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Walking ice axe recommendations

Walking ice axe recommendations


Postby annaguy » Thu Oct 10, 2019 9:33 pm

I'm looking for ice axe recommendations as this year I am hoping to start the winter walks. It is going to be just hiking not ice climbing haha. I also have a question about the lenght. Is it measured from the thumb up to one inch above the ankle as I saw that on some mountain advice video. Thank you.
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Re: Walking ice axe recommendations

Postby Marty_JG » Thu Oct 10, 2019 9:55 pm

I got the Petzl Ice Axes Adult Glacier, mid-sized (68cm), Amazon have them at just over £50. I've carried it but not needed it in anger.

I read on a climbing forum it's from the side-resting palm to the top of the boots. But even on climbing forums they debate; straight vs curved, short vs long, light vs heavy. Some go for longer, using it as walking cane going up slopes; others prefer shorter only using them on scrambles and arrests.
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Re: Walking ice axe recommendations

Postby rockhopper » Thu Oct 10, 2019 11:38 pm

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Re: Walking ice axe recommendations

Postby jmarkb » Fri Oct 11, 2019 11:27 am

It's worth going round the shops and seeing how they feel to hold - especially if you have smallish hands.
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Re: Walking ice axe recommendations

Postby davekeiller » Fri Oct 11, 2019 11:41 am

Ice axe length is something of a vexed question.
Conventional wisdom used to be that when holding the axe by your side you should be just touching the top of your boots with the point at the bottom of the shaft. However, many people prefer a shorter axe because a long shaft can be a bit unwieldy.
Weight is another vexed issue - some people prefer lightweight axes for obvious reasons, whilst others prefer an axe with a bit of weight to it as it's less likely to bounce off hard snow.
If you're just starting out with winter walking, the best option might be to book on a course where the technical gear is provided, as that will give you a chance to try a couple of different lengths etc. to have a more informed view before buying.
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Re: Walking ice axe recommendations

Postby annaguy » Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:54 pm

Thank you all for your advice. I'm booked for winter skills course in glenmore lodge but wanted to gather some information myself too.
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Re: Walking ice axe recommendations

Postby CharlesT » Sat Oct 12, 2019 3:22 pm

I use a Petzl Charlet summit axe. Slight curve which is useful on steeper terrain, available in lengths to suit and light but with enough heft and a well-designed head to cope with whatever you might come across. Meets all my needs these days. Not cheap, but good gear isn't.
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Re: Walking ice axe recommendations

Postby annaguy » Sat Oct 12, 2019 8:56 pm

Thank you. Yes good gear is nea cheap but well wort it.
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