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Ice axe

An ice axe is a specialized mountaineering tool designed for use on snow, ice, and mixed terrain, consisting of a metal head with a pointed pick and a flat adze, attached to a shaft that ends in a sharp spike for self-arrest, balance, and anchoring.^[1] It serves multiple functions, including providing support during hikes on moderate slopes, enabling self-belay techniques on steeper snow, cutting steps in ice, probing for crevasses on glaciers, and facilitating emergency self-arrest to stop falls.^[1] Typically constructed with a steel head for durability and an aluminum shaft for lightness, modern ice axes range in length from 50 to 75 centimeters, with the ideal size selected based on the user's height and the terrain's steepness—shorter for technical climbing and longer for general mountaineering.^[1] The ice axe evolved from earlier walking aids like the alpenstock, a long wooden pole with an iron tip used since the Middle Ages for stability on icy slopes by shepherds and early alpinists, merging in the 19th century with handheld hatchets to form the recognizable tool for step-cutting and support.^[2] By the late 1800s, wooden-shafted versions weighing around three pounds became standard for European mountaineers tackling peaks like Mont Blanc, with gradual refinements including lengthened picks and added teeth for better ice penetration.^[2] Key innovations in the 20th century included the introduction of all-metal shafts in the 1960s by Scottish mountaineer Hamish MacInnes for increased strength, and curved picks in the 1970s that enabled vertical ice climbing techniques like "piolet traction."^[2] Further developments in the 1980s and 1990s by manufacturers like Grivel introduced forged, interchangeable picks with specialized profiles—such as thinner "banana" shapes for easier insertion and hollowed designs for weight reduction—catering to extreme ice and mixed routes.^[3] Ice axes are classified under international standards like CEN EN13089 and UIAA 152 into types based on strength and intended use: Type 1 for general walking, mountaineering, and glacier travel with minimal belaying capabilities, and Type 2 for technical ice and mixed climbing requiring higher torque resistance.^[4] Classic mountaineering axes feature straight shafts for versatile support as a cane on low-angle snow or plunging into firm névé, while technical ice tools have curved or modular shafts, often used in pairs with one adze and one hammer head, for swinging into vertical ice walls exceeding 60 degrees.^[1]^[4] In contemporary applications, ice axes remain essential for safety in alpine environments, from casual winter hikes to high-altitude expeditions, emphasizing proper technique training to maximize their life-saving potential during slips or avalanches.^[1]

History

Origins

The ice axe emerged in the 19th century as a specialized tool for alpine mountaineering, evolving from the alpenstock, a long wooden walking staff with an iron spike that had been used by shepherds and hunters in the Alps and Caucasus since the Middle Ages for balance and probing snow.^[2] The alpenstock, typically 6 to 10 feet in length, provided stability on icy terrain but lacked cutting capability, prompting its modification during the growing popularity of high-altitude exploration among European climbers.^[2] By the early 1800s, climbers began pairing it with a separate hatchet for step-cutting in ice, a practice evident in the 1786 first ascent of Mont Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard, who relied on such rudimentary tools.^[5] Around 1840, the first true ice axes appeared in the Italian Alps, particularly in Courmayeur, where blacksmiths like the Grivel family combined the alpenstock's supportive shaft with a hatchet's blade and pick into a single implement, commissioned by visiting English alpinists seeking better ice-probing and step-cutting aids in the absence of crampons.^[3] These early designs featured a shortened wooden shaft—often hickory, ash, or oak—topped with a forged iron or steel head including an adze for chopping and a pick for anchoring, enabling self-support on steep snow and ice slopes.^[2] The Grivel family, who had begun shifting from agricultural forging to mountaineering tools as early as 1818 to serve affluent tourists, played a pivotal role in this development, producing custom axes on demand in local forges.^[6] A landmark use of these rudimentary ice axes occurred during Edward Whymper's 1865 first ascent of the Matterhorn, where his team employed the tools for balance, step-cutting, and anchoring on the Hornli Ridge, marking the end of the "Golden Age of Alpinism" and highlighting their essential role in tackling formidable peaks.^[7] Limited to basic functions like self-arrest and ice manipulation, these wooden-shafted, heavy iron-headed axes represented a critical advancement over the alpenstock, though their designs remained simple and expedition-specific until later refinements.^[5]

