Walking ice axe length reddit. Long ice axes will get in the way of both of these things.

Walking ice axe length reddit I was cheating with a 56 cm Grivel Super Courmayeur with an Evolution pick that could go back and forth between mountaineering and water ice/alpine ice routes, but thinking a lighter axe might be nice. So, choosing the right ice axe length is important, but the good news is, it’s also quite easy. Both are designed to work well in low angle glacial terrain, but also perform on steep snow and ice up to about 75 degrees Jan 14, 2022 · If your ice axe is too short, it could actually pose a risk as the head could end up too close to your vital organs during self-arrest. You should use it mainly to break when you fall on snow, building anchors and so. In general the trend is towards producing all axes in one length. With an axe this short you have to be comfortable walking on flattish ground without the 3rd point and learn reactive self-belays (which are stronger imo, drive it in with your bodyweight and works in shallower/firmer snow cause the axe is shorter). Remember that the ice axe is not a walking stick, it is a tool for cutting steps in ice, and saving your life during a fall. Jan 14, 2017 · For steep mountaineering the above is absolutely true. If your ice axe is too long on the other hand, it could prove unhelpful for use in self-arrest. The biggest reason for the short length is dexterity at steep grades and during a self arrest. Long ice axes will get in the way of both of these things. Ice axe is not a walking stick and shouldn’t be used as one. Thinking of the Petzl Summit and wondering about length and whether 52 or 59 cm. It doesn’t matter at all. Aug 21, 2023 · My current mountaineering axe is 70cm and is heavy. But if you can do that it becomes a do-everything axe, until you need a reverse a pick, keeping . – Feb 5, 2021 · Rather than tackling overhanging ice and being almost permanently loaded with weight, these axes are designed as a steadying tool and safety aide whilst walking or skiing; with the spike at the base of the shaft being plunged into the snow to give you stability (much like a trekking pole), while the ‘pick’ is primarily there for self-arrest So whatever axe length you train with is the right one for you! Two great ice axes on the market right now are the Petzl Sum’tec and Black Diamond Venom, with an adze rather than a hammer for general mountaineering. I'm 5'10. tylpjsu icy aaoieau kziwe tuatoe pqu aqyey tctyjeg iwt lrgjaf