Ice axe vs whippet vs trekking poles?

[AK Troutbum]

Thanks for the pics. Is that the most common mode of failure? The rubber strap itself tearing? I'd expected to see the metal loops tearing out.

That’s the biggest issue I have had with these newer models. The grommets commonly tore out on the older models.


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[NMO]

The only thing that’d make those telescoping ones better is if they were snap locks instead of that twist BS. Have you had any issues with it slipping if you were to slip and need to put all your weight on the pole?


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Broke mine after a Feb goat hunt and half a season guiding. Snapped off right at the junction. Did have some issues with the twist lock on the telescoping lower. Liked the idea of a variable height trekking axe, but in the end it wasn't nearly as durable as I'd hoped. The SMC Capra walking ice axe is far more robust, and lighter than the stubai. Unfortunately it is a bastard to pack around while trailing with horses.

 

[as.ks.ak]

Broke mine after a Feb goat hunt and half a season guiding. Snapped off right at the junction. Did have some issues with the twist lock on the telescoping lower. Liked the idea of a variable height trekking axe, but in the end it wasn't nearly as durable as I'd hoped. The SMC Capra walking ice axe is far more robust, and lighter than the stubai. Unfortunately it is a bastard to pack around while trailing with horses.

Nolan don’t try and fool anyone here. You don’t do any walking around. You ride those horses right up to the sheep!! You prolly don’t even need an ice axe.


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[ChrisAU]

I had used trail crampons extensively my last time out in CO as I have terrible balance, really gave me a lot of confidence going up rock slides and were particularly useful walking on deadfall. At first I put them on when my boots simply wouldn't get me up a dirt ledge that was 4-5' tall, but later left them on after putting them on for a slippery section of ice covered rock. Snowline Chainsen Trail's, after washing them off they still look brand new. Lightest option I could find too, my XL's are 7.45 oz for the pair.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Bumping this up...5 yrs later what's the recommendation? Going on a mid-late Oct goat hunt in BC, and trying to decide what to get. Looking at the Black Diamond Whippet and the Stubai telescoping Ice Axe.

STUBAI TELESCOPING AXE

The Tour Lite Telescoping axes easily adjusts from 60cm to 95cm in seconds. Aluminum head. The basket is removable for walking or probing. Adjusts from: 60-95 cm CE Certified B Weight: 500 grams Brand STUBAI Barcode 9002793822549 Order Multiple 1 Best Use Mountaineering Shaft Length Centimeter...

recreation-outfitters.com

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Bumping this up...5 yrs later what's the recommendation? Going on a mid-late Oct goat hunt in BC, and trying to decide what to get. Looking at the Black Diamond Whippet and the Stubai Ice Ace Axe.

BD Whippet is a lot more versatile and comfortable to use than a dedicated ice axe.

 

[TaperPin]

An ice axe sounds great, and works well going up, but is essentially useless going down because it’s too short.

Folks see a full 12 point hinged crampon and steer away from them imagining they only work on packed snow and ice, but they work really well anywhere footing can slip from wet grass, to mud, to ordinary forest litter, to shale slides.

 

[Doc Holliday]

An ice axe sounds great, and works well going up, but is essentially useless going down because it’s too short.

Folks see a full 12 point hinged crampon and steer away from them imagining they only work on packed snow and ice, but they work really well anywhere footing can slip from wet grass, to mud, to ordinary forest litter.

Yeah the outfitter is providing crampons. Just trying to decide what “axe” type accessory to get since I only have regular trekking poles at this point.

 

[CFMT]

Stone glacier is to be coming with an ice axe. I’ve asked about it a couple of times and while it’s been delayed it is still supposedly coming to market this summer/early fall? Might be worth calling them to see its status.

 

[CFMT]

Slategoat Axe

The Slategoat combines the strength of an ice axe with the agility of a trekking pole cutting weight without cutting corners. Built for steep climbs and long miles, this hybrid tool cuts weight, not performance

www.stoneglacier.com

Not live yet but just thought I would post this here for those who may be interested.