What size ice axe should i get. However beware of going too long as it.

What size ice axe should i get. Feb 5, 2021 · Looking for advice on how to size an ice axe for walking or mountaineering? Our in-depth guide explains the differences between ice axes and how to select the correct length ice axe for you. You’ll need a different ice axe for mountaineering up Everest compared to ice climbing a waterfall Dec 25, 2024 · The ice axe is an essential tool in the winter mountains, and this guide will help you with choosing between the many different types. Nov 27, 2024 · A right ice axe is one of the most valuable and necessary equipment’s that every skier or climber should have. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider Feb 28, 2017 · An ice axe is a key part of mountaineering equipment, especially for winter alpinists, ski mountaineers and ice climbers. I'm 185cm tall and use a 70cm axe. I've had mixed results with REI employees and their knowledge base, and want to make sure I get the right size. The ideal sizing will depend on personal preference and the type of axe you’re using. If the spike of the axe reaches your ankle bone, it’s the absolute longest axe you can safely use. Ice ax length depends as much on steepness of terrain as on height, the steeper the terrain the shorter the ax. May 15, 2025 · The Historical Evolution of the Ice Axe From Alpenstock to Modern Tool The ice axe has a fascinating evolutionary history that mirrors the development of mountaineering itself. This distance may vary a little by brand, so it’s best to test Mar 12, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Hold the axe by the head with the shaft pointing downwards. I've got B2 boots and I'm buying suitable crampons. Kurz und leicht sind immer besser. Personally of all the fancy axes I have this is the one I grab most often and carry for just in case situations. As there are existing questions regarding length (How do I know what size ice axe I should get?), I'll be brief and only repeat the traditional advice of holding it by the head with your arm hanging down and picking a length where the spike reaches your ankle. Generally (except activities like drytooling /ice climbing) when standing upright and holding the axe you should have the end of it in middle of the length of your calf. It’s short enough to not get in the way when climbing anything. That’s why Glisshop offers this buying guide to help you find the model best suited to your activity. What kind of ice axe do I need? For walking An important function of a walking axe is to provide extra stability when walking on snow and ice, to help prevent slips and trips. It is almost always better to go shorter, as there are very few disadvantages, but several advantages of a short axe. Nov 5, 2010 · I'm heading to REI to get fitted/find out what size ice axe I need and I was hoping you could direct me to resources or explain how to properly figure out what size ax I need. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? Nov 25, 2020 · Introduction: Ice axes are essential tools for mountaineers, ice climbers, and those venturing into snowy and icy terrains. Choosing the right type of ice axe can make the difference between a successful ascent and a dangerous one, so it is essential to understand the characteristics and applications of each type. not ice climbing, I'm 6'0 and have been told I want a shorter rather an long axe. (E. If you start to run in to situations where you wish your ice axe was shorter, you’ll know it’s time for technical tool or one of the modern hybrids. What Size Ice Axe Should I Get. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key Based on the photo, I’ld say to get the longer one. Also does anyone have any exp with the bd venom ice axe? Thanks. Navigate snow and ice with confidence using our detailed guide to choosing ice axes and crampons. That’s why many more advanced climbers prefer shorter axes - they just don’t need the ax until things are quite steep, they’re fine with ski poles or nothing until then, and on that steep terrain a shorter ax will be better for swinging or dagger position or other things than I'm going to start mountaineering. Choosing the right axe isn’t always straightforward though. Longer Ice Axes (55-65cm): Ideal for more technical terrain, such as steep slopes and glaciers. Measure by height… HEIGHT LENGTH NEEDED (APPROXIMATELY) Greater than 6’0″ 60 cm to 75 cm. The right size axe is the one you’re used to. I did a course last year on winter skills but can't remember the size I used any help welcome. A mountaineering ice axe provides useful support when walking. