As a former back country , and resort ski patroller just wanted to say great job on your ice axe self arrest presentation ....thats how its done !
@RadishUprooted2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, that means a lot!
@BonuxCouleur2 жыл бұрын
I would go shorter on the ice axe, the reason is not weight, lighter is just a bonus. The main reason is that an ice axe is not meant to be a cane per se. If the slope is so gentle that you are going to use your ice axe as a cane then you are better off using carbon sticks, they will give you more power and more stability. But since the object of an ice axe is MOUNTAINeering, where you ice axe is going to be most needed is when it gets steep and when it gets steep it is not just weight that matters, it is maneuverability. An ice axe that is too long can prove useless and even dangerous. Steeper means your body gets closer to the slope and closer to the slope means there is less space between you and the slope to maneuver. In situations where you need to make a decision fast, a life saving decision maybe even, a shorter ice axe is far more adapted than the magic stick of Gandalf the grey which makes for a great cane indeed. Especially one handed. You want to be able to smash your axe into the slope quickly instead of juggling with it, getting it stuck into your clothing or your backpack while trying to flex your elbow. The distance should not be between your hand and your ankle, the distance is going to be the space that will allow you to make that quick decisive movement that will secure your balance. My advice is to buy both: get yourself a pair of carbon sticks that you will use all season (forget about aluminium) - they are much cheaper these days - and get yourself a shorter ice axe for what it was designed for. For me the ice axe should be no longer than 55-60cm. I would say even more, get yourself a climbing kit with a hammer and ice screws bag, a harness and quickdraw. Because if you fall into a crevasse and survive the fall somehow which happens more often than people might think, relying only on your crampons and ice axe to climb your way up is going to prove... complicated to say the least. It will take time, effort and a few failed attempts and you don't want to risk falling any further. Of course if you're not wearing the harness it will be pointless. Minimizing weight while optimizing your movements is what we're looking for ultimately. Meaning if something goes wrong (mountaineering even at low altitude is no walk in the park after all) what do I need for me and and maybe also to rescue others. Great video but on subject like these talk with people and chose something that is going to be adapted to your need and terrain. Listen to people but listen to yourself also and be honest with yourself. In some small mountains I have often read comments from people who have done it saying "it is much easier than we thought it would be" so the temptation of doing it with less is great. There are times when I felt like an idiot wearing my harness and helmet, and felt completely over equipped. It is always when it is a first time for me. One in particular started with no snow, no rain, sunny weather perfectly dry, light wind. It was a first and as much as it bothered me I took the whole gear. It was a one day climb back and forth. Steep but nothing too technical, I could see how people doing it in perfectly dry weather could find it easy. The I reached the plateau, took the drone out, took a few photos and within half an hour the weather turned to heavy rain, not even snowy, just cold rain. The slab of granite I found easy on the way up was absolute black ice on the way down. The track luckily has wires, I could stay put my tent up but I know the weather could get worst and the weather forecast quite frankly is always a gamble in this part of the World. Had I not taken my harness... which is heavy, I would have had to stay till it gets dry. The granite slab is only about 500 meters but there is nothing to stop you if you start rolling down, even though it was slippery as hell, I made it slow and back to camp in one piece. Later during my trip I was told that experienced mountaineers died on this easy slab about every two years. And I could really see why someone who has climbed super technical steep mountains would find this track easy but as often when you look at professional climbers or pro sports people, parachutists or gliders who died in recent years, it often seem to happen during routine training in terrain and conditions they have done a billion times before. So, listen to others and trust your common sense and judgement as well. At the end of the day only you know what you're capable of, you don't want to find you're dead wrong when your life depends on it. Be safe, play it safe.
@CS-zb3km Жыл бұрын
Yo this dude is right!!
@andriibabarytskyi6475 ай бұрын
That was one hell of a read. Just a few days ago I went on a hike as I thought overequipped, I had crampons, carbon sticks, a short ice axe. But as I was progressing to the 2000m point, I understood that it was barely enough to do what I was doing. The worst part, I didn't check avalanche zones and went alone. At some point I've encountered a super steep descent about 45-55 degrees, I've put crampons first time in my life (thank god, I've tried to put them night before and learned how to strap them on). Whatever divine intervention it was, I've managed to finish half of my plan and reached an asphalted road which I followed to get to the nearest train station. The summer hike that should have taken 3.5 h took me 6.5 to finish half of it and another hour to get to train station (it's in a Switzerland). After getting into a rather dangerous situation, and contemplating on all possible outcomes, I came to conclusions, that were in this video - getting a partner, checking avalanches. After reading your comment I've decided for the next winter season I will get myself the rest of the aforementioned equipment. This risky tour didn't kill my interest in mountaineering, but definitely highlighted week spots of my preparation and knowledge. Again, I was lucky, especially lucky that I am a type of person that gets into a hobby and immediately buys tones of equip that they may never need after one time. In case of mountaineering this practice is not a flaw, but a necessity.