Evolution

The evolution of the ice axe in the early 20th century focused on refining its form for more demanding alpine terrain, building on its origins as a shortened alpenstock with added pick and adze. As crampons became widespread around 1909, shafts were progressively shortened to about waist height, allowing climbers greater maneuverability for step-cutting and self-arrest while maintaining wooden construction for familiarity and cost. This period saw incremental improvements in steel components for the head and spike, enhancing durability without fully replacing wood, as mountaineers pushed routes in the Alps and beyond.^[3] By the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1940s onward, significant advancements addressed the limitations of wooden shafts in harsh conditions. Scottish climber Hamish MacInnes pioneered the first all-metal ice axe in the late 1940s, using steel for the shaft to provide superior strength and resistance to breakage during technical ascents, though commercial production of models like the MacInnes Massey followed in 1963. This shift to metal was driven by the needs of post-war mountaineering, where reliability in extreme weather proved essential. Concurrently, pick designs evolved toward curvature; in the 1960s, Yvon Chouinard introduced axes with dramatically curved picks at a 55 cm shaft length, improving penetration into hard ice and marking a departure from straight blades for steeper climbs.^[8]^[2]^[9] The 1970s and 1980s brought further material and design innovations, spurred by the establishment of formal safety standards. In 1978, the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA) introduced formal safety standards for mountaineering equipment, including ice axes. The UIAA 152 standard for ice tools, aligned with the European EN 13089 standard first published in 1999, mandated rigorous testing for shaft strength, pick penetration, and overall performance, which confirmed the phase-out of non-compliant wooden shafts.^[10]^[5]^[11] This era saw the adoption of lightweight aluminum alloys for shafts, reducing weight while meeting durability requirements, and the emergence of titanium components in heads for corrosion resistance and reduced mass. Modular designs proliferated, allowing interchangeable picks, adzes, and hammers to adapt to varied terrains, as exemplified by Grivel's Super Courmayeur in the early 1980s with its forged, banana-shaped blades for better ice traction.^[12] In the 21st century, innovations have emphasized weight reduction, ergonomics, and versatility for specialized disciplines like ice and mixed climbing. Carbon fiber shafts gained traction in the 2000s, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratios—often under 300 grams for full-length axes—while maintaining rigidity for technical routes, as seen in models from Petzl and Black Diamond. Ergonomic grips, featuring rubberized, multi-position handles and adjustable pommels, emerged to minimize hand fatigue on prolonged ascents, with tools like the Petzl Sum'Tec allowing pommel repositioning along the shaft for customized fit. By the 2020s, integration with dedicated ice climbing tools became standard, featuring radically bent shafts and modular components for seamless transitions between glacier travel and vertical ice, alongside trends toward ultralight designs for ski mountaineering, such as Blue Ice's Hummingbird at 230 grams. These developments reflect ongoing refinements for safety and performance in evolving alpine challenges up to 2025.^[13]^[14]^[3]

Design and Components

Main Components

The head of an ice axe is the upper metal portion, typically forged from a strong steel alloy for durability and effective penetration into snow or ice.^[1] It consists of two primary elements: the pick and the adze. The pick is a sharp, curved steel blade designed for hooking into ice or snow to provide secure anchoring during ascents or self-arrest maneuvers, with its curve allowing smooth insertion and removal while teeth on the upper edge enhance grip in harder conditions.^[4]^[15] The adze, positioned opposite the pick, is a flat, broad blade used for chopping steps in snow, shaping platforms, or constructing anchors, offering a perpendicular cutting edge that facilitates precise excavation.^[1]^[4] The shaft forms the main body of the ice axe, providing leverage and structural support; it is typically 50-75 cm in length to balance reach and control in mountaineering scenarios.^[1] Modern shafts are predominantly constructed from lightweight yet robust aluminum alloys, such as 7075 aeronautical-grade aluminum, which offer high strength-to-weight ratios and resistance to bending under load, though earlier designs occasionally employed steel or emerging composite materials for added rigidity in demanding environments.^[15]^[16] The shaft's straight or gently curved profile allows it to function as a walking aid or belay tool, with a textured surface to prevent slippage during prolonged use.^[4] At the lower end of the shaft is the spike, a pointed steel ferrule that penetrates snow or ice to provide stability when the axe is used in a cane-like position or plunged for anchoring during rests or rescues.^[1] This component ensures firm planting in firm snow, enhancing balance on traverses or steep slopes.^[15] The grip refers to the ergonomic section of the shaft where the user holds the axe, often featuring a molded or wrapped area with rubber or plastic covering to maintain a secure hold in cold, wet conditions and reduce hand fatigue.^[1] This design promotes comfortable swinging and precise control, with some models integrating the grip into the adze for additional support options.^[15]

