EISPIRATEN

Picking the Best Ice Axe
Ice Axe Round-up Review - Editors' Choice Winners

We looked at 14 different ice axes and compared them head-to-head in the following categories: self-arresting, anchor digging, step chopping, use as improvised anchor, steep ice and snow climbing, and comfort to carry. We also looked at their advantages and disadvantages across different user groups: general mountaineers, backpackers, ski-mountaineers, alpine climbers, and through hikers.

A lot has changed since the first ice axes where invented in the European Alps during the early 1800s. Before the invention of crampons at the turn of the 19th century an ice axe's primary job was chopping steps – thus the reason for the seemingly ridiculous length of ice axes of the day. Chopping steps is now rarely done, but is sometimes still a useful function of an ice axe. Modern ice axes have a broader range of needs and types of users, from early season backpacking and adventure racing to steep alpine ice routes where an axe might be paired with an ice tool. – Ian Nicholson

simonov wrote: ↑If your ice axe shaft isn't ash or teak, you should be wearing a paper bag over your head while climbing.