@hikingwithbarb9006 Жыл бұрын
What a great video! I loved the detail and it was very educational to someone who has never used an ice axe before. I am doing the PCT this year and need to go out and practice what I have learned from your video! Thanks so much for sharing!
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Glad you found it useful! Feel free to check out my videos from thru hiking the PCT in 2020, especially the sections in the Sierra where the ice axe was super critical. Good luck and enjoy the journey!
@trexinvert3 жыл бұрын
Great instructions. I don't alpine hike, but it surprises me when talking to some california hikers when I mention ice axe their response is, "what's an ice axe". I was hoping you could demonstrate the ice axe on a small patch of icy 60 degree slope, because that's where you really need it. Keep on.
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! It’s not the easiest or safest to film on that type of terrain precisely because that’s where you really do need your axe-but the concepts are all the same!
@Mr_J_J2 жыл бұрын
Ice axe masterclass! This Ted Talk make me feel ready to start practicing safely! 🙏
@EliasTragas Жыл бұрын
Super well organized presentation. Thank you for putting the time into doing this so well.
@user-nv5wj6xw1u Жыл бұрын
That was one of the clearest mountaineering videos I've watched!
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Thanks, I’m happy you got a lot out of it!
@michiestanley2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video! 🤩 The last positions while falling look like you could hit yourself in the eye with the axe so I guess using these techniques will require a lot of prior training before you get out there in the mountain. This video will literally save lives. And so well presented. Loved the light weight axe by the way, very sleek 😎
@KirstenBayes3 жыл бұрын
Good stuff, appreciated: really nicely presented! Black Diamond call the pointy bit at the bottom of the ice axe the "spike". I too think of it as the pick at the bottom.
@lifeoftheman2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video! I’ve never used an ice axe and I’ve recently decided that I want to try more mountaineering. I sport climbed a lot in my years but mountaineering just gets you out there to some amazing places and watching your video, which is so helpful and instructional, got me even more excited. Thank you for an amazing guide and tutorial 🙏🙌🏼😁
@scottiehozment66963 жыл бұрын
Really good information & instructions easy to understand and follow , thank you
@warisarabarnhart18353 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video. Very helpful for beginners!!
@SomeDudeSomewhereOverThere3 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Great video! Going to still practice before my summit trip on Hood in June
@hiking12132 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Appreciate you going through the trouble of teaching the details.
@burrianaUK Жыл бұрын
Really simple to follow instruction. Thank you. And I now know what type of axe I need for winter fell walking in The Lake District 👍🏼🙂
@bubba76263 жыл бұрын
Great vid! seems like such a critical tool especially for a beginner that as for me, I'm going to leash it up....
@eliomontes68982 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! Very useful!
@silvermediastudio Жыл бұрын
Phenomenal presentation! Covered all the bases.
@miyahosaka83613 жыл бұрын
This was great, thank you! I am going out to practice tomorrow :)
@Kelly_Explores Жыл бұрын
Super helpful in refreshing my knowledge and learning new techniques! Thank you!!
@phoenixkirchoff52682 жыл бұрын
Great instruction. And so nice to see one of my fav routes in the background up White River to Timberline and beyond🤙
@melaniematta8580 Жыл бұрын
This is the most informative video! So well organized!! Thank you🙌
@SwiftAnthony2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the instructions!
@ruhirc19 күн бұрын
Good details.
@carriebancroft3659 Жыл бұрын
Thank you SO MUCH for this!!! Now it’s time for me to practice!
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Practice a bunch and have fun!
@leontrotsky5312 жыл бұрын
Nice. Very informative.
@azbacnikorange Жыл бұрын
Excellent. Thank you so much for this video
@hahaurgd9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for this! This really helps a beginner like me! 😊
@RadishUprooted9 ай бұрын
Happy to help-Have fun and be safe!
@jerryrichards81722 жыл бұрын
I had to self arest going down glacier on Mt Shast. when the axe bit my momentum ripped the tool from my hand. I was useing a wrist strap to the ice axe was i hanging from that strap it was shocking and violent how fast it was removed from my hand.
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Glad you’re alright!
@tanmaybalutia11 ай бұрын
Loved it the information is really helpful
@erickjuarez50443 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video! Super helpful!
@BackcountryPilgrim2 жыл бұрын
Good info thanks!
@AmericanDrainWorks2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. great help is getting up and down. Hope to never have to arrest...
