Subcategories

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  Ice Axes

  <p>Of all the tools a mountaineer carries, the ice axe is perhaps the most iconic.</p> <p>If you’re thinking about buying your first ice axe for a high-altitude adventure, you do need to think about the type of outdoor activity your axe will support. Is it for classic mountaineering, scrambling up steep frozen terrain, hiking/backpacking through some ice covered sections or actual ice climbing. </p> <p>The choice definitely gets easier the more you know about your trip. </p> <p>One key aspect to consider when buying an ice axe is it's length, from the tip of the axe to the top of it's head. To measure this, stand next to a mirror or have someone help you and do the following:</p> <p> First, hold the head of the axe, with the adze pointing forward and your thumb resting on it.</p> <p>Stand facing forward in a relaxed yet upright position (your arm holding the axe head should be at your side); let the spike of the axe dangle toward the ground.</p> <p>On a correctly sized axe, the tip of the spike should be even with your ankle, or an inch above it.</p> <p>As we like to say, the choices are endless so feel free to pop down to the shop to hav a closer look, better feel and some great service with your purchase. </p>
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  Ice Screws

  <p>What to consider when buying ice screws.</p> <p>First of all and most importantly is the length of your ice screw. You need to know your terrain because depending on the depth / quality of ice during your adventure the length of your screws will vary too. </p> <p>In general you can divide ice screws up into three categories, short, medium and long screws.</p> <p>Screws ranging from 10-13cm can be placed in thinner ice without hitting the rock behind it. It is always good to have a few of those short ones especially in the early season because the ice will be thinner. </p> <p>16cm - 17cm Ice screws make up the majority of a classic ice climbing kit. If correctly placed in good, hard ice they are really strong.</p> <p>The longer screws up to 22cm are good when additional security is needed, for example if the ice on the surface doesn't see, strong enough. </p> <p>After having considered the most important aspect of your ice screw purchase you now have to see which one is easiest and most comfortable to place, considering you'll be wearing thick gloves the whole time through. </p> <p>Some ice screws have a knob or handle that unfolds from the hanger.</p> <p>Finally the last thing to keep in mind with ice screws is that you better store them in some sort of reinforced bag so that the teeth don't damage any of your other material. </p> <p></p> <p>Here is a cool <a href="https://www.lasportivausa.com/blog/climbing-tips-placing-ice-screws" target="_blank" class="btn btn-default" rel="noreferrer noopener">article</a> by La Sportiva on placing ice screws.</p>
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  Crampons

  <p>Crampons are used to securely travel on snow and ice. You can cross glaciers, ascend snow slopes, climb frozen waterfalls and scale ice-smeared rock.</p> <p>Crampons are becoming more activity specific. Super-lightweight traction devices are made for everyday winter walking. More traditional crampons handle snow and glacier travel, technical hiking  and mountaineering. Crampons designed for frozen waterfalls or mixed ice/rock routes are now increasingly technical.</p>