Thread: Crampons and Ice Axe

Originally Posted by c-dog

I have limited experience with ice axe but would suggest getting the longest available as it can be better used as a walking pole (handy walking up ice covered rocky creeks etc)

Nope

Ice axes are designed to be used on the uphill side, so generally need to be shorter than you think. The traditional way to work out the size is if you have your hand relaxed by your side, with palm on top of the axe, the spike should be around your ankle. I'm 175cm tall and use a 60cm axe (that's the length of the shaft, excluding the spike and the head).