Was wondering if any former PCT hikers (or CDT) have an ice axe collecting dust in their basement? I’d like to rent one for a couple weeks thru the Sierras this June, rather than buying one for a one time use. Drop me a line-I’d be happy to pay a nominal fee for it.
A-Train
you wont even need an ice axe, so dont waste your money. most of us that went throught the sierras last year on the pct didnt even use ours.
have a great hike!
TYVEK
OTOH - we know of several several people who have used their ice axes to self-arrest, a gaggle of others who wished they had one - and at least one who died because they didn’t have one. If you think you need one - take it. And this looks like one of the years you just might need it.
Jim
In '97 Gwyn ‘Fudd’ Judd fell on the infamous ice shute on Forester. There is no doubt that his ice-axe saved his life.
When we were in Big Bear City staying @ the Fire Station, ‘Fudd’ didn’t have an axe and was very reluctant to spend the money for one. Fortunately we conviced him to buy one (he bought a Cassin Dragonfly from the local outfitter and sent it to KM). Needless to say, ‘Fudd’ was extremely grateful that he listened to us back @ Big Bear!
I have never used mine for self arrest, but have used it many times for glissading. Last year my axe came in very handy when i bailed out over Whitney on June 5th. The best option for dropping into Whitney Portal at that point was ‘Mountaineers’ chute - a nearly vertical headwall. Attempting that glissade without the axe would have been insane.
An ice-axe might be expensive, and it might not be necessary, but it could save your life!
freebird
Have you checked out this option from ULA Equipment. I’ve got no experience with ice axes, but I trust Brian.
Lyle
Apparently Brian was getting a lot of flack because this item wasn’t tested. So he is taking a novel approach at marketing, depending on word of mouth and buyer’s knowlege to sell the product.
Seems to me if you are considering no ice axe, this may be a good alternative. Check out the weights!
Lyle
A-train,
The season where I use an ice axe in Colorado is coming to a close. If you decide you want to borrow mine, you are more than welcome to. It is a general mountaineering one, so it is NOT light…but it is free to borrow. 
If you decide to take one and don’t mind the weight e-mail me directly and you can borrow it. I am starting the CDT late enough SoBo where I don’t plan on taking one this year.
Paul Mags
I’ve been watching ice axes on eBay and it would appear that after your hike is complete you’d have very little problem selling it on eBay - - possibly to a future hiker.
Mule
I have an ice axe from my PCT hike you can use. Never had to use it, but was glad i had it in the Sierras just in case. Even carried it all the way to the end of my hike!
different socks