[pct-l] To Axe or Not to Axe

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

Please keep in mind that an ice axe is useless unless you have foreseen the 
need, because the slope looked dangerous, based on your prior experience, 
have taken the axe off your pack, placed it in your uphill hand, and know 
what to do with it should you fall and start sliding down the hill toward 
those rocks below.

Altogether too many thru hikers do not know what to do with an axe, feel 
that they should have one, however, and carry it along for the ride down 
their next slip-and-fall.

Whether you convert your hiking pole into a self-arrest pole at Kennedy or 
carry an axe into the Sierra, know how to recognize when you'll need it so 
you'll have it in hand when conditions look and feel dangerous.

Note that in Denis Stanton's prior post, he stated that "Fortunately the 
large rocks further down the slope were much more effective at slowing me 
down." Not all falls will kill you, many will hurt, and most will only make 
you laugh like mad. Nevertheless, be wise and prepare for what's ahead.

Mtnned
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Schenk" <gwschenk at socal.rr.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:13 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Alpenstocks and Self-Arrest Poles


> On Thursday 19 November 2009 20:18:34 Stephen Adams wrote:
>>Anyway, my experience suggests just carry a light weight axe.
>
> Good advice, IMHO. Why not carry the right tool for the job? Camp makes a 
> very
> lightweight axe that would be more than adequate for a thruhiker's needs.
>
> Gary
>
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