Types and Classifications

Ice axes are classified primarily by their intended use in mountaineering and climbing scenarios, with designs optimized for varying terrain from gentle snow slopes to vertical ice walls. These classifications are governed by international standards such as the UIAA 152 and CEN EN 13089, which define performance categories like Type 1 (basic, formerly B-rated) for general applications and Type 2 (technical, formerly T-rated) for demanding routes.^[13]^[4] General mountaineering axes, typically Type 1 or B-rated, feature longer shafts measuring 60-75 cm to facilitate walking and basic climbing on moderate snow and ice slopes. These axes emphasize balance and ease of self-arrest, with straight or slightly curved aluminum shafts, a gently curved steel pick for penetration, and a full adze for snow shaping. They are versatile for glacier travel and summit pushes, providing stability during traversal and anchoring in soft snow.^[1]^[13]^[4] Technical axes, classified as Type 2 or T-rated, have shorter shafts of 50-65 cm and incorporate aggressive, reverse-curved picks designed for secure placement in steep ice and mixed rock-ice terrain. The shafts often feature ergonomic bends or modular components for mid-shaft gripping, enhancing control during dynamic swings on routes exceeding 60 degrees. These axes prioritize penetration and holding power over walking comfort, making them essential for advanced mountaineering where technical climbing predominates.^[13]^[17]^[4] Walking axes are lightweight variants suited for glacier travel and low-angle snow fields, with straight shafts typically 55-65 cm long and minimal weight to reduce fatigue during extended hikes. They usually feature a full adze for basic snow shaping and digging, along with a pick and spike, and use simpler steel or aluminum heads for basic probing and self-arrest on firm snow. These axes are ideal for ski touring or backpacking where primary functions involve stability and light anchoring rather than aggressive climbing.^[1]^[17]^[4] Ice climbing tools represent a specialized subset, distinct from traditional ice axes due to their short lengths of 40-55 cm and highly modular heads optimized for overhead swings in vertical or overhanging ice. Equipped with radically curved shafts, interchangeable reverse-curved picks, and often a hammer counterpart for gear placement, these tools are used in pairs for sustained ice falls graded WI3 or higher. Their design focuses on ergonomics and precision, enabling repeated placements in hard ice without compromising swing efficiency.^[1]^[13]^[17]

Selection and Sizing

Length and Fit

Selecting the appropriate length for an ice axe is crucial for ensuring balance, control, and safety during mountaineering activities. Standard lengths vary by intended use: axes around 50 cm are typically suited for technical climbing on steep or vertical terrain, where maneuverability is paramount; 60-70 cm serves as the general range for mountaineering on moderate slopes, offering versatility for self-arrest and anchoring; and approximately 75 cm is ideal for walking on gentle or flat terrain, such as glaciers, where the axe functions more like a walking staff.^[1]^[18]^[19] Proper fit is determined by how the axe aligns with the user's body proportions and the demands of the activity. A key criterion for grip and swing comfort is holding the axe vertically with the head at eye level, where the elbow should form a 90-degree angle. Separately, for overall length, hold the head in the palm at the side with the arm fully extended downward; the spike should reach the ankle or just above.^[1]^[19]^[18] User-specific factors like height, arm length, and the type of climbing influence the choice—taller individuals may opt for longer axes up to 75 cm for better leverage on easier terrain, while shorter climbers or women often benefit from axes 5-10 cm shorter to maintain control without strain.^[20]^[1]^[19] To test fit, users should simulate self-arrest by thrusting the axe into a soft surface like snow or foam while in a prone position, ensuring the spike does not pose a risk to vital areas and the length allows effective anchoring. Additionally, practicing swings on varied terrain assesses comfort, confirming the axe neither feels cumbersome on steep sections nor too short for probing during descents.^[1]^[19]^[18]

