Other options for a lightweight ice axe are the more versatile black diamond raven pro see above or the more technical camp usa corsa nanotech model see below.
Lightest technical ice axe.
Its incomparable modularity means it can also be used for hard ice climbing.
Light ice axes are best for glacier travelling hiking and general mountaineering while heavier ice axes are useful for ice climbing and technical mountaineering.
If we could only have one ice axe for a wide range of activities the petzl summit evo would be it.
While most at home on challenging routes it s still light and comfortable enough to be used by nearly anyone.
It s long lightweight and fairly straight so it performs well for general mountaineering and ski touring.
At just 531g increasing to 601g 612g for hammer adze this is the lightest of the more technical axes on review by some margin and has a nice neutral balance.
The black diamond raven is a very simple but classic ice axe.
Quark versatile ice axe for technical mountaineering and ice climbing.
Heavier ice axes allow you to easily hook the pick into ice and snow while climbing steep slopes.
Ice pick for ice and mixed climbing designed for ice axes with modular heads.
Nomic ice climbing axe.
It is also ideal for lightweight and technical mountaineering.
The x light is the first ice axe on the market to respond to these drawbacks successfully.
The petzl glacier literide is a compact and lightweight ice axe for ski mountaineering and glacier travel.
However if you want the lightest option for self arrest in moderately steep terrain combined with snow anchor options and securing a traverse the camp usa corsa is the best lightweight ice axe.
It can perform almost all the functions you need in an ice axe and is well within a reasonable budget.
Ergonomic high end ice climbing and dry tooling axes.
In this selection of the best ice axes we only listed lightweight ice axes.
Technical alpine approaches on steep snow and ice where some actual climbing may be required.
The camp usa corsa ice axe is quite possibly the lightest weight ice ax in the world weighing just 8 8 oz 250 grams in a size 60 cm length.
Made from aluminum the overall weight of the axe is lighter and it comes in a wide array of sizes that you can purchase in increments of 5 cm.
This non modular axe climbs steep snow and ice routes and navigates complex glacier routes like a champion.
For more technical mixed climbing where you re not just swinging the axe this is an advantage but for pure ice climbs some users might appreciate the addition of pick weights to give the head more oomph and penetration.
A 2 nd tool for big alpine missions where a solid workhorse of an axe is needed a lot but an extra tool may be required for shorter sections.
