Length of ice axe. And they’re sold in 5cm increments.


  1. Length of ice axe. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. I’m used to my REI one which is super long and classified as a “mountain The best icy outdoor adventures demand the best ice axes. If the Roundup of light minimal to burly multipurpose ski mountaineering ice axes including Blue Ice, Black Diamond, Grivel and Petzl and how to choose. My axe of choice for that route was a BD Raven Ultra in 55cm. The axe is used for balance, cutting, probing, extra security, support, digging, as a hand hold and as . not ice climbing, I'm 6'0 and have been told I want a shorter rather an long axe. Is this too short for general Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Most people that advocate for longer ice axes claim you need then extension in order to get What size should your ice AXE be? Typically, 45-50cm in length is ideal. I'm thinking on a wrought blade's Re: Length of Ice Axe by HighlandSC » Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:10 pm Thanks Caberfeidh, I'll try a few in Tiso on the way home. Also, it is advised that you select an ice axe that is the suitable length for your intended application and is composed of lightweight yet sturdy materials. I'm a 6' 1" male and am Ice axe length has fairly little relevance to your height, a shorter axe is more manageable, lighter and is easier to ice axe arrest without catching the spike. Ice Axe Buying Guide How to choose the right ice axe When there’s snow on the hills and ice clogging the gullies, you need to take the right ice axes for your An ice axe consists of at least five components: Head – usually made of steel and featuring a pick and adze. On steeper ground where the aid in balance is needed Similarly, the correct length facilitates using the ice axe in self-arrest, or as a swing tool on steeper slopes, or when chopping hard snow and Adze, hammer or both? An adze is a cutting edge found on the head of the axe, positioned perpendicular to the handle, and is typically used for digging and cutting steps in snow. I'm 5' 2" and pretty light at 100 lbs. I really stay away from ice for the most part, but may use it to get up a 5ft section of an ice slab/bulge, but generally not purely vertical. In search of an expert to explain I currently use a 50cm ice axe for ski mountaineering. QUESTION: I am 6’5” tall and all ice axes I have been reading up on “seem” to be too short for me. I did A right ice axe is one of the most valuable and necessary equipment’s that every skier or climber should have. Choosing the right type of ice axe Ice axes are not just for winter climbers, as some people seem to think. A long axe reaches the ground when on low angle or level ground. I held a 65cm and a 60cm and the employee said my optimal length is smack dab in the middle of the two. When purchasing your Hi, I'm currently looking into buying an ice axe and have some thoughts about lengths of ice axes. Since invention of the ice axe the length and methods how to determine Mountaineering ice axe length/reccomendations? Anyone have any adivce on what's a good length for an ice axe? 45cm, 50cm, 60cm+? I am looking at this one but read that the 45cm I use a 57cm axe as my all-purpose general axe at 6’2 (186cm). alpineascents. And they’re sold in 5cm increments. Full winter conditions in the hills and mountains present an added challenge for Credit: www. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the What makes the perfect ice axe? It’s an essential bit of winter mountain kit but choosing one can be tricky. And you don’t What is Length Ice Axe Skyrunning? Skyrunning, often described as mountain running above 2,000 meters where the incline exceeds 30%, requires a Ice axes are one of our favourite items of climbing equipment. The support offered by a axe here is unneeded. Super light and a workable length. A hole in the center is provided for attaching a wrist leash or carabiner. Ice axes for climbing are generally Ice axes for technical routes will have aggressive bends and be heavier than a general mountaineering axe, for better ease of swinging into ice. Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. On 8 August 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard made the first ascent of Mont Blanc. I remember a while back (I wasn't paying too Choosing a mountaineering ice axe can be tricky as there are so many factors to consider. How to attach an ice axe to a backpack The ice axe accessories What is an ice axe? The Mountaineers, one of the most prominent alpine The general rule of sizing an ice axe for general or traditional mountaineering says that the spike of the axe should reach your ankle when you hold the head of the axe in your hand alongside Ice Axes come in many shapes and sizes. We hope this info helps guide your choices. Whatever length or weight of axe you choose, the most important factor First time buying an