Perhaps another way to think of the differences between the two types of axes is many ice tools have heads where the picks can be replaced and other items like hammers and adzes can be added to one side of the tool head, hence they are more multifunctional tools than mountaineering axes. Some are designed for mixed climbing (rock and ice climbing), while others are designed more specifically for ice climbing.
They’re also designed to handle your bodyweight hanging from them, even when placed horizontally where a significant amount of torque is placed on both the head and shaft and could shatter a lesser axe. It’s designed to repeatedly be swung into ice and won’t be damaged when it strikes rock or other materials as well. They’re shorter, often more curved, the head of the shaft is reinforced, and the pick is made of stiffer, stronger steel. Ice tools are designed for more rigorous abuse and are used in pairs.
Adze ice axe full#
They’re typically not meant to sustain your full weight while climbing more vertical surfaces, like a waterfall. Mountaineering axes are available in a variety of lengths (ideally the tip of the spike is at or just above your ankle when held at your side) and are generally used on the high side of a slope when mountaineering. These are used for climbing, digging snow anchors and glissading. The fixed head of the axe features a pick and a horizontal adze. It usually has a longer shaft and a spike on the bottom that’s used for plunging the tool into snow and ice to give you extra purchase while traversing difficult snow and ice terrains. What’s commonly considered an ice axe is actually a mountaineering axe. Beyond that, there are a lot of differences. Though it might seem confusing to some, ice tools and ice axes are both technically axes used for cold weather adventures. Others are more specific to the job, like crampons and ice axes, these are purpose-made for taking your adventures to new, extreme levels and different axes are designed for different functions. Some of the tools already in your gear closet may transition over, like a climbing harness and dry rope or insulated boots, for instance. The thunk of an ice-pick as it cuts into the crystalline ice or plunging the spike of a mountaineering axe through packed snow while crossing snow and ice fields are satisfying and require specialized tools. Ready to up your winter game? It’s time to get into ice climbing and mountaineering! For a unique and challenging adventure, ice climbing is the way to go.
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