Re: [pct-l] Re: Ice Axe Practice

[Bighummel@aol.com]

The Stubai Tourlite, a light weight ice axe that Tom loaned me (actually he 
loaned me two) was used in a climb of Mt. Ritter near Mammoth last July.  The 
climb is mostly a snow and ice climb with no serious technical climbing (read 
< 3.5) required on the route we took.  The axe performed fine and provided 
full control on steep glissades.  I have seen other light weight axes also 
but have no experience with which to compare.  These ice axes are designed to 
provide arrest, limited belay and securement and are not rated for technical 
use.  The metal of the head appears to be an aluminum alloy and I wouldn't 
expect it to take too much abuse, but it cut steps and did what we needed on 
this climb.  I wouldn't expect that you would face anything more technical on 
any of the passes with the possible exception of Forrester than we did on 
this climb.

However, I think they would be ideal for the uses that a thru-hiker is likely 
to need on the high Sierra passes and Fuller Ridge.  I would have carried one 
myself if they had been available when I hiked the trail.   I carried a long 
wood handled axe (read heavy!) through the Sth Calif. and the Sierras.  
Martina and Brian carried light weight axes in 1998 and I believe found them 
useful.  

Brian, who is the manufacturer of your light weight axes?

Best regards and, of course, IMHO,

Greg "Strider" Hummel
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