Best Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Ice Axes of 2025

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Mountaineering and ice climbing ice axes are essential tools for any serious climber. These axes are designed to help climbers navigate steep and icy terrain, providing the necessary support and stability needed to ascend to new heights. Made from durable materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, these axes are built to withstand the harsh conditions of high-altitude climbing. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles available, there is an ice axe to suit every climber's needs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, investing in a quality ice axe is a must for any serious mountaineer.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Mountaineering & Ice Climbing Ice Axes
PETZL Gully Ice Axe
The PETZL Gully Axe is designed for technical mountaineering and steep skiing, making it an essential tool for your outdoor adventures. Its lightweight design, at only 280 grams, ensures that you can carry it easily on long climbs without added bulk. The compact 45 cm length and beveled spike allow for convenient storage and safe handling. Additionally, the TRIGREST handrest provides quick adjustments for your grip, enhancing your comfort and control as you switch climbing techniques. With these features, you can tackle challenging terrains with confidence and efficiency.
Grivel GZERO Axe 58
The Grivel GZERO Axe is an essential outdoor recreation tool designed for camping enthusiasts. This axe comes in a single package, making it easy to carry and store. It operates without the need for batteries, ensuring you can rely on it anytime without worrying about power sources. Crafted in Italy, this product reflects high-quality craftsmanship that enhances your outdoor experience. Whether you're chopping wood for a fire or clearing a campsite, the Grivel GZERO Axe is a reliable companion that simplifies your outdoor adventures.
TRANGO Raptor Ice Tool
The TRANGO Raptor Ice Tool is a top-of-the-line leashless ice and mixed tool designed to swing beautifully and bite like a dream. The one-piece molded rubber grip provides comfort, durability, and reduced fatigue, while the razor-sharp pick easily penetrates the hardest ice with minimal force. The versatile design includes removable weights for added flexibility, and it comes with ice-specific pick and pick covers included. Weighing in at 575g without the pick weights and 640g with weights, this ice tool is ideal for mountaineering and ice climbing activities.
Camp Corsa Alpine Ice Axe
The Camp Corsa Alpine Ice Axe, also known as the Camp Corsa Axe, is a lightweight ice axe designed for glacier travel, alpinism, and ski mountaineering. With its steel head, this axe is perfect for tackling technical terrains. The pick of the axe is tapered to 3 mm, which allows for better penetration on hard snow and ice. Additionally, the axe features a nylon spike plug that keeps snow out of the shaft, preventing any inconvenience during use. The small head slot of the Camp Corsa Axe seamlessly integrates with the Corsa leash (sold separately), providing users with a secure and reliable grip. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer or a beginner looking to explore icy landscapes, the Camp Corsa Axe is a versatile and essential tool for your adventures.
CAMP Neve Ice Axe 65cm
The CAMP Neve Ice Axe is designed to enhance your mountaineering and ice climbing experience. Its updated design ensures both performance and comfort, making it easier for you to maneuver. The forged chromoly steel pick and adze provide excellent grip, allowing you to chop effectively with minimal effort. The ergonomic adze is specifically shaped for optimal chopping, ensuring that you can tackle tough ice with ease. Additionally, the inclusion of carabiner holes on the head and spike offers convenient options for attaching leashes and tethers, enhancing your safety while climbing.
BLACK DIAMOND Raven Pro Ice Axe
The BLACK DIAMOND Ice Axe is crafted to provide excellent safety without limiting your movement on the mountain. Its design is purpose-built, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of climbers. With cutting-edge technology, this ice axe is suitable for a wide range of climbing activities, giving you the confidence to tackle various terrains. Whether you are scaling icy slopes or navigating challenging routes, this tool enhances your performance while keeping you secure and comfortable.
Grivel G1 Carbon Steel Ice Axe
The Grivel G1 Ice Axe is designed for optimal performance in mountaineering and ice climbing. Its head is crafted from a single piece of hot forged carbon steel, providing you with exceptional strength and durability. The ergonomically shaped axe head ensures a comfortable grip, making it easier for you to navigate challenging terrains or perform self-arrests when necessary. Additionally, the lightweight ERGAL aluminum alloy shaft not only saves weight but also enhances balance, allowing you to maneuver with confidence. Plus, the hot forged spike penetrates various snow conditions effectively, ensuring you have reliable support during your climbs.
