How to choose an Ice Axe
Posted by outdoormole on Oct 05, 2009Choosing the correct type of axe is important because if you’re mountaineering in winter you will be heavily reliant on your ice axe.
Ice axes come in different sizes; short axes are best for climbing and long axes are best for walking, although very long axes – those over 60cm long – can be unwieldy to carry. The main difference between walking and climbing axes is the shape of the head, having a pick and an adze. When choosing your axe, lift it with the adze facing forwards and get a feel for how is sits in your hand.
It’s recommended to buy and axe with a leash or loop that can go around your hand or wrist so that if when swinging your axe you lose your grip you don’t lose the axe as well!
There are 2 grades of axe, Basic and Technical. Put simply, the main difference is that the technical grade can be used in more extreme situations.
Taking your axe out with you on a hike however doesn’t necessarily mean you are equipped with the skills and knowledge you might need to be able to use if effectively, so it can be worth looking online for courses in winter mountaineering skills.