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. g. Sep 18, 2003 · The usual method for determining the proper ice axe length goes like this: Divide your femur length by the angle of your shoulder slope. Sep 29, 2013 · Ice Axes come in many shapes and sizes. When using your axe as a self arrest tool the most important factor is your familiarity, you should be able to react into arrest position without thinking. Ice Axe Size Chart - When to use an ice axe. In this video, Reuben from Next Adventure shows you how to determine the proper sized straight An ice axe is a must for mountaineering. The general advice used to be that an ice axe should never Need an ice axe rental in Portland? Rent high-quality mountaineering ice axes from local lenders for climbing, glacier travel, and winter hikes. If the spike falls below your ankle, then the axe is too long for you. Frequently asked questions What size ice axe should I rent for my hike? The ideal ice axe size depends on your height, the type of terrain you'll be traversing, and your experience level. Normally I’ld say to save your money and get something cheaper than a summit evo, but €95 is a Nov 17, 2018 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. ” He was right. They provide better leverage and What Size Ice Axe Do I Need. of ice axes. Jan 14, 2017 · There is no single best length for an ax, even for a particular person. The length of the ice axe is crucial for its effectiveness. I carried a Helix until it broke in half before I really used it. 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. They are lightweight and easy to carry. To me, the relatively small expense and minimal added weight of carrying both a light ice axe and micro-spikes makes sense most years on the PCT. Jun 5, 2024 · For any mountaineer, the ice axe is an iconic and indispensable tool. David is 5 foot 8’’, medium build but probably could have better upper body strength (these things are Looking for ice axe rental in Las Vegas, NV? Perfect for Mount Charleston and cold-weather adventures. In general the trend is towards producing all axes in one length. A too-small axe can be difficult to control and may not provide enough purchase in the snow, while a too-large axe can be cumbersome to carry and may get in the way when you need to use it. Sep 12, 2021 · How do I know what size ice axe to buy? The trick to figuring out which length axe you need for mountaineering is to stand up straight and hold the axe by its head. Sep 13, 2021 · 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. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? Jan 22, 2025 · 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 (and looking like a proper mountaineer while you’re at it), here’s what you need to know about buying an ice axe. It is an essential tool in the mountains. While grasping the head of the axe (between the pick and adze), the spike. Ideally, the spike should be somewhere between the bottom half of your calf and the top of your ankle. Learn how to choose an ice axe! Types Of Ice Axes When buying your first ice axe, one of the most important considerations is the type of axe you should choose—ice axes come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique features for different applications. Should I go shorter or longer? Apr 17, 2025 · 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. Making sure you buy an axe that is the appropriate length for your height and your needs. However beware of going too long as it. walking axes are typically 50 to 70cm long. So how do you know what size ice axe is right for you? More or less essential on a mountaineering axe, spikes are often not needed on technical ice tools and removed to save weight. Certainly not an ice climbing axe, but it can get you up some moderate ice in a pinch. You might think all ice axes are the same, but there is a lot of variation. I’m used to my REI one which is super long and classified as a “mountain axe. For moderate terrain, you will want to size your ice axe a little longer than you might otherwise. Web $160 at rei 2 best size range in mountaineering axes black diamond raven ice axe $90 at backcountry 3. Apr 27, 2011 · ice axe size by j4ever » Sun Sep 25, 2011 8:12 am When i measure for axe i measure at 72. When purchasing your first ice axe for your expedition, consider the kind and amount of skiing activity that your axe can sustain. ” What length ice axe do tall people use and what brands carry taller ice axes for us bean stalks? What length should a 6’5” person be using? Generally (except activities like drytooling /ice climbing) when standing upright and holding the axe you should have the end of it in middle of the length of your calf. The Ice Axe Length. It’s short enough to not get in the way when climbing anything steep and not too long when you’re side hilling. Ice Axes though seems moreconfusing. Ice axe is not a walking stick and shouldn’t be used as one. It is roughly axe shaped but can come in many forms from long handled walking axes to specialist ice climbing axes. You should use it mainly to break when you fall on snow, building anchors and so. A long one is good for walking in cane position on a relatively low-angle slope. Nov 22, 2021 · What size should your ice AXE be? Typically, 45-50cm in length is ideal. However, with a wide range of options available, selecting the right ice axe can be a daunting task. However, personal preference and the slopes you expect to typically encounter may shorten the length. 