In this selection of the best ice axes we only listed lightweight ice axes.
Lightest technical ice axe.
Despite its lightweight it is a fully functional uiaa certified b ice ax capable of being used for self rescue glissading and strong enough to be used as a belay anchor.
For more technical mixed climbing where you re not just swinging the axe this is an advantage but for pure ice climbs some users might appreciate the addition of pick weights to give the head more oomph and penetration.
Nomic ice climbing axe.
Its incomparable modularity means it can also be used for hard ice climbing.
It s long lightweight and fairly straight so it performs well for general mountaineering and ski touring.
It can perform almost all the functions you need in an ice axe and is well within a reasonable budget.
Light ice axes are best for glacier travelling hiking and general mountaineering while heavier ice axes are useful for ice climbing and technical mountaineering.
Heavier ice axes allow you to easily hook the pick into ice and snow while climbing steep slopes.
Other options for a lightweight ice axe are the more versatile black diamond raven pro see above or the more technical camp usa corsa nanotech model see below.
While most at home on challenging routes it s still light and comfortable enough to be used by nearly anyone.
Gully ultra light ice axe for technical mountaineering and steep skiing.
Quark versatile ice axe for technical mountaineering and ice climbing.
The x light is the first ice axe on the market to respond to these drawbacks successfully.
Ergonomic high end ice climbing and dry tooling axes.
A longer but still lightweight and somewhat technical axe is wanted.
At just 531g increasing to 601g 612g for hammer adze this is the lightest of the more technical axes on review by some margin and has a nice neutral balance.
This non modular axe climbs steep snow and ice routes and navigates complex glacier routes like a champion.
It is also ideal for lightweight and technical mountaineering.
The petzl glacier literide is a compact and lightweight ice axe for ski mountaineering and glacier travel.
If we could only have one ice axe for a wide range of activities the petzl summit evo would be it.
A 2 nd tool for big alpine missions where a solid workhorse of an axe is needed a lot but an extra tool may be required for shorter sections.
The camp usa corsa ice axe is quite possibly the lightest weight ice ax in the world weighing just 8 8 oz 250 grams in a size 60 cm length.
However if you want the lightest option for self arrest in moderately steep terrain combined with snow anchor options and securing a traverse the camp usa corsa is the best lightweight ice axe.
The black diamond raven is a very simple but classic ice axe.
