The manufacturer claims it is the lightest forged head in the world. I have no way of proving or disporving that. But one of the ways in which it achieves lightness is by using a lighter B-rated shaft that trims the ounces. In fact the Air Tech Racing comes in at just shy of 400 […]
A Classic Wood-Shafted Ice Axe Reinvented: The Grivel Monte Bianco
Climbers with a real sense of nostalgia often look back on classic wooden-shafted mountaineering ice axes with a real sense of loss. Many of these were works of art. And there is something to be said about holding wood in your hand. You can feel that it is a living material, rather than just a […]
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 […]