Bobillow 70cm Outdoor Ice Axe
The Bobillow Ice Axe is a lightweight yet durable tool designed to enhance your outdoor winter activities. Made from high-strength aluminum alloy, it is easy for you to handle, making it perfect for those challenging climbs. The curved pick head with teeth ensures effective ice and snow scraping, while the contoured handle offers comfort and a secure grip, allowing for self-arrest when needed. Its versatile design also includes a toothed handle end, which aids in detection during your adventures. This ice axe is an essential companion for hiking, climbing, and skill training in snowy conditions.
CAMP X-Light Ice Axe
The CAMP Ice Axe offers versatility with two head configurations, allowing you to choose between an adze or a hammer based on your climbing needs. Its single-curve shaft is designed to enhance your performance on alpine ice while also serving as a reliable cane when needed. The innovative three-part handle can be customized to fit the terrain you are tackling, and its adjustable upper pommel increases durability. Additionally, the axe features a comfortable grip design, ensuring that you can use it for extended periods without discomfort or wear on your gloves.
Singing Rock Piolet Bandit Hammer
The Singing Rock Hammer is an ideal ice axe for mountaineering and trekking, designed for unisex adults. Made from durable, multicoloured materials, this axe stands out while providing the strength you need for challenging climbs. Its premium construction ensures reliability, allowing you to focus solely on your performance without worrying about your equipment. Whether you're navigating icy terrains or tackling steep slopes, this versatile tool enhances your outdoor experience by offering both safety and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you need two ice axes for mountaineering?
Typically, for mountaineering, one ice axe is sufficient. However, in very steep or vertical terrain, the route may require the use of two axes - usually a hybrid axe and an ice tool, or two ice tools for extremely vertical terrain.
2. Can you ice climb with an ice axe?
Yes, you can ice climb with an ice axe. Technical ice axes, including those with curved shafts, are strong enough to be used for steep or vertical ice climbing and belaying on such terrain. For more specialized vertical ice climbing, dedicated ice tools are used.
3. What is the ice axe for mountaineering?
The ice axe is an essential tool for mountaineering. It serves multiple purposes, including maintaining balance and self-arresting to stop a fall. It is considered a symbol of mountaineering and is crucial for safety during mountaineering adventures.
4. How do you size an ice axe for mountaineering?
To size an ice axe for mountaineering, a general rule is that the spike of the axe should reach your ankle when you hold the head of the axe alongside your body. However, personal preference and the type of slopes you expect to encounter may also influence the length of the ice axe.
5. How long should an ice axe be for walking?
For walking, ice axes are typically 50 to 70cm long. The length of the ice axe can vary based on your height, with taller individuals often using longer axes. However, it's important to find a length that is manageable and not too unwieldy, especially for self-arresting.
6. Do I need an ice axe for hiking?
When hiking on icy and snowy trails, it is recommended to have an ice axe for safety. Alongside crampons, an ice axe helps provide traction and can be used to arrest a fall on icy terrain, ensuring a safer hiking experience.
7. How many ice axes do I need?
In general, one ice axe is sufficient for most mountaineering activities. However, if you plan to tackle very steep or vertical terrain, it may be beneficial to have two ice axes to assist with climbing.
During our mountaineering & ice climbing ice axis research, we found 24 mountaineering & ice climbing ice axis products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,118 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mountaineering & ice climbing ice axes list. We found that most customers choose mountaineering & ice climbing ice axes with an average price of $129.37.
The mountaineering & ice climbing ice axes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mountaineering & ice climbing ice axes, including PETZL, Grivel, TRANGO, CAMP, BLACK DIAMOND. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 668 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Michael Daley is a founder of a climbing club. As a climbing expert, he's well-versed in all topics related to travel, including climbing accessories. He loves everything related to climbing and often shares his experience online.