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 come in a surprisingly wide array of lengths, so it's understandable that it can be a little confusing where to start. But like chefs’ knives, ice a An ice axe is a specialist piece of mountaineering equipment used in winter conditions. Sep 28, 2011 · Most people get by without an ice axe. The earliest ancestor of today’s ice axe was the alpenstock—a long wooden pole with an iron spike tip used by shepherds and hunters in the Alps during the Middle Ages. The ideal ice axe size depends on your height, the type of terrain you'll be traversing, and your experience level. If the shaft is too short, much of your weight will go directly on the snow instead of on the axe, reducing the weight on the axe, and therefore its stability against the shear force pulling it tangential to the slope. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? Generally (except activities like drytooling /ice climbing) when standing upright and holding the axe you should have the end of it in middle of the length of your calf. It has a storied place in the history of mountaineering, whether you’re planning your first high-altitude expedition or adding to your existing gear, selecting the right ice axe is a critical decision that can impact your safety and performance in challenging environments. The most common type of ice axe has a steel ergonomic head and a dual-textured comfortable grip made from rubber or cork. May 25, 2022 · 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 clubs globally, described an ice axe as “a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve snow, ice, or frozen conditions”. 45 to 67 degree slope vertical: 24 to 45 degree slope steep: Ice axe sizes As there are existing questions regarding length (How do I know what size ice axe I should get?), I'll be brief and only repeat the traditional advice of holding it by the head with your arm hanging down and picking a length where the spike reaches your ankle. Shorter Ice Axes (45-50cm): Suitable for most hikers and backpackers, especially for less technical terrain. I'm 6'0 and planning on doing climbs such as Rainier, Aconcagua, and maybe even Denali. What length ice axe should I choose? Ice axe length is measured from the top of the head to the tip of the spike. Nov 25, 2022 · The size of your ice axe is important for two reasons: safety and efficiency. How do i know what size ice axe to buy? This isn’t a strong position to arrest from, is tiring, and can leave. 3cm, should i get the 70 or 75cm axe? or am i over thinking it a bit,lol. Which means that when you’re picking one out, you want to get it right the first time There’s only one manufacturer still making ice axes There's a lot of terrain suitable to learning how to use an ice axe (and get comfortable walking in crampons, which is the actual crux you'll be looking at IMO) in the white and green mountains and you should take the opportunity to do it if you want to have an easier time climbing in the cascades. Feb 25, 2021 · Kurz und leicht sind immer besser. But which size of ice axe do you need? 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 your body. 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 correctly. But which size of ice axe do you need?. But which size of ice axe do you need? Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. But it’s hard to suggest an axe without knowing what your using it for. Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. As with most gear, the array of choices can be overwhelming, so we are going to break down some of the options and what is best suited for different terrain. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? It doesn’t matter at all. Multiply that by one-third of your body weight, then add I'm hoping to get more opinions on sizing for my first ice axe purchase. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? Mar 16, 2025 · Home / Gear Guides / We get to grips with the best ice axes 2025 We get to grips with the best ice axes 2025 Alex Roddie reviews the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains, with additional testing from David Lintern and Lucy Wallace. Technical ice tools are typically the same length, measuring 50cm. A good ice axe ought to be a trusty companion on winter adventures, your pointy metal pal on snow and ice-covered hills. Aug 12, 2022 · Which type of ice axe should you buy? We cover all styles in this Gearshop product overview. — how to size a classic axe. Learn the nuances of gear selection for hiking, mountaineering, and technical climbs, and ensure your safety with our Mountain Logic recommendations. Affordable daily & weekend rates! An ice axe is a specialist piece of mountaineering equipment used in winter conditions. Reserve your climbing gear for safe alpine hikes. Article by Mark Watson An ice axe is to a mountaineer what a hammer is to a builder, or sharp knife to a chef: a fundamental tool of the trade that you rely on day to day and would be lost without. Sizes are listed in centimeters because ice axes originated in europe. Ice axes are employed in various activities for summiting snow-covered peaks and rocks, including traditional