with high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability in extreme conditions. GZERO a very light ice axe for classical alpinism that still has all the characteristics of a Grivel ice axe including, head that provides maximum strength and minimal weight. View offer. These sturdy axes feature sharp, curved picks made of durable steel that bite into the ice, giving you the traction and stability needed to tackle challenging terrain. Oct 30, 2020 · BEST FOR: CLASSIC MOUNTAINEERING. I have seen there is a wide variety of ice axes, mainly I assume I am interested in a more general purpose one such as the Petzl Summit or the BD Raven Grip. Aug 22, 2018 · Through the 1980's ice axes became more specialized and diverse. Perfectly balanced and equipped with weights, it provides an exceptional swing. Jan 13, 2025 · In the 1940s, legendary Scottish climber Hamish MacInees designed the first all-metal ice axe. 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. 3 days ago · Mountaineering Ice Axes vs. Technical Ice Tools. Aug 16, 2018 · in Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Ice Axes. The shaft is covered with special abrasive paint for perfect grip. If you are looking for an axe predominantly for ice, then the carbon fibre Black Diamond Cobra or the lower priced Black Diamond Viper might be more suited. Kamelar. Investing in a quality tool like the Black Diamond Raven or Petzl Quark Ice Axe will ensure that your ropework is efficient and safe - giving you peace of mind as you move towards achieving your goals Ice Axes. Jan 17, 2024 · The Petzl Summit Evo is a versatile mountaineering axe for alpine climbing. More technical winter climbing – including ice climbing on frozen waterfalls and glaciers, and mixed climbing on rock and ice – requires a pair of technical ice tools, but we’ll leave those for a future article. Feb 12, 2024 · Your intended use should also influence your choice in length. p. The best ice axes Apr 18, 2018 · Carbon, Kevlar, and craftsmanship produce incredibly light yet robust tools, Elite Climb’s Salamandra ice axes. However, it is less effective on softer or snow-covered terrain. Independent ice/snow climbing device reviews by real outdoors people. Feb 14, 2024 · Here we have focussed on the best ice axes for moderately steep terrain. It will prove itself wherever the low weight of the equipment plays a key role. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] Modern ice climbers usually use them in pairs when ascending an ice climbing route , and thus in some circumstances such as top-rope - anchored climbs, a Jan 14, 2022 · Unless you’re going ice climbing, you don’t want an ice axe that is shorter than 60cm (14 inches). Learn the nuances of gear selection for hiking, mountaineering, and technical climbs, and ensure your safety with our Mountain Logic recommendations. Seiji Ishii 374 articles. It seems that Petzl has managed to blend functionality, quality and an affordable price tag into one compact package. co. Pick for ice and mixed climbing, designed for ice axes with modular heads The ICE is an ultra-versatile pick designed for ice climbing. Ice axe 1 – pick 2 – head 3 – adze 4 – leash 5 – leash stop 6 – shaft with rubber grip 7 – spike. Our ice axes are designed for performance, durability, and reliability in challenging alpine environments. 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. It was designed for climbing long technical routes in remote areas or breaking time records on alpine classics. Mar 16, 2025 · Lucy Wallace reviewed axes with picks in the ‘Alpine’ style – gently curved and well suited to walking terrain and ice axe arrest. Ice Tools & Axes | Outdoor Gear Exchange Free Standard Shipping For Orders Over $69 No matter what technical ice-climbing adventure awaits you in 2023, having the right axe can make all the difference between success and failure. Seiji Ishii is the Climbing, Cycling, Fitness, Travel, and Powersports editor at GearJunkie. Getting Started Climbing Ice. Trango Altum Ice Ax - Lightweight Ice Axe for Mountaineering, Ice Climbing, and Glacier Travel, Gold, 45 cm Price, product page $99. We stock a wide range of ice axes and tools that can be used for all types of adventures, whether you're mountaineering, mixed-climbing, ice climbing or winter hiking. Two holes- on top to attach HMS (pick) and on the bottom to attach cord. His aluminium-alloy-shaft ice tools were manufactured for the public in the 1960’s, after three Technical ice axe designed for ice climbing and technical mountaineering. Although numerous people use the phrase "ice axe" freely to describe both mountaineering and vertical ice/mixed climbing tools, technically they have distinct names; ice tools, not ice axes, are used for technical ice climbing. A new generation of walking axe. 11 /100 cm) FREE delivery Jun 3 - 4 Jan 28, 2022 · Ian is an IMFGA guide (the best there is) and guides snowy mountain summits and descents in Alaska, Washington, and California. DRAG-TOUR Adjustable ice axe leash. An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve snow or ice covered (e. However, I have seen that some of them have a slight curvature and some don't. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. You may want a longer axe if you’re primarily using it to test terrain or on a low angle snow field, however it will weigh more and anything longer than 70cm (27 inches) isn’t recommended unless you’re tall enough to warrant that length. A. 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. These tools are typically what we mean today when we speak of the ice axe. ski touring. Accessories keep you attached to the ice and your gear attached to you; these include picks, leashes, grip rests, and head attachments. </p><p>We stock leading climbing brands such as Petzl, Edelrid, DMM, Black Diamond, Climbing Technology and Grivel. He regularly uses ice axes while climbing up steep couloirs with skis strapped to his back, and while tackling more mellow mountaineering objectives. 