[pct-l] Ice Axes

[Gary Schenk]

On Friday 09 January 2009 07:24:37 Bob Sartini wrote:
> C.A.M.P. USA Corsa Ice Axe  $109 at REI
>
> is that a decent ice axe?  the  price seems high

CAMP makes good stuff. That is as light an axe as you'll find readily, and 
will do the job for a thru-hiker who just wants to get over a pass safely.

>
> Any points about ice axes?

They're dangerous. Learn how to use one correctly. If you find yourself having 
to use it to arrest, you're already in a world of s**t. So the key is not to 
fall in the first place, learn how to climb snow in balance. "Freedom of the 
Hills" is a good start, but taking at least a one day class from a guide would 
be great.

> I can practice behind my house if I buy it now.

Be careful. Climbing in balance is important, I think, and a good skill to 
practice.

> Does anyone think an ice axe is crucial or just cautious?  Hiking poles,
> crampons, ice axe seems like a lot of stuff.

For the PCT it is probably cautious, nothing wrong with that. Bodies don't 
exactly pile up like cordwood at the bottom of Forester Pass. If you don't 
know how to use it, best to leave it behind.

Don't know what to say about crampons. If you were wearing heavy 
mountaineering boots you could just kick steps up a snowy pass, but what thru-
hiker is wearing Makalus?

> Is it better to wait to buy until the conditions are better known or do you
> think that's too late.

I would learn how to utilize an axe and have one waiting at Kennedy Meadows 
and decide there.

My $0.02
Gary