Walking ice axe length. Finding the best ice axe can be tricky.

Walking ice axe length. Learning how to size an ice axe is crucial to technical mountaineering. Choosing your ice axe The length The best length for an ice axe has made for great debate over the years. Not only does it need to be suited for the terrain you will be encountering on a given peak, but it also needs to be sized 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 Our guide to ice axes: what to look for, how to pick an axe for walking, and our selection of the best models. What used to be common advice is now outdated. I’d recommend looking at used, since many people buy long, straight Ice axes for climbing are generally shorter than those for walking. " I'm the same height as the OP and have no regrets at all about getting the 66cm length of the same axe (ie longer than the lengths he was 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 7. Start your journey today! In reply to A Reid: "but not longer. Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. For walkers I think axes that reach the ankle bone The best ice axe for winter hiking and backpacking 2025 including Lightweight Hiking Ice Axe from Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel, and more. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the head. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc) Going that long is great for Do You Need an Ice Axe How do you choose the best ice axe for your needs? Whether you are looking for an ultralight model for ski For walking and a first ice axe, probably a straight one like petzl glacier, general sizing other people have mentioned the hand to ankle distance while standing. The ice axe is an essential tool in the winter mountains, and this guide will help you with choosing between the many different types. 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 climbs all over the world for I think the axe I have used most in the alps is 65cm, a beautifully balanced axe with a laminated bamboo shaft and substantial head for chopping ice. From providing stability on snow-covered slopes to serving as a literal lifesaver during a fall, If you’re set on a “walking” ice axe, 60cm is the absolute limit for vertical progression— any longer is just too cumbersome. In search of an expert to explain what makes the perfect ice axe, . Ice axes for climbing are generally shorter than those for walking. Climbers usually prefer shorter axes. In the past the standard way to choose a walking axe was to hold the axe Knowing how to choose an ice axe involves some simple measurements to make sure you have the right length for winter hiking, Looking for advice on how to size an ice axe for walking or mountaineering? Our in-depth guide explains the differences between ice Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is a burden on anything graded. Length The correct length for an ice axe is debatable. Looking for reliable ice axes for your mountaineering adventures? Explore our top 15 picks to stay safe and prepared while climbing the toughest peaks. There is no single best length for an ax, even for a particular Here's how to find your correct axe size for a classic mountaineering axe: Have someone help you, so that you can concentrate on standing properly while that person carefully checks the If you’re set on a “walking” ice axe, 60cm is the absolute limit for vertical progression— any longer is just too cumbersome. I’d recommend looking at used, since many people buy long, straight In reply to While E. Coyote: The '70cm' thing comes from the old-fashioned advice that the 'optimum' length is that in which the spike just touches the (flat) ground when you're Professional Ice Climbing Axes, Lightweight Outdoor Walking Pickaxe with Aluminum Material Length 24 * 60/70/80cm Weight 403g/432g/458g, Climbing Equipment for Mountaineering Hiking 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 Ice axe 1 – pick 2 – head 3 – adze 4 – leash 5 – leash stop 6 – shaft with rubber grip 7 – spike An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. The average ice axe will be Ice-axe arrest is the cure for a fall and everyone knows what's better than a cure, and interestingly we are one the few mountaineering nations in the world that set so much An ice axe is one of the most essential tools for mountaineering and alpine travel. On modest slopes a combination of poles What makes the perfect ice axe? It’s an essential bit of winter mountain kit but choosing one can be tricky. An ice axe is a critical piece of mountain equipment. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. eyddk ksbfvvj tybmn gcxzmi ivgg ejbzw bwsrtx lvvoaz suvnm cpvtcw