Last Updated on November 26, 2022 by tawhid
The size of your ice axe is important for two reasons: safety and efficiency. A too-small axe can be difficult to control and may not provide enough purchase in the snow, while a too-large axe can be cumbersome to carry and may get in the way when you need to use it. So how do you know what size ice axe is right for you?
When it comes to ice axes, size does matter. But how do you know what size ice axe is right for you? Here are some things to consider:
Your height: A taller person will need a longer ice axe, while a shorter person can get away with a shorter one.
Your weight: A heavier person will need a sturdier, heavier-duty ice axe. A lighter person can choose a lighter-weight option.
The type of climbing you’ll be doing: If you’re planning on doing lots of technical climbs, you’ll need a smaller, more maneuverable ice axe. For less technical climbs or hikes on glaciers, a larger and heavier axe will do just fine.
So, what’s the bottom line?
There’s no definitive answer – it really depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, we recommend talking to an expert at your local climbing shop before making your final decision. They can help you figure out what size ice axe is right for you based on the factors listed above (and more).
Ice Axe Sizing by Height
An ice axe is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of activities in the mountains, from mountaineering and ice climbing to backcountry skiing and winter hiking. But with all the different sizes and shapes of ice axes on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
The first thing to consider when sizing an ice axe is your height.
Most manufacturers will have a size chart that lists the recommended length of ice axe based on your height. For example, someone who is 5’5” (165 cm) would likely need a 50-60 cm ice axe, while someone who is 6’2” (188 cm) would need a 60-70 cm ice axe. If you are between sizes, it is usually better to err on the side of a longer ice axe, as you can always shorten it later if needed.
Another factor to consider when choosing an ice axe is the type of activity you will be using it for. If you are primarily going to be using your ice axe for mountaineering or glacier travel, then you will want something on the lighter side so as not to fatigue yourself during long days carrying it. On the other hand, if you are planning on doing more technical Ice climbing or mixed climbing, then you may want something beefier that can handle more abuse.
And finally, if weight is not as much of an issue because you will mostly be using your ice axe for stability while backcountry skiing or winter hiking, then getting something heavier duty may not be a problem. Ultimately, it comes down to finding a balance between weight and durability that works best for YOU and what YOU plan on doing with YOUR ice axe!
Credit: www.alpineascents.com
How Do I Know What Size Ice Axe to Buy?
When looking to buy an ice axe, it is important to consider the size of theaxe. The size of the axe will vary depending on the activity you planon using it for. For example, if you are planning on using your ice axefor mountaineering, then you will want to purchase a longer ice axe.However, if you are only planning on using your ice axe for basicice climbing, then a shorter one would suffice.
In order to make sureyou purchase the correct size ice axe, it is important to consultwith a professional or someone who has experience with these typesof activities.
What is the Right Length of Ice Axe?
When it comes to ice axes, size does matter. The right length of ice axe will depend on your height and the type of climbing you plan on doing. For general mountaineering, a 60-70cm ice axe is ideal.
If you are taller than 6 feet, or planning on doing more technical climbs, you may want to go with a longer ice axe, such as the 75-90cm models. When choosing an ice axe, be sure to hold it in your hand and extend your arm fully to get a feel for the length. You should also consider the weight of the axe when making your decision – a heavier axe can be more difficult to maneuver, but may offer more stability on steep terrain.
Do You Need 1 Or 2 Ice Axes?
If you’re new to mountaineering, you might be wondering how many ice axes you need. The answer is that it depends on the route and conditions. For most routes in North America, one ice axe is sufficient.
However, if you’re climbing in Europe or Asia, where the routes tend to be longer and more committing, two ice axes may be a better option.
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to bring one or two ice axes. First, think about the length of the route.
If it’s a long route with lots of elevation gain, two ice axes will give you more security and peace of mind. Second, consider the difficulty of the route. If it’s a difficult route with challenging terrain, two ice axes will again provide more security.
Finally, think about conditions. If there’s potential for loose snow or avalanche danger, two ice axes can help you self-arrest if necessary.
In general, twoice axes are not necessary for most climbing in North America.
However, they can be helpful on longer or more difficult routes elsewhere in the world.
How Many Ice Axes Do You Need?
One of the most frequently asked questions we get at our climbing shop is, “How many ice axes do I need?” The answer, unfortunately, is not always simple. It depends on a number of factors such as the type of climbing you intend to do, the severity of terrain, and personal preferences.
In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the key considerations to help you make an informed decision about how many ice axes you need.
If you’re planning on doing any serious mountaineering or glaciers climbs, then you’re going to need two ice axes. This may seem like overkill for some routes, but having a second axe provides a vital safety margin if one gets lost or damaged.
On steeper terrain or in more difficult conditions, having two axes also allows you to use one as an anchor point while belaying your partner up from below.
For less technical climbs where glacier travel is unlikely, some people choose to get by with just one axe. This can work well if you stick to lower-angle routes and are comfortable self-arresting without using your axe as an anchor.
However, we would still recommend carrying two axes on longer expeditions where conditions are unknown or changeable – it’s better to have too much gear than not enough!
Finally, it’s worth considering what type of ice axe suits your needs best. For general mountaineering and easy glaciers climbs, a basic straight shafted axe will suffice.
If you want something lighter weight or plan on doing more technical mixed climbing/dry tooling routes, then look for an offset (or curved) shaft model designed specifically for this purpose. Whichever route you decide to go down – make sure you buy good quality gear that has been properly tested – your life could depend on it!
How To Size Ice Axes For Mountaineering
Conclusion
If you’re planning on doing any mountaineering this winter, you’ll need to purchase an ice axe. But what size ice axe do you need?
The size of the ice axe you need depends on a few factors, such as your height and the type of terrain you’ll be traversing.
For example, if you’re tall, you might need a longer ice axe so that you can reach the ground properly when self-arresting. Or, if you’re going to be climbing steep, hard snow slopes, you might want a shorter and lighter weight ice axe.
There are a few different ways to measure an ice axe.
The first is by its overall length, which is typically between 50 and 70 centimeters. The second is by the length of the shaft, which is usually between 30 and 50 centimeters. And finally, there’s the head size, which can range from 5 to 10 centimeters.
When choosing an ice axe, it’s important that you select one that’s comfortable for you to hold and use. You should also make sure that it’s durable enough to withstand whatever conditions you encounter while mountaineering.