Ratings and Standards

The Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA) established formal safety and performance standards for ice axes in 1978 through its Safety Commission, marking a pivotal advancement in equipment certification to ensure reliability in mountaineering environments.^[21] These standards have evolved to address modern demands, with the UIAA 152 label specifically governing ice tools, including axes and hammers, and serving as a globally recognized benchmark equivalent to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) EN 13089 norm.^[22] EN 13089, first published in 1999 and updated through amendments like the 2015+A3:2023 edition, specifies safety requirements and test methods for ice tools used in mountaineering and climbing, focusing on structural integrity under dynamic loads.^[23] Ice axes are classified under two primary ratings within these standards: B (basic) for general snow and glacier travel, and T (technical) for demanding ice and mixed climbing. B-rated axes meet lower penetration and holding requirements suitable for self-arrest and basic anchoring in soft snow or ice, while T-rated axes undergo stricter testing for enhanced penetration, torque resistance, and load-bearing capacity to withstand aggressive swings and sustained holds on hard ice or rock.^[22] T-rated components are typically marked with a "T" symbol, distinguishing them from unmarked B-rated ones, and both must pass UIAA 152 certification, which aligns closely with EN 13089 but includes additional UIAA-specific criteria for international consistency. Look for UIAA or CE certification marks on the tool. Key performance tests under UIAA 152 and EN 13089 evaluate critical aspects of ice axe durability and function. Pick penetration is assessed by measuring the tool's ability to embed into ice under controlled impact, with B-rated picks requiring standard penetration for general use and T-rated picks demanding deeper and more reliable insertion for technical applications.^[22] Shaft torque resistance tests simulate twisting forces during use, ensuring the handle withstands rotational stresses without deformation to stricter requirements for T-rated tools. Head attachment strength is verified through pull-out and shear tests, confirming the pick and adze secure to the shaft under higher loads for T ratings compared to B ratings. Impact and leverage tests further examine the entire tool's response to dynamic falls and prying actions, with drop tests from heights simulating user weight and leverage simulations applying perpendicular forces to mimic climbing scenarios, all without failure or excessive deflection.^[23] As of the fifth edition of UIAA 152 released in July 2025, standards incorporate updates from EN 13089:2015+A3:2023, emphasizing refined testing protocols for material integrity, though specific provisions for composite material fatigue—such as cyclic loading to assess long-term degradation—or enhanced environmental durability against corrosion and temperature extremes remain aligned with general EN requirements rather than new mandates.^[22] These ongoing revisions ensure standards adapt to advancements in materials like aluminum alloys and ergonomic designs, maintaining a focus on preventing equipment failure in variable alpine conditions.

Usage Techniques

Basic Handling

The basic handling of an ice axe in mountaineering involves mastering fundamental grip positions to ensure stability and control during travel on snow and ice slopes. The standard grip, often called the cane position, entails holding the shaft with the palm over the head of the axe, pick facing forward or backward depending on the direction of travel, and the spike planted into the snow for balance as a third point of contact.^[24]^[25] This position is ideal for general uphill or downhill walking on moderate terrain, where the axe acts like a walking staff to probe snow depth and maintain equilibrium. The self-belay grip, also known as piolet manche, involves driving the pick vertically deep into the snow and holding the head with both hands (in soft snow) or one hand on the head and the other on the shaft (in hard snow), providing passive security during steeper ascents by anchoring the tool in the slope and distributing weight.^[24]^[4] For more dynamic use, the hammer grip involves wrapping the hand around the head with the pick downward, allowing controlled swings to place the axe for support, though this is typically reserved for firmer conditions.^[25] Balance and probing techniques rely on the axe's components to assess and navigate terrain safely. The spike at the base of the shaft is primarily used for stability, plunged into soft snow to test consistency and serve as a stabilizer during movement, enhancing the user's three-point contact with the ground.^[26]^[4] On harder ice or firm snow, the adze— the flat, curved blade opposite the pick—is employed for step-cutting, where controlled chops create footholds or platforms to improve traction without excessive effort.^[24]^[25] Proper axe length, typically 50-70 cm depending on user height, facilitates these actions by allowing the spike to reach the ground comfortably when held in standard position.^[4] Traversing techniques emphasize strategic axe placement to mitigate slip risks on sidehill travel. The axe is held in the uphill hand and positioned with the pick plunged into the slope above the user, using either the cane or self-belay grip to provide constant support and prevent outward swing away from the terrain.^[24]^[26] Movement proceeds by shifting the feet first while keeping the axe anchored until balance is reestablished, ensuring the tool remains a reliable anchor point throughout the traverse.^[25] In cold-weather conditions, adaptations for gloves and mittens are crucial to maintain a secure grip without slippage. Dual-density or rubberized shafts on modern ice axes enhance friction for gloved hands, reducing the need for excessive force that could lead to fatigue or loss of control in low temperatures.^[25]^[4] For extreme cold or high-altitude use with bulky mittens, simple wrist leashes allow quick recovery of the axe if dropped, compensating for reduced dexterity while preserving mobility; attachment to the harness is not recommended due to injury risk during falls.^[24]^[27]