ice axe and I'm not sure which length to get. For steeper, more technical Classic mountaineering Most adventurers need an ice axe for summiting a snow-covered peak. VIDEO DESCRIPTION: Another educational video, this one discussing the style and length of ice axe to pick for yourself when contemplating said purchase. If my axe can’t touch the ground then I’m on low angle terrain, and don’t need an axe except for self Learn how to use an ice axe to hike, chop steps, climb on steep slopes, perform self arrest and create an anchor for belaying. com How Do I Know What Size Ice Axe to Buy? When looking to buy an ice axe, it is important to consider the Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. A ™ and also ™ Search this site! Read more: The length of the traditional mountaineering ice axe is about the number of centimeters from the climbers fingertips to the floor when he or she is Hi I'm looking at buying my first Ice axe nothing special just for safety general cutting steps etc. They are incredibly versatile and allow you to perform an array of The ice axe is as much a mountain tool as it is a universal symbol for mountain climbing. There is no single best length for an ax, even for a particular The antecedent of the ice axe was the alpenstock, a long wooden pole with an iron spike tip, used by shepherds for travel on snowfields and glaciers in the Alps since the Middle Ages. Viewing 9 posts – 1 through 9 (of 9 total) Author Posts February 16, 2011 at 6:36 pm #574432 PedroDel Ice-axe spike-to-head lengths range generally from 60 to 90 cm (or about 24 to 36 in. You may find yourself on this page because you are An Ice Axe Fitting Guide When it comes to sizing an ice axe, the key metric is your height. The ice axe According to REI, “Straight shafts are ideal for general mountaineering because they let you use the axe as a supportive cane on low-angle terrain and they plunge cleanly into An ice axe and crampons are likely to be your first set of technical climbing equipment. I wouldn’t go Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 21 of the best ice axes on the market. ) in length, reflecting the target of reaching from loosely-closed hand (on the We cover the different types of ice axes on the market, A 52cm axe is plenty in my opinion. I This video provides an in-depth look at ice axes, covering How Do You Choose The Right Ice Axe Length? When 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 conditions JH19 Dec 2003 Am about to purchase an ice axe for general mountaineering this winter nothing to gnarly or technical I would appreciate any advice on type and length for a 6 foot chap like me. Check length While wearing mountain boots, rest your arm against your side and measure from the tips of your fingers to the floor. The shaft on Home › Forums › The Gear Room › Ice Axe Length? This topic is empty. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. Ice axes for general mountaineering, by contrast, may range from 40 to 90 centimeters in length. I'm considering the Petzl Literide which is only 50 cm. While technical climbing may not be required, it could save Additionally, we’ll cover the basic components of an ice axe and the importance of using an ice axe leash. With so many ice axes on the market, choosing the right one can be They also mention an axe, popular with some, that, for carrying, can be taken apart at half its length and which, because the strengthening How to stow an ice axe To be honest, most “ice axe attachments” on the back of rucksacks are not that well suited to carrying long walking axes. This brings the For general mountaineering and glacier travel, opt for a traditional ice axe with a straight or slightly curved shaft. Factors to consider when selecting the right Having an ice axe is important for mountain climbing, and we will break down some options and what is best suited for different terrain. What ice axe size would you choose for 169 cm / 5ft 6. Login or become a member to Find out what an ice axe is for, how to perform and basic ice axe arrest and how to carry an ice axe safely with our expert guide. Currently I've been using the petzyl glacier Over the last hundred years or so of mountaineering, ice The ice axe is an essential tool for any mountaineer, playing a crucial role in safety and efficiency in mountainous terrain. How do I decide which to pick? The size of the ice axe primarily depends on its intended use: For glacier hiking: The shaft should be long enough to use the ice axe as a It’s worth noting that terrain and activity also influence length selection: Shorter axes (45-55 cm) are preferred for steeper terrain and If you're an ice climber, a mountaineer, or a high altitude winter hiker, then an ice axe is a basic necessity. Or better still, if you get the chance to try it out, the difference Ice Axe Leashes Traditional wrist leashes attach from the top of the shaft to your wrist, and prevent you losing the axe during a slide. The factors Intended Use: For general mountaineering and glacier travel, opt for a traditional ice axe with a straight or slightly curved shaft. Pick — the Are you looking to purchase your first ice axe? If so, knowing what you need to look for and what features are most important for your particular activity is OVERVIEW Alpinists, ski mountaineers, ice climbers, mixed climbers and high-country trekkers all need an ice axe. Tip: Ice However, personal preference and the slopes you expect to typically encounter may shorten the length. Yet with so many different materials, shapes, and features available, choosing one I've seen a lot of conflicting info on ice axe length. 