Best walking ice axe length 6. The average ice axe will be between 50cm and 75cm. Technical ice tools are typically the same length, measuring 50cm. This distance When it comes to sizing an ice axe, the key metric is your height. The curve provides a Feb 14, 2024 · The best icy outdoor adventures demand the best ice axes. Walking on Snow with an Ice Axe. Weight Oct 19, 2018 · The best length for an ice axe has made for great debate over the years. Many ice-axe makers sell premade leashes that fit their tools perfectly. Important: Reading this article does not make you a mountaineer. com. 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 See full list on outdoorgearlab. Lengths of axes don't really correlate much with the person A mountaineering ice axe provides useful support when walking. One of the primary uses of an ice axe is to provide stability while walking on Jun 10, 2019 · How to Size a Classic Axe. Steep Terrain. 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 Notes on Length: Hand to ankle (length) is an absolute maximum, not a rule!! Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is unwieldy on any significant slope. There are several types of axes, ranging from those intended as a winter hillwalking aid through to aggressive models designed for climbing. As the slope gets steeper and you start getting into something more like ice climbing, you want a shorter ax or technical ice tools. Ice axes for climbing are generally shorter than those for walking. Be sure to get competent ice-axe instruction and thoroughly practice using an ice axe before relying on one in the field. It can easily function as a cane when walking a low-angle slope, or it can be used to self-belay if you slip. What length ice axe should I choose? Ice axe length is measured from the top of the head to the tip of the spike. In the past the standard way to choose a walking axe was to hold the axe head in your hand and hang your arm by your side. Or better still, if you get the chance to try it out, the difference between your shoulder height and arm length. For moderate terrain, you will want to size your ice axe a little longer than you might otherwise. They say that, for a walking axe, the ideal length axe should brush your ankle when held with a straight arm. Cassin CAMP USA Neve Ice Axe. While grasping the head of the axe (between the pick and adze), the spike should come about to your ankle bone. May 6, 2025 · VDiff Climbing explains the proper self-arrest grip: “Hold the axe in your hand with your thumb under the adze and the pick pointing back as shown. This means you are always ready for an ice axe arrest if you slip” VDiff Climbing. 99; Best for ice hiking, general mountaineering; Length (inches): 19. Curved shaft: As expected, curved-shaft ice axes feature a slight bend. Most walking axes are B rated. Hand to ankle is an absolute maximum, not a rule!! Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is a burden on anything graded. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. If you plan on any graded winter climbs then a T rated axe is a better choice than a B rated one. 5 Oct 1, 2021 · You can purchase an ice axe with a straight shaft or a curved shaft. Full winter conditions in the hills and mountains present an added challenge for even the most experienced hill walker or mountaineer. 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 Jan 14, 2017 · There is no single best length for an ax, even for a particular person. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc) Oct 21, 2024 · Best Ice Axe for Winter Hiking 2025. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the head. This allows the spike to contact the snow while walking without having to uncomfortably bend over. For example, if you are into steep mountaineering, a long walking axe is not the best idea. 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. Jan 1, 2017 · Ice axes have a CE rating of B (Basic) or T (Technical). Best beginner ice axe: Grivel G-Zero Ice Axe. Jan 22, 2025 · What are the best ice axes of 2025? Best in Test: Petzl Glacier Adze Ice Axe. Colder temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns and fewer daylight hours make factors like kit See relevant content for southeastclimbing. Jun 9, 2025 · Best Budget Ice Axe: 4. Dec 25, 2024 · Choosing an ice axe. Feb 12, 2024 · Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. You can also make your own leash from either 5mm to 7mm Perlon cord or 1" webbing. com 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. Straight shaft: A straight shaft ice axe is the best all-purpose tool. Amazon price $76. The ideal sizing will depend on personal preference and the type of axe you’re using. To choose an ice axe, you will first need a clear idea of what terrain you will mostly be on. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc). Try several in the hand if possible: the head and grip of some are more comfortable to hold than others. Best Value: DMM Spire Ice Axe. It was said: An axe of the correct length should reach the top of your boot. 7 to 31. Please turn off your ad blocker. Climbing axes are T rated, which means they are stronger than B rated axes and suitable for hard usage on rock and ice and for use as belays. A long one is good for walking in cane position on a relatively low-angle slope. To find the right length ice axe based on your size, hold it while standing upright and relaxed with your arms by your sides. Best for versatility: Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe. zkjq jodvgx obtuylp dggqw qah iykizth yipgm ojz tytyll lznd