Self-Arrest and Safety

Self-arrest is a critical emergency technique in mountaineering that uses the ice axe to halt an uncontrolled slide on snow or ice by embedding the pick into the slope and leveraging body weight against the shaft.^[28] The procedure begins with immediately assuming a position where the axe is held diagonally across the chest, with the pick positioned forward and above the uphill shoulder, the adze near the opposite shoulder, and one hand gripping over the head while the other secures the shaft near the spike.^[29] The climber then drives the pick forcefully into the snow while pulling downward on the shaft, distributing body weight over the axe to create friction and stop the momentum; elbows are kept close to the body, legs spread for stability, and knees bent to keep feet elevated if wearing crampons.^[27] For a head-first fall, the climber rolls onto their stomach with feet downhill, plants the pick at shoulder level, and uses a push-up-like motion to press the body down while kicking heels into the slope.^[30] In a feet-first fall, the technique involves twisting the body to align feet downhill if necessary, then embedding the pick and kicking toes into the snow to augment the axe's braking action, avoiding any flipping that could dislodge the tool.^[28] Anchor building with an ice axe enhances safety during belaying or crevasse rescue by creating secure points in snow or ice, often in combination with ropes. The adze is used to excavate slots or trenches in consolidated snow, such as hammering pickets into place at a 25-degree angle or digging horizontal T-shaped anchors where a sling is buried and clipped to the rope for load distribution.^[31] In harder ice, the adze chops steps or belay seats, while the pick can be buried as a deadman anchor, with ropes threaded through slings to equalize forces and prevent pull-out under tension.^[31] These anchors rely on the axe's components for initial placement, but multiple points and rope systems are essential for redundancy in dynamic loads.^[31] Common hazards in ice axe use include failure during self-arrest on rotten or unconsolidated snow, where the pick may not penetrate deeply enough to hold, leading to continued sliding and potential injury.^[27] Improper grip, such as failing to secure the self-arrest position correctly, can result in loss of control, somersaults, or the axe puncturing the climber's body, exacerbating falls.^[30] Mitigation involves regular inspection of the axe for damage to the pick, shaft, or head, including checking for cracks, bends, or wear after each use and conducting a detailed annual review by a qualified professional to ensure reliability.^[32] Training for self-arrest and safe ice axe handling emphasizes repeated practice in controlled environments, such as low-angle slopes with soft run-out zones, to develop instinctive muscle memory without risk of serious injury.^[27] Sessions should include helmet use, removal of crampons for initial drills, and progression from static positions to simulated falls, ideally under guidance from certified instructors to address individual technique flaws.^[28] This preparation is vital, as effective self-arrest demands split-second execution in real emergencies.^[29]

Accessories and Carrying

Additional Attachments

Ice axes can be equipped with various optional attachments to improve safety, handling, and transport during mountaineering activities. These accessories are particularly useful for preventing loss or injury in dynamic environments like steep snow or ice slopes.^[28] A leash, often in the form of a wrist loop, can secure the ice axe to the user's wrist and is optional for use in steeper, high-consequence terrain where dropping the axe could be dangerous. These leashes are typically made from durable webbing or cord and feature adjustable lengths to accommodate different hand sizes and axe positions. However, their use requires caution, as they can limit arm movement, slow progress by necessitating wrist switches on turns, and pose risks such as the axe impaling the user during a fall if control is lost; in low-risk scenarios, traveling without a leash may be safer. For instance, the Black Diamond Slider Ice Axe Leash uses an ergonomic vari-width wrist loop that cinches for secure attachment.^[33]^[34]^[35] Pommels, also known as hand rests or trig rests, provide an extendable support below the head of the ice axe, offering better leverage and reduced hand fatigue on steep terrain. They attach to the shaft and can often be adjusted in height without tools, enhancing grip for technical swings or prolonged holds. Recent innovations include adjustable hand supports like the Climbing Technology HANDY (introduced in 2025) for optimized grip. The Petzl TRIGREST, for example, is a removable pommel designed for both classic and technical ice axes, positioning on the shaft for optimal hand placement.^[36]^[37] Spike guards complement this by covering the pointed end of the axe during transport or when not in use, preventing accidental punctures to gear or the user; these are usually simple rubber or plastic caps that slide on easily. Slings and carriers, such as shoulder straps, enable hands-free transport of the ice axe during approaches or when quick access is needed for climbing segments. These adjustable straps loop around the shoulder and secure the axe diagonally across the body, distributing weight comfortably for solo use on longer routes. The Petzl Ice Axe Sling, for instance, facilitates secure carrying on a harness or over the shoulder, ensuring the axe remains accessible without encumbering movement.^[38] Head protectors, typically rubber or thermoplastic sheaths, cover the pick and adze to safeguard against injuries during storage or when the axe is stowed near the body. These flexible covers slip over the axe head and are often adjustable with elastic bands to fit various models, protecting both the user and equipment from sharp edges. The Black Diamond Ice Axe Protector uses translucent thermoplastic urethane for the pick and adze, providing a durable barrier that is quick to apply and remove.^[39]^[40]

