A recent story in the UK newspapers highlights the importance of carrying and using an ice axe on tricky terrain that is covered in snow or ice, especially if it is steep. The report in Britain’s Telegraph newspaper notes that a 50-year-old walker was out in the hills in January (remember this was one of […]
Using Mountaineering Headlamps in Freezing Weather
If you are going mountaineering you have to be aware of the impact on your light of the freezing cold that you will encounter at high altitude. Even if you have one of the best mountaineering headlamps, you will soon find yourself sitting in the dark if you don’t take the cold into account. This […]
Ice Climbing Tools for Beginners
When buying a run of the mill ice axe for walking or alpine mountaineering it is hard to go too wrong. Most axes will more or less do the job. But when it comes to technical climbing tools you are entering an area of huge specialisation and personal preference. The key issue for many climbers […]
Buying a Mountaineering Ice Axe
When taking up any sort of winter mountaineering, ski touring, or hill walking that requires you to cross glaciers or steep ice one of your most essential safety instruments is a good ice axe that is suitable for mountaineering. Ice axes provide a very useful third point of contact (in addition to your two feet) […]
Choosing a Walking Ice Axe
For many people who are new to mountaineering, a versatile walking ice axe will be their first ice axe purchase. Choosing one can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated yet it is actually quite a simple task, especially if you are new to the sport. What is a walking ice axe? A walking ice […]