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Ice Climbing

Assisting in ascending steeper snow is another one of the foundational jobs of a mountain axe and thus a category we weighted very heavily. Photo: Ian Nicholson and Graham Zimmerman use their axes in mid-dagger position while traversing a steep slope while attempting to climb a new route in the Kichatna Range AK.

Ice Climbing Jul 28, 2020

Best Ice Axe

by Ian Nicholson

Showing 1-15 of 28 results

Ice Climbing Jul 28, 2020

Best Ice Axe

What's the best ice axe for mountaineering? We tested the best products and compared them head-to-head...

Ice Axes Dec 11, 2019

How to Choose the Right Ice Axe

How do you choose an ice axe? Here are some key factors to consider when buying an ice axe for...

Ice Climbing Nov 17, 2013

Petzl Laser Sonic

The Petzl Laser Sonic ice screw is unique for two reasons. First, it features a rotating hanger that...

First Look

Ice Climbing Jul 19, 2012

Grivel Air Tech Light

This is a very lightweight crampon. While obviously a poor choice for certain applications like...

Top Pick

Ice Axes Dec 11, 2019

Petzl Ride

Our favorite all-around weight-focused model, it's highly versatile, and won't let you down.

Ice Axes Dec 11, 2019

Petzl Gully

This summertime alpine and moderate water ice slayer can't be touched for its performance to weight...

Ice Axes Dec 11, 2019

Black Diamond Swift

A reviewer favorite, this "T" rated axe is ideal for challenging glacier routes and steep snow climbs...

Ice Axes Mar 22, 2019

Black Diamond Raven Ultra

While it's incredibly comfortable to carry for extended periods of time, the Raven Ultra is no longer...

Ice Axes Mar 22, 2019

Black Diamond Raven Pro

A classic ice axe, it's an attractively priced model that provides for basic mountaineering objectives.

Editors' Choice

Ice Axes Mar 21, 2019

Petzl Summit Evo

While other models may perform better at specific tasks, this is the model we would choose if we could...

Best Buy

Ice Axes Mar 21, 2019

Black Diamond Raven

Top Pick

Ice Axes Mar 21, 2019

CAMP Corsa

With its 100 percent aluminum head, it's one of the lightest rated ice axes, and proved more versatile...

Top Pick

Ice Axes Mar 21, 2019

Petzl Glacier Literide

Surprisingly versatile considering its low weight, it truly blurs the line between a more...

Ice Axes Mar 21, 2019

Petzl Glacier

Fantastic and wallet-friendly, it's lightweight, self-arrests smoothly, and climbs steep snow with ease.

Ice Axes Mar 21, 2019

Petzl Summit

The Summit offers top-notch performance across the board, bringing to light an excellent option for the...

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