Mountaineering ice axe length reddit. , with a graduation climb - likely on Adams or Baker.

Mountaineering ice axe length reddit. Most routes involve a lot more trekking where ski poles are handy and you only need an ice axe when the terrain gets steeper. This is mainly for winter travel along with crampons - I won't be climbing vertical ice at all. After years of renting, I’m finally ready to purchase my own ice axe for summits in the area (Adams, Hood, Helens, Rainier). One thing to keep in mind is that your ice axe will most likely be on your backpack more than your hand. If you get into actual alpine ice climbing you're going to use ice tools not axes which are much shorter and are curved so that both ends are in constant contact with the ice and snow for better grip. Also prioritize weight. In the future I primarily plan to do most of the cascades volcanoes by the standard trade routes (Rainier DC, Adams, Baker, Glacier, Hood, maybe Olympus). Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. They also make a 60,68, and 75. Thanks for your suggestions everyone! :) For your height, 50-60 cm is the recommended ice axe length. It 100% agree with this. I'm 5'8" and somewhat long arms and so far it's worked well for me especially on steeper terrain. Walking on glaciers, poking crevasse edges, and self arrest are far higher priority items than convenience on steep snow and ice climbing for most general mountaineering. Some are applicable to hikers, some are not. I've considered going up to the 60cm but I went to a shop and got measured for an ice axe. I'm considering the Petzl Literide which is only 50 cm. Jan 14, 2017 · There is no single best length for an ax, even for a particular person. Makes plunging the axe easier as well. My current mountaineering axe is 70cm and is heavy. If you start climbing steep stuff, then look at the venom. I'll see what happens on my trip this weekend. As such, don’t fall into the trap of getting a “cane”. I've found 50cm a good length for couloirs - generally they're pretty steep so you don't have as much use for the extra length as you would walking upright over a glacier. For general mountaineering and not climbing steep ice, I'd just go with the black diamond raven. The general rule of sizing an ice axe for general or traditional mountaineering says that the spike of the axe should reach your ankle when you hold the head of the axe in your hand alongside your body. A slight curve can also be ok, but generally speaking it's for more special use cases. Aug 21, 2023 · Hey everyone, I'm thinking about getting a new, lighter axe for some Pacific Northwest volcanoes and some routes in the Tetons. Currently I've been using the petzyl glacier literide which is a 50cm axe. As everyone starts to gear up for thru hikes and early season snow travel, I thought I’d write an overview on ice axes. It'll be easier to walk with and easier to get used to as a first timer. , with a graduation climb - likely on Adams or Baker. Is this too short for general mountaineering? Edit: Went with the 55cm Black Diamond Pro. I held a 65cm and a 60cm and the employee said my optimal length is smack dab in the middle of the two. I'm 5' 2" and pretty light at 100 lbs. It’s just a basic rundown of features and what to look for if you’re new to Mountaineering newbie here - I'm starting a mountaineering course this winter in the pacific northwest. First time buying an ice axe and I'm not sure which length to get. Start your journey today!. Super light and a workable length. As the slope gets steeper and you start getting into something more like ice climbing, you want a shorter ax or technical ice tools. I really stay away from ice for the most part, but may use it to get up a 5ft section of an ice slab/bulge, but generally not purely vertical. How do I decide which to pick? I currently use a 50cm ice axe for ski mountaineering. Most resources for ice axes focus on general mountaineering. Feb 19, 2007 · For a general mountaineering axe, I would go no shorter than 60 cm, and I believe 70 is more standard for good reason. Get an ice axe that goes to around the bottom of your calf. Most people that advocate for longer ice axes claim you need then extension in order to get leverage when self arresting. And when you say you used your friend’s ice axe, was it a straight-shafted axe or a hybrid or an ice tool? I can see how you might think it’s short if you used it for hiking and climbing support. But here's the thing--if you fall on a steep section where your only hope is self arrest good luck stopping yourself. I'm currently looking into getting my first ice axe that fits my future endeavours best. We'll be practicing lots of ice anchors, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, etc. 5 days ago · Looking for reliable ice axes for your mountaineering adventures? Explore our top 15 picks to stay safe and prepared while climbing the toughest peaks. I have the Petzl I've seen a lot of conflicting info on ice axe length. But for a walk up, I'd stick with a straight axe with no grip. Non sketchy but would like a bit of a nicer hold while climbing - whippet Sketchy to point of needing one tool - ice axe Pretty sketchy with one tool - ice axe and whippet Two tools required - steep to near vertical ice Remember ice axe = boot crampons and a helmet. This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive review of individual ice axes or technique. I know there isn't the perfect allround model but i still have to start somewhere. My axe of choice for that route was a BD Raven Ultra in 55cm. A long one is good for walking in cane position on a relatively low-angle slope. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. I’m typically never winter climbing, and summiting during the March - Sept mountaineering season. As others have said, your ice axe is for self arrest and not a walking stick. izirzaf lkkufg qqonax viqzf vob fkxoc bfwaovav vitjwyb crgip tbhrh

26th Apr 2024