@Al-fr1bi Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great information.
@Tids_2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting the effort in to give us this great info! A new sub from me! Thanks
@wally1138 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Thank you!
@UAPReportingCenter2 жыл бұрын
Great job
@jackfabulous7582 жыл бұрын
I will be doing the mountaineers route on Whitney later this year and very thankful for for institutions brother 🤜🏼 🪓 🤛🏼
@RadishUprooted2 жыл бұрын
Good luck, have a blast!
@michaelbarger2078 Жыл бұрын
Thanks this is a great video I learned a lot.
@Kateyvr2 жыл бұрын
Amazing. Thanks.
@rockjays79262 жыл бұрын
Helpful video, however you should note to remove crampons if you are wearing them before glissading.
@jimsagubigula73372 жыл бұрын
Thank you sir.
@JReylord Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this!
@jenniferrussell-bickford50472 жыл бұрын
Your background looks like a green screen! Thank you for this informative video. I am on my final stretch of Colorado 14ers in which some require an ice axe. Want to go in as prepared as possible. Thank you for the guidance!
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Good luck and have fun!
@Kelly_Explores Жыл бұрын
I stumbled across your comment and just want to say if you need a buddy, I'm trying to get in some class 3s and 4s this summer! ;)
@aspmos10 ай бұрын
Excellent job, thanks I would prefer the demonstration would be done with a backpack
@yuliyanikiforets2 жыл бұрын
Very helpful!! Thank you so much
@LordQuiche3 жыл бұрын
Didn’t know any of that, thanks 🙏
@mmihaitiganus26482 жыл бұрын
Thanks for intel 👍🙏
@crephcrafterlp4899 Жыл бұрын
Great Video! Keep it up!
@patpodenski8465 Жыл бұрын
Good instructional video. Except when going uphill at an angle to the fall line, the ice axe should be advanced when in the position of balance. In other words when the uphill foot is ahead of the downhill foot. Climbing/walking in balance is fundamental good footwork that complements the use of the ice axe for self belay. Thanks for posting!
@sschmitt65572 ай бұрын
Agree. If you really need the ax, you shouldn't be standing on one foot while you move the ax and your other foot. 1. move downhill foot 2 move uphill foot 3 move ax To always maintain two points of contact.
@debraonthego39603 жыл бұрын
Great video!!!
@81radumata26 ай бұрын
Tks!Good job!
@franka76913 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot.
@crs1flo2 жыл бұрын
For the first time i used my first ice axe, the info in your video probably save my life, or at least saved me from falling of a sloap of aprox.500m. So thank you so much! One question: what snow shoes are in the video at the beagining?
@RadishUprooted2 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you’re okay, be careful out there! Those are the Altas Heliums.
@pell2222 жыл бұрын
Gave this a try today on some closed ski runs probably 25 degrees. I was surprised at how instinctive "keep the feet up" is, because that is what happens when you dig in with your knees, which you need to do to leverage your torso onto the pick. I thought I would have to actively think about that but I didn't and when I stopped and looked my feet were up. Highly recommend a helmet though it was NOT easy to convince my brain to purposefully launch headfirst and backwards down a mountain. I also think that in addition to head up/down, and back up/down, it is also important to practice uphill hand left/right, making 8 positions to practice. I realized that I really favored one side and had to remember to switch. I dont recall if you said it explicitly but i also noticed that you always first move towards where the pick is pointing to get it in the snow ASAP rather than move the pick to some other position e.g. when you fall on your back and have to roll over, you roll towards the pick direction.
@whitemexican3923 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for a fine video. One question: Is there any recommend as to placing tape on the long shaft in order that it night not slip from the hands?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Good question! You’ll notice that the vast majority of the time, you’re really only holding the axe by the head, not by the shaft, in order to self arrest or self belay. So tape isn’t necessary. The only times you’re really holding the axe by the shaft would be on steeper slopes where you’re using it more as an ice tool. In these cases, you’ll want a more aggressive ice axe with either a curve in the shaft, or depending on the climb you may want an full on ice tool. Both of these styles have actual grips on the shafts for exactly the reason you were asking about.
@u37dsb Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your video. These basic techniques are very useful to me. If I drop my Ice Axe, could a hiking pole act like an ice axe in some situations?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
If you drop your axe and find yourself needing to self arrest, use anything you can to dig into the snow and slow your fall. It could be a trekking pole, an elbow, another piece of gear you may have. If you’re worried about dropping your axe, you can look into using a leash-but these have pros and cons for different scenarios so just be sure to read up on them first.
@rwpavel3 жыл бұрын
I know it's July, but how about a video on using crampons sometime before winter. Very nice video on the ice axe btw!
