sking40 wrote:That does appear to be the standard thinking among forums like this. Though I don't why - to me the security of crampons over a patch of ice or hard snow feels like much more use than trying to flail around with a axe IF you slip due to having no crampons.
It's not unusual for walkers to trip when using crampons (front spike catching in gaiter strap of other boot) hence the need for some to carry both crampons and ice axe. I've done it myself, forgetting the golden rule of keeping cramponned feet well apart and lifted high enough when walking. Also, anyone who is proficient with an ice axe, will seldom, if ever find themselves flailing around with their axe. Plenty of practice will ensure that the ice axe user will automatically and quickly bring it into the self arrest position.