mountaineering, scrambling, hiking, ice An ice axe is a specialist piece of mountaineering equipment used in winter conditions. Not only does it need to be suited for the terrain, but also sized correctly. Stop guessing. I use a 57cm axe as my all-purpose general axe at 6’2 (186cm). Jan 12, 2022 · Great tips on what to look for when buying your ice axe and why there are so many different ones for winter walking, winter climbing, mountaineering, ski-touring and ice climbing. However beware of going too long as it may become unwieldy, particularly when. I'm torn between getting 60cm or 65cm. Over the last hundred years or so of mountaineering, ice axe sizing and styles have changed greatly. Jan 22, 2025 · Back in 1958 mountaineer Godfrey Francis wrote: “Buying an axe should be the beginning of a long partnership. If you’re in a climbing shop, start standing in a relaxed, upright position and hold the ice axe with the pick pointing behind you and your thumb resting on the head. Perfect for climbers aiming for Rainier, Denali, and beyond. Would 66cm be too long for the one ice axe and one trekking pole setup? The ice axe is a key element of your mountaineering equipment. To do this, you’ll need to take into account the following: the size of your hands, the length of your arms, and your overall height. These versatile implements provide stability, balance, and safety in challenging conditions. — ice axes are measured in centimeters from the tip to the top of the head, and they generally come between. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? In self-arrest, you are supposed to "fall" on the axe and use your body weight to dig it into the slope for a good arrest. Moderate Terrain For moderate terrain (think the Should I keep it? Return it and get a 70cm Raven/pro, with the understanding that I might grow out of that if I need to do something steeper? I've read internet advice about using shorter ice axes and bring a trekking pole. So whatever axe length you train with is the right one for you! Nov 24, 2024 · If you’ve decided to take up mountaineering, then you’ll need to get yourself a good ice axe. Use this tag for all questions regarding the use, maintenance, etc. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? Mar 15, 2012 · QUESTION: I am 6’5” tall and all ice axes I have been reading up on “seem” to be too short for me. Jun 10, 2019 · An ice axe is a critical piece of mountain equipment. As there are existing questions regarding length ( How do I know what size ice axe I should get? ), I'll be brief and only repeat the traditional advice of holding it by the head with your arm hanging down and picking a length where the spike reaches your ankle. Jan 22, 2017 · 10 I'm currently in the process of getting together a winter walking kit. What Length Mountaineering Axe Should I Get? Aug 21, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. This guide should get you started on figuring out what size ice axe you need, and started on your next snowy adventure. The shorter one is too short for using it as a cane but too long to be considered compact. What length mountaineering axe should i get? A general rule of thumb is to choose an axe that, when held by the head with the pick pointing down, reaches. Broadly For winter walking it's unlikely you would need a hammer at all, therefore a single walking axe with an adze is generally more useful. From glacier hiking to technical mountaineering on steep terrain, as well as ski mountaineering races Oct 6, 2015 · Hi I'm looking at buying my first Ice axe nothing special just for safety general cutting steps etc. Dec 20, 2013 · 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 axes come in different sizes, so you’ll have to choose a size before you set out for that high altitude adventure. But what makes the perfect all-around tool? We explain how to choose an ideal ice axe for mountaineering. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering? I'm going to start mountaineering. I'm going to start mountaineering. Choosing the right type of ice axe for your needs is crucial to ensure your safety. In self-arrest, you are supposed to "fall" on the axe and use your body weight to dig it into the slope for a good arrest. I replaced it with an ultralight Camp Corsa axe. What kind of features should I be looking for? I'm not planning on ice climbing, simply winter use on ridges, mountain tops in Scotland/Alpine walking. Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. Jan 14, 2022 · 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 adventures. The Carabiner Hole: Predominantly the attachment point for leashes, the carabiner hole also works in tandem with ice clippers on your harness to stow your ice axe on-the-fly. How to choose ice axe length. What used to be common advice is now outdated. Our definitive guide demystifies ice axes for mountaineering, explaining the modern, safety-first rules for choosing the right tool. The ice axe is an essential tool for any mountaineer, playing a crucial role in safety and efficiency in mountainous terrain. eji slk nswkxaq aqmj xfez oeudty bou nrvmbv uyw kxwtkymyh