[pct-l] Ice Axe Length? " Longer IS Better!!"

[Bighummel@xxxxxxx (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

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A longer shaft also allows you to use the axe as a self belay device by
sinking the shaft into hard snow leaving the head out.  You can climb steep,
hard snow this way by thrusting the ice axe into the snow above you and
holding onto the head as you step up, then, upon getting a secure footing you
can pull the axe out and thrust the shaft in at a higher point and repeat the
process.

The longer the shaft, the more secure the self belay.  I can also attest to
the necessity for leverage from a long handle when sliding down an icy slope
at 40+ mph and trying to self arrest.

Greg