Pack Attachment Methods

One common method for attaching an ice axe to a backpack involves using the pack's dedicated ice axe loops, typically two fabric or webbing loops positioned at the lower rear corners of the pack. The shaft is inserted spike-first through one lower loop, with the pick facing inward toward the pack's center to prevent snagging or injury, until the head catches on the loop; the shaft is then flipped upward and secured by clipping or threading it through an upper compression strap or loop on the opposite side, often diagonally across the back panel.^[41]^[42]^[43] This configuration ensures the axe remains stable during movement, with the head positioned low and inward to minimize risk of the pick striking the user or others while hiking.^[44]^[43] Dedicated holster systems, such as add-on accessories like the Exped Tool Blade, allow for secure side attachment of ice axes on packs lacking built-in loops; these clip onto compression straps and position the axe vertically along the pack's side for easier access, accommodating both traditional axes and modern ice tools.^[45] Safety considerations emphasize preventing the axe from shifting or detaching during travel, which could lead to imbalance or entanglement; users should verify all attachments before starting a hike and ensure the pick and adze do not protrude to avoid snagging on branches or rocks.^[41]^[42] To protect the backpack's fabric from punctures by the sharp pick or adze, rubber or plastic guards are recommended as covers during transport.^[42]^[44] For packs without standard loops, alternative methods include strapping the axe directly to an external frame using webbing or compression straps, or employing bungee cords stretched across the back panel to hold the shaft in place, though these improvised approaches require frequent checks to maintain security.^[46]

References

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Rating 4.8 · Review by Ian NicholsonOver the last 10 years, we've tested over 21 of the best ice axes on the market. In this update, we select 17 of the current market's best to hack away at.
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In stock Rating 4.9 (42) Lightweight with an investment-cast, ergonomic, stainless-steel head, the Raven axe sits in your hand comfortably while glacier walking. The pick and adze ...Missing: components | Show results with:components
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### Summary of Basic Ice Axe Handling Techniques in Mountaineering
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If you practice self-arrest, always wear a helmet and do not attach the leash of the axe to yourself. Always practice in a place where there is a good run-out.
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### Self-Arrest Procedure
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In stock Rating 4.8 (62) Translucent thermoplastic urethane protectors cover the pick and adze of your ice axe · Quickly adjustable to fit nearly any ice axe.
[37]
CAMP Ice Axe Head Protector - Amazon.com
30-day returnsMade of rubber. Protects gear from the pick and adze. Product Description. Classic rubber guard that keeps the pick and adze from tearing up gear. Important ...
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Attaching an Ice Axe to a Pack - American Alpine Institute
Most backpacks have two loops that hang down off the back of the pack. To attach the ice axe, one must slide the shaft down into one of the loops with the pick ...
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Attaching an ice axe to your pack - Wilderness Magazine
### Summary: Attaching an Ice Axe to Your Pack
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Packing a Mountaineering Backpack - Northwest Alpine Guides
The head of the ice axe should always be on the bottom of your pack and faced inward to avoid hitting anyone or anything as you're walking. 9. Your helmet can ...
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How to Attach an Ice Axe to a Backpack - SectionHiker.com
Nov 20, 2021 · To start, hold your ice axe with the pick and adze upright, at the top. Next, slide them through an ice axe loop on the back of your pack.
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Tool Blade - Accessory - Exped
With the proprietary Tool Blade, almost any backpack can be rigged for the attachment of modern ice axes and ice tools. This practical and ultra-lightweight ...Missing: holster | Show results with:holster
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What Are The Straps On The Outside of a Backpack For?
Dec 6, 2024 · Climbing style backpacks, often used in winter, often have special buckles or bungee cords that hold ice ax shafts in place when attached to the ...Missing: methods | Show results with:methods