Best Ice Climbing Axes for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: September 12th, 2024

🧗‍♂️When you're scaling ice-covered walls, having the right ice climbing axe is a game-changer. We've put together this guide to highlight the best ice climbing axes of 2024, picked based on thorough research and expert opinions.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these recommendations should help you find the perfect axe for your climbs.

Best for Mixed Climbing: Petzl Sum'Tec

PETZL Unisex's Sum'Tec Ice Ax, Multicolor, UNI

The Petzl Sum'Tec stands out as the best choice for mixed climbing, thanks to its versatile design. This axe transitions smoothly from ice to rock, making it ideal for climbers who tackle varied terrains. One of its key features is the adjustable shaft, which allows you to customize the length to match specific climbing conditions. Additionally, the lightweight construction ensures that you won't be weighed down during your ascent. According to the manufacturer, the Sum'Tec's innovative design was driven by the desire for a lighter, more efficient tool that delivers superior pick performance. This makes it a top choice for both mixed and steep ice routes, giving you the control and confidence you need to push your limits.

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More Answers

Still curious about the PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the main features of the PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax?
Hey! So, if you're looking into the PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax, it's got some pretty cool features that make it super versatile. It has a modular design, which basically means you can tweak it for different types of climbing—from easy slopes to tough technical routes. Whether you're dealing with snow or ice, you can adjust the ax to match the conditions. One thing that stands out with the Sum'Tec is the tapered ice blade. It's designed to bite into ice really well, so you're more secure when you're climbing. The handle is curved to improve how the ax goes into the ice, and it also keeps your hands safer while you're using it. Plus, it's got a straight handle too, which helps when you're planting it into snow, adding to its versatility. Another cool thing about the Sum'Tec is that it's fully modular. You can swap out blades and even attach stuff like a shovel or hammer. There are options to add weights for better anchoring too. And since it's compatible with almost all of [Petzl](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpetzl%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)'s accessories, you've got loads of options for customizing it to your needs. From our research, folks who've used it say it's great for steep and technical climbs. It's lightweight and versatile, perfect for tricky ice conditions. It's particularly efficient on steep ice, thanks to its design, including the reverse curve pick. That said, a few folks noted it might not be the smoothest for self-arrests because of that same design. In a nutshell, the PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax is definitely a favorite for many mountaineers, especially if you're planning some hardcore alpine adventures. It combines innovation with functionality, so it's a solid choice if you need something reliable across different alpine situations.
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How does the PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax perform on steep ice and snow?
The PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax is pretty well-regarded for tackling steep ice and snow. It's a versatile piece of gear that's adaptable to different climbing needs, which is a big plus for those technical mountaineering adventures. One cool aspect from the manufacturer's description is its modular head—you can swap out different blade types to fit whatever climbing scenario you find yourself in. So whether you're dealing with complex ice climbs or something a bit more straightforward, the Sum'Tec can be adjusted to suit. Our research indicates that it shines on steep ice due to its thoughtful design elements, like a tapered blade that makes slipping into the ice easier. Plus, the curved handle helps with anchoring and giving you better leverage. You also have the option to switch between shovel and hammer components and even add weights for more precision on mixed terrain. There's a [Trigrest](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtrigrest%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) handrest, which is handy for tool-free adjustments to your hand position. Our data points out that this feature really boosts grip and control, especially when dealing with technical maneuvers. Keep in mind, though, that while it's incredibly customizable, figuring out all its options might take some time, especially if you're not used to gear with so many features. But once you've got it down, it's a hit for seasoned climbers who want to fine-tune their setup and for those who need a flexible tool in tricky conditions. All in all, it seems the Sum'Tec often lives up to, and sometimes surpasses, performance expectations on steep ice and snow. If you're on the lookout for a durable and adaptable ice ax, the Sum'Tec could be a solid choice for your climbing kit.
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What is the weight of the PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax?
The PETZL Sum'Tec Ice Ax weighs around 485 grams, which is about 17.1 ounces. So, it's pretty lightweight, which is great if you're a climber looking to be nimble on ice and mixed terrains. What's cool about the Sum'Tec is its modular design. According to our research, you can swap out its pick with different Petzl accessories, giving you some neat customization options. For example, you can switch to picks like the [Pur'Ice Blade](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpur%27ice%2Bblade%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or the [Dry pick](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Ddry%2Bpick%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which you can buy separately. It comes by default with a recurved 'Alpix' pick, which is well-regarded for handling both ice climbing and drytooling. The ability to change out the picks is handy for adjusting to different terrains and conditions without needing to permanently alter your ax. Keep in mind, the basic Sum'Tec doesn't come with extra picks, but it's designed for easy customization. This adaptability is a big plus, making it a versatile tool for everything from technical climbs to more traditional alpine adventures.
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