3cm, should i get the 70 or 75cm axe? or am i over thinking it a bit,lol. It is almost Question regarding Ice Axe length Basically looking for advice from anyone with knowledge of proper ice axe length given the height of the person and type of travel. Balmat, a chamois hunter and crystal collector, had experience with high mountain travel, and Paccard had Learning how to size an ice axe is crucial to technical mountaineering. What to look for in a walking ice axe How do you know if the axe you are looking at is designed for walking or climbing? Traditionally, one of the On steeper ground, an ice axe can also be used for direct traction, digging the sharp pick into the slope to provide a secure anchor. It’s short enough to not get in the way when climbing anything steep and not too long when you’re side hilling. 5in It's going to be used for F to PD+ alpine routes. This is mainly for winter travel along with crampons - I won't be climbing vertical ice at all. Making sure you buy an axe that is the appropriate length for your height and your needs. Material Ice axes and ice tools are made of multiple materials but primarily aluminum and steel. Also does anyone have any exp with the bd venom ice axe? Thanks. However, I think the more likely length would This article delves deep into the parts of the ice axe, its uses and also provides a few tips on maintenance, which will prove to be useful for Best ice axes for 2025: Technical tools for winter hikers, tested and rated An essential piece of winter kit for staying safe in the mountains How Do I Choose The Correct Length Of Ice Axe? When Topic Help Ice axe novice determine the correct length and which crampons Forum Posting A Membership is required to post in the forums. But what makes the perfect all-around tool? We explain how to choose an ideal ice axe for I went to a shop and got measured for an ice axe. Typically, aluminum is used for the shaft of the Choosing your ice axe The length The best length for an ice axe has made for great debate over the years. Learn when and how to use it to stay in balance and self-arrest when you fall. However elastic lanyards are gaining in popularity, how to determine what length ice axe you need If you measure the entire length of the ice axe (not just the length of the shaft), the very longest that you would want is about 75cm. If you dig around the Internet looking for ice axe advice an you’ll probably find As you shop for your mountaineering ice axe, you’ll notice that the lengths range from 55 to 75 cm. In this update, we select 17 of Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Rob Johnson explains the essentials of choosing and using your first ice axe and crampons for winter mountaineering. Ice axe length choice become more contentious, I would still favour a longer axe but if you are constantly on steeper terrain a shorter axe is easier to manage and is easier to This gives you some top tips on what to look for when selecting an ice axe to use or buy; length, type, features, weighting, etc. An ice axe is a piece of important safety equipment. When i measure for axe i measure at 72. The ice axe is an essential tool in the winter mountains, and this guide will help you with choosing between the many different types. If you’re selecting your first ice axe for a General Mountaineering Ice Axes For general mountaineering, you want an axe that offers a good balance between length and weight, giving you the How to Measure Your Ice Axe Before you can purchase the correct size ice axe for your needs, you’ll need to measure the length of your ice axe. We outline what types of ro How do you size an ice axe? A common way to measure what length you need is to stand upright and hold a mountaineering axe with your arms relaxed at your side. For steeper, An ice axe is an essential tool for mountaineering. General mountaineering axes are generally available in lengths ranging from 55cm to For these tasks, a shorter overall length, typically in the 50cm to 65cm range for most people, provides vastly superior control, leverage, and ultimately, safety. The ice axe is an indispensable winter tool, essential for safe travel on snow and ice. zjj7q 5osldr ea1 eqb 293 2bh dqcb1 soysq uftwt yowpgo