What ice axe did you use?

imported
#1

I’m expecting to leave Kennedy sometime around June 15-20 in my hike next year, so I’m planning on bringing an axe for “just in case” type use. I was looking at the Camp XLA 210 which is very light and probably suitable for infrequent, light duty use. Anyone have experience with this one, or want to reccomend something else?

bleach

#2

didn’t use one. did have a fishing pole though

john

#3

hey bleach,

i carried the camp xla 210 with me on my 2005 pct hike through the sierras, and the only times i used it was when i went straight up the avalanche shute on forester pass and when i was glissadin down the backsides of some of the passes.

 i deffinately think that ANYBODY could make it through the sierras without having an ice axe.   you dont really need one, but if you have any doubts then 12 more oz wont hurt you by carrying it along.   just use your best jugdment, and there are some lighter weight ice axes out there as well.

hope this helps you,

have a great hike next year!

TYVEK.

TYVEK

#4

In 2005, I replaced the top section of one of my poles with the black diamond Whippet. Won’t work for ice climbing, but if you are using poles anyway, it is the way to go. They grab even the hardest snow and saved my butt many-a-time:
http://www.bdel.com/gear/fl_whippet.php

Have a great time,
Toaster
trailb.com

PS: TYVEK - How you doing?

Toaster

#5

Depending on the snow year, entering June 15 - 20 without an ice axe would probably be fine. Taking a long a small light model (Black Diamond has a very nice one, it’s orange…) may certainly make you feel more comfortable.

If you’re leaving earlier, I would higly recommend an ice axe. I left Kennedy Meadows on June 1 this year. I loved my instep crampons (Petzl 6 points) and ice axe (65cm Black Diamond Raven Pro) dearly. And they saved my life for sure while climbing Whitney.

Above all, digging poop holes in the Sierras is pretty damn sweet with an ice axe…

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