80 FREE delivery Wed, Jan 17 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon Jun 10, 2019 · In addition to use during glacial travel, an axe like Petzl’s Glacier Ice Axe provides lightweight performance with a steel pick and an adze for chopping tent platforms or building a snow anchor. Salamandra is specially designed for ice climbing and long mountain routes. The lightweight Summit Evo Ice axe is a versatile, strong tool that can dig into the roughest of surfaces. Jan 22, 2022 · Here's a list of standard ice climbing equipment: Technical ice axes: Ice climbing requires the use of two technical axes. Developments in technology and design allow Petzl to offer tools for all disciplines. For 20+ years, he has been writing about Ice axes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, designed either as climbing tools or as protection on steep ground in the snow and ice. 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. Overall: The Fusion 2 is an amazing and super-strong mixed climbing axe that operates well on ice too. Spike: This is the sharp bottom point of the axe that penetrates snow and ice. Mar 9, 2022 · #1,543,256 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors) #109 in Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Ice Axes: Date First Available : March 9, 2022 : Feedback . Ice axes and tools for ice, mixed climbing, alpine climbing, and mountaineering. In this article, we're focused on mountaineering axes, but it's helpful to know the differences while you shop: Compared to classic ice axes, ice-climbing axes are shorter, have bent shafts and a head that has a different design Ice Axes. PETZL TIBLOC Ascender - Ultra-Light Emergency Ascender for Rope Ascents and Hauling. 1. Icefalls, north faces and goulottes are all ideal terrain for this ice axe. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 40+ mountaineering axes, ice tools, crampons, and other ice and snow gear. Ice Tools & Axes | Outdoor Gear Exchange Free Standard Shipping For Orders Over $69 Shop for Ice Axes and Tools at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Mar 21, 2024 · Climbing Ice ice axe Reviews. Best value 2/T-rated axe. From glacier travel, to pushing the limits of modern ice and mixed climbing. Billed as a “robust general walking axe” by Ice Axes are essential mountaineering tools designed for ice climbing, glacier travel, and steep snow slopes. Each season, gear Shop for Ice Axes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Find the perfect tool to conquer icy terrain and elevate your climbing experience. Dec 11, 2019 · Its primary advantage is a curved shaft gives better clearance when swinging an ice axe (Piolet Traxion) into ice, with the climber's hand on the lower portion of the shaft. Ice Fishing, Camping, Hiking, sea Fishing, Barbecue Supplies. This curve is also useful when climbing steep ice or climbing in and out of crevasses or pulling bergschrunds. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Mountaineering ice axes are used for general mountaineering and winter hiking, whilst technical tools are used in pairs and have curves for steeper more vertical climbing. Ice axes for ice climbing: These are designed for climbing frozen waterfalls, icefalls or ice-covered slabs of rock. . Climbs ice better than expected, and performs great as a ice tool. Dec 25, 2024 · Aluminium was not in use in those days, so this early type of ice axe had a very long, heavy wooden shaft and an iron tip. In contrast, Hamish McInnes’s 1970s Terrordactyls were among the first short, strong, lightweight aluminium-shafted axes for steep ice climbing. (Ice-climbing axe shafts have a pronounced curvature for a more ergonomic swinging motion). In a pair of technical axes, one will usually come with an adze, used to clear rime during a climb, and the other with a hammer, used to bash protection into cracks. Made out of carbon fiber, Molecule Alpine Ice Axe is one of the lightest technical ice axes you can get. Axes over 70cm are too long for technical snow and ice climbing but are excellent at lower-angle terrain. The possibility to fully modulate the tool with various accessories gives it a unique versatility within its category. Navigate snow and ice with confidence using our detailed guide to choosing ice axes and crampons. These ice axes were all tested during the winter 2020/21 season during Lucy’s work as a Winter Mountain Leader and play (when she was locked down on Explore Singing Rock USA's collection of ice axes, essential tools for ice climbing and mountaineering adventures. $24. ️ Ice Axes (Ice Tools) – These specialized tools have curved shafts and sharp picks for swinging into ice surfaces. Such innovation was not a rarity to MacInnes who went on to revolutionise rescue equipment with the iconic MacInnes stretcher. Aludesign S. The pick is classically neutral with ergonomic design that remains comfortable after hours of climbing. 95 ( $222. 36 (RRP £72) www. Lava Ice Fishing Axe, Double Head ice Breaker, high Carbon Steel quenching Process, Plastic Handle. 11 $222. black blue green Technical or Ice Climbing Ice Axe. The term 'ice tool' came to refer to axes more specialized to steep ice climbing, with curved and reverse curve picks, adze end variations such as hammers, and modular functionality. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Technical ice axe designed for ice climbing and technical mountaineering with fully modular head for adapting the ice axe to all the various activities. Some of our most prized items include old hemp climbing ropes, vintage Chouinard pitons, and hammers, Tricouni Hobnail mountain boots, Swiss military wooden ice axes, a Swiss military fur rucksack complete with 2 flasks, an ice axe, cookware, boot brushes, polish, weapon cleaning tools, sewing kit (31 buttons, thread, needles), extra leather The axe was also unique in that its short length heralded a new direction in axe design, one which focused the tool on pure vertical mixed and ice climbing. ice climbing or mixed climbing) conditions. Shop crampons, ice axes, ice screws, harnesses, carabiners, ropes, and more essential equipment for your next mountain adventure. Awesome multi purpose ice axe/tool hybrid. Before heading out, you need the right ice climbing gear to stay safe and efficient on the ice. Gear up for ice and alpine climbing with Black Diamond. uk. Tapered at the tip (3. Jun 21, 2024 · If one is climbing a simple glacier route they would opt for a more strait shaft walking style axe, for those looking to climb vertical ice pillars they would need a pair of specific ice climbing axes, and a technical mountain route would require possibly two different types of axes to climb. Jan 22, 2025 · Climbing Technology Ice Axe. cnixndzzhgfwmbtpwrwlhjdmhgrftllqnyamhubiyzsyxmnnjt