:quality(60))
Fort William Store Manager
Simon
:quality(100))
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 chosen route. There’s a wide variety of shapes and sizes of picks, adzes and hammers available. This guide highlights the features and benefits of walking, alpine and technical axes. Plus, some of the different leash systems and accessories that are available.
Types of ice axes
The type of axe you choose is going to depend on the environment you are going to be in. Other factors include your experience, your height and build.
"On a winter day out, I want the right tools for the job, so I know I'll be comfortable on the terrain. If a bit of mountaineering is the order of the day, alpine or technical axes will keep me right, but if I'm headed straight for summits, a walking axe keeps me planted on snow slopes. I'll save my offset handle axes for the most technical terrain, as they're heavy and slow things down on anything flatter." - Oscar, Product Copywriter
Walking ice axes
:quality(80))
Walking ice axes
Alpine mountaineering ice axes
:quality(80))
Alpine mountaineering ice axes
Alpine climbing / technical ice axes
:quality(80))
Alpine climbing / technical ice axes
Technical ice & mixed climbing / offset axes
:quality(80))
Technical ice & mixed climbing / offset axes
Ice axe sizing
How to size an ice axe
Winter walking axe sizing
For a winter walking axe, the main things to consider with sizing is its overall length.
The best way to do this is to look at:
How long is it when you are holding it at your side? Generally, you will want to hit at the top of your boot.
When it is across your chest, is it comfortable in a self-arrest position?
Alpine mountaineering axe sizing
Alpine mountaineering axes tend to be shorter than walking axes (usually 50-60cm). This means you are still able to use it like a walking axe, but it makes it more comfortable when it comes to swinging.
Technical and offset handle ice axe sizing
These typically come in one size, 50cm. Head in-store to see if it feels comfortable for you. Weight, swing and balance typically are more important factors than length with these types of axes.
B rating (type 1) vs T rating (type 2)
Picks for climbing or technical axes can be either B-rated or T-rated.
B rating: a pick which is softer and thinner, which allows you to get into thinner ice and cracks.
T rating: a stronger, harder material that can handle more abuse on mixed terrain and allows you to torque it.
Ice axe leashes
:quality(80))
Adzes and hammers
Adzes: Other than offset axes, all axes will have the option to have an adze. This is the part at the back of the head which allows you to dig snow, cut steps or clear holds.
Hammers: With mountaineering or climbing axes, you also might be using a hammer. These are also on the back of the head like the adze. They come in a variety of sizes and allow you to place protection into steeper terrain or bury anchors.
Pick weights
:quality(80))
Ice axe picks
Watch our ice axe buying guide
Final thoughts
To try out different ice axe types and to answer any questions you might have, head to your nearest store.
If you're considering an ice axe, you're likely going to be thinking about crampons too. For more information on crampons, read our buying guide.
We also offer mountaineering and ice climbing equipment for hire at our Aviemore and Fort William stores, which gives you a chance to try out the equipment before buying.
:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))
:quality(60))