There are many variables whilst travelling through snow-covered mountains. Transferring from hill walker to winter mountaineer is a big step. On the flip side, whilst arresting a fall the spike of a shorter axe will be closer to vital organs on a heavier and much taller person. Remember, an axe is not a walking stick, it can be used for some stability on steeper slopes but its most important use is to help stop a slide in the event of a fall and in that scenario a longer axe will hinder its performance when you need it most. Walking ice axes come in lengths between 50cm – 70cm but these days I would recommend an axe no longer than 60cm no matter how tall the user. Most walking axes have a lighter but less strong B rated shaft and pick. Walking axes only come with an adze which is used to cut into the snow, creating steps and occasionally holes to sit in and securely hold a rope. The straight shaft can be used to plunge into the snow and aid walking stability, while on steeper terrain the pick can be used as a dagger with the hand cupping the head. The straight shaft (or very slightly curved) and simple geometry paired with a simple and almost horizontal pick and adze makes for a good walking axe. Modern climbers now benefit from tools developed for specific ‘types’ of winter climbing, and so I will focus on the benefits of modern tools rather than being nostalgic and traditional in my opinion.Ī walking ice axe can be defined by its shape, length and the metal it is made from, but the most obvious identification when deciding how to choose an ice axe is its shape. In this article How to Choose an Ice Axe, I will not argue what a walking axe CAN be used for as historically all axes were straight and often partially made of wood. However, the bent shaft will aid in climbing steep ground and be stronger for the demands of an ice or mixed climber. A technical ice axe will do what a walking axe can but not as efficiently. A walking axe that is straight has an important role in stopping unintentional slips and helps when cutting snow. Which ice axe to choose will depend entirely on what terrain an individual intends to cover. The use and benefits of each type of ice axe are detailed including why they are different shapes and sizes and why buying the correct model is important. In this ice axe buying guide, I aim to clarify their uses and shed light on how to choose an ice axe. There are many ice axes on the market and sometimes it is difficult to know which ice axe to buy.
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