Ice Axe/Trekking Pole

[Jdog]

All the ovis chasers out there...I have been wanting to try an ice axe/trekking pole.

I want to primarily use this as a dual use tool...trekking pole and camp/hiking tool.

The Petzl Snowscopic Ice Axe/trekking pole get good reviews but I cannot find one.

What are you guys using and where are you buying them?

 

[luke moffat]

http://www.omcgear.com/black-diamon....html?CAWELAID=320011060000023824&cagpspn=pla

Started using one of these as one of my trekking poles last year. Certainly not as strong as a real walking axe but it seems like a good compromise so face. Goes the full 140 CMs if needed and can use in conjunction with another standard trekking pole to use as a center pole for my tipi as well.

The head is surprisingly strong so far. I like it better than my BD Raven 90 CM ice axe for certain. And I couldn't use the Raven or a snow scopic style as a center pole either.

Just another option.

Also Stubai makes one too but they are hard to find as well and when you do they are proud of them!
http://www.everestgear.com/413700.html

 

[60x]

I hear good things about the snowscopic but for me I am just too rough on my gear.. I get my axe wedged in rocks constantly, I dig with it, whack and cut alder, did camp spots.. tie harvested critter or gear on steep slopes, Ive even used it to climb out of a bad spot a time or two.. I think if I hunted nicer areas or would be more gentle on gear a snowscopic would work well for me.. My old axe is now gone and this is where I will be getting my new one.. just gotta figure out how to get foam in it for the noise

http://smcgear.net/ice-axes-hammers-accessories/capra-ice-axe-100cm.html

 

[Becca]

I will be honest...I have always been concerned I would fall on an ice axe, and cause myself more harm than just sticking with trekking poles and being careful. I am pretty klutzy though, so I am sure for most other people it's a non issue.

 

[Floorguy]

Check Barney's they have them listed on their site http://barneyssports.com/outdoor-tools/petzl-snowscopic.html

 

[mtnclimber]

Im really hard on my gear as well, my petzl snowscopic has blown me away at how sturdy it is. Been on about 5 sheep hunts with me now and I've abused it pretty badly and only scratches to show. I got mine at barneys and i think they still have a few left. I believe petzl has stopped making them. Check ebay too.

 

[Jdog]

Floorguy, thanks! I called Barney's and placed an order today. They have a few in stock!

 

[Yellowknife]

I don't have any real field experience with the Snowscopic, but have messed with my dads some. What would keep me from going into the field with it is the shape of the head. It uses a cut and welded head, and I find the sharp top edge annoying when I've experimented with it as a walking axe. I'm likely in the market this year for a goat hunt, but have mostly looked at either the BD Raven 90 cm or the SMC Capra 100 cm. I like the cast head on the 60 cm Raven I already own a lot, and Capra has a longer flat on the top that also looks decent.

Yk

 

[Jdog]

I don't have any real field experience with the Snowscopic, but have messed with my dads some. What would keep me from going into the field with it is the shape of the head. It uses a cut and welded head, and I find the sharp top edge annoying when I've experimented with it as a walking axe. I'm likely in the market this year for a goat hunt, but have mostly looked at either the BD Raven 90 cm or the SMC Capra 100 cm. I like the cast head on the 60 cm Raven I already own a lot, and Capra has a longer flat on the top that also looks decent.

Yk

Great points and I am learning every day from experienced mtn hunters. That is why I love this forum.

I am looking at the SMCs now. That Capra head is welded, looks more durable, less moving parts to break and 60% less than the Petzl.

 

[luke moffat]

I'm thinking about getting one of those SMCs...I found the 90 cm ice axe just a hair too small to really use. For a tree like JDog it would be way too short if not used on a hill. I want to be able to use it also for hiking on flat ground as well as going up hill. For going down hill the 90 cm is definitely too short.

 

[60x]

I'm thinking about getting one of those SMCs...I found the 90 cm ice axe just a hair too small to really use. For a tree like JDog it would be way too short if not used on a hill. I want to be able to use it also for hiking on flat ground as well as going up hill. For going down hill the 90 cm is definitely too short.

look at that... with a few strokes on the keyboard you answered the one question I always seem to get asked about why i like the longer ice (100 plus)axe.....downhill!!
uphill is easier...downhill especially with a load is umm...challenging..



one of these days im gonna find the right parts and make one

 

[Jdog]

I'm thinking about getting one of those SMCs...I found the 90 cm ice axe just a hair too small to really use. For a tree like JDog it would be way too short if not used on a hill. I want to be able to use it also for hiking on flat ground as well as going up hill. For going down hill the 90 cm is definitely too short.

Lukester - SMC makes the Capra in a 100 cm version and its ~$88.

http://smcgear.net/ice-axes-hammers-accessories/capra-ice-axe-100cm.html

The Petzl Snowscopic was two parts, which tells me less durable and only 5 cm longer at 105 cm. But more than double the cost at nearly $200.

I gotta save my nickels for a lightweight stove and tipi shelter for the fall!

 

[Jdog]

Does Capra make tools for the heads like Black Diamond?

Specifically a micro hammer head?

 

[Nick Muche]

I got a heck of a deal on a Black Diamond Whippet... It seems awfully lightweight and I am wondering if I wouldn't be better off selling it. My only requirement for what I use is that it is collapsible so that I can use it under a tarp as well, along with being able to stow it in my pack when not needed. The SMC is one solid piece, correct? The price is right on it... But the snowscopic seems to fit the bill for what I would consider useful and dual purpose.

 

[luke moffat]

Lukester - SMC makes the Capra in a 100 cm version and its ~$88.

Exactly, which is why I said I'm thinking about getting one.

 

[Jdog]

I got a heck of a deal on a Black Diamond Whippet... It seems awfully lightweight and I am wondering if I wouldn't be better off selling it. My only requirement for what I use is that it is collapsible so that I can use it under a tarp as well, along with being able to stow it in my pack when not needed. The SMC is one solid piece, correct? The price is right on it... But the snowscopic seems to fit the bill for what I would consider useful and dual purpose.

Here is my deal...neither are ideal for the length I would need to utilize them as a full time trekking pole. I would bring a Komperdell for that...this would serve dual purpose as a tool and half baked trekking pole.

I am thinking one full sized trekking pole and one of these.

 

[ozyclint]

i was looking for a light ice axe for a tahr hunt in may and came across the whippet in my net surfing travels. i think it would serve my needs just nicely. it's only slightly heavier than the my current trekking pole and the ice axe i was thinking of getting and you get the bonus of two tools in one. while the whippet isn't a substitute for and full blown axe it will serve my needs real well i think. a trekking pole with a climbing aid appeals to me. it will be good for clearing tent sites too.
it needs to be collapsable though so i'd get the carbon 3 section model.