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
Great idea! Once we get some snow here in the Cascades this winter I’ll try to put one together.
@TheHikingChick13 жыл бұрын
Excellent video Kyle. I'd love to see this with full pack on too for PCT. For my PCT hike this year I was considering purchasing an ice axe on the way if it turns out to be necessary for Apache and San Jacinto. I'm assuming that would mean hitching to Idyllwild from Paradise Cafe to purchase. Would you recommend that or purchasing in advance. I start mid April and I know this is all weather dependent. Just trying to decide whether to purchase now or on trail. I've never used one so would need to find a place to practice before getting back on trail? How did you handle for 2020?
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
I’d recommend checking out both my “PCT Gear Picks” video on Sierra Gear and my trail vlogs from the “Major Passes” of the Sierra to see how I carried the axe on my pack setup-I go over it in those! As far as San J, you are probably fine with a mid-April start without an ice axe, but conditions may change so you can hitch into Idyllwild from Paradise Valley Cafe to grab one if it looks like you’ll need it. You’re more likely to only need micro spikes. Otherwise, just buy one from Triple Crown Outfitters in Kennedy Meadows before entering the High Sierra! I practiced with my axe before I set out on trail (I also started mid March so I knew I’d need one early on), but if you aren’t purchasing ahead of time, just find a small slope with a safe runout on trail and practice a bunch before you head up to dangerous terrain.
@TheHikingChick13 жыл бұрын
@@RadishUprooted Thank you! That's kinda what I was leaning toward. Just a little sketched out because of what happened to Trevor. I'll go rewatch your videos. I so enjoyed your 2020 trek.
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
For sure, that was incredibly sad. He was super early in the season so conditions were very different from what you may encounter. One week of weather can change everything. Keep on eye on the forecast and Guthook comments, and prepare to hop off trail to get the appropriate equipment if needed! Best of luck, have a blast!
@TheHikingChick13 жыл бұрын
@@RadishUprooted that's the plan! Thank you!
@wileycoyote5563 жыл бұрын
It's probably too late for this to be of much help, but if you are on the fence about bringing an ice axe, then check out the camp corsa nanotech. It's aluminum with a steel pick and spike, my wife has one and has found it to work quite well, and it only weighs about 280grams.
@ericclaptonsrobotpilot72762 жыл бұрын
Being average height but having short arms is weird when it comes to ice axes. I have to use a Grivel G1 axe that is two sizes longer than it should be to reach the ankle.
@j.w.2093 Жыл бұрын
Any tricks for descending slopes instead of climbing?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Nothing particular unless you have a specific scenario you have questions about-just keep in mind the majority of injuries happen on the descent so don’t over exhaust yourself on the climb-that’s only half of your trip! Specifically for your ice axe, remember to keep it in your uphill hand even as descending. Depending on the snow conditions you can try plunge stepping (if soft) or side stepping (if crusty).
@SigfridSWE Жыл бұрын
The crampons you used, brand?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
They’re the Grivel Air Techs!
@angelak.french93403 жыл бұрын
In practicing, it is relatively easy to grab the shaft near the spike. In reality though, in the split second, how easy is it to find the shaft/spike to grab?
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
It all comes down to muscle memory honestly! Practice, practice, practice until it becomes pure instinct.
@user-ki4cg5xz7i7 ай бұрын
Are you sure that's the Raven Pro and not just the Raven? The Raven Pro ice axe has a curve in it where the Raven is straight like in your video.
@RadishUprooted7 ай бұрын
Yep you’re correct! The one we use in the video is the standard Raven model.
@darianlow42962 жыл бұрын
Great video! I'm new to backcountry travel in the winter but am quite addicted already .. I've taken an avalanche safety skills course but have always been curious at what point/terrain people start using ice axes. I've done some pretty steep routes this year already and I imagine falling on this routes would not be fatal but could lead to unwanted tumbling .. I suppose something slightly steeper / harder may require ice axes. Some trip reports I have read on future routes have mentioned ice axes as a recommendation... Thoughts?
@RadishUprooted2 жыл бұрын
Ice axe terrain is really any snowy or icy terrain that if you fell, you could enter an uncontrolled slide or fall. Usually that means a slope of a certain steepness, or dangerous terrain traps below you-but it’s not always limited to just those cases. When in doubt, take one with you, and eventually you’ll get an intuition for where it’s needed and where it’s not. Glad you’re having fun out there, stay safe!
@darianlow42962 жыл бұрын
@@RadishUprooted great thanks for the feedback! Cheers..
@jerryrichards81722 жыл бұрын
did I miss the part where you cover the proper hand grip on the tool and why ?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Hi there! You should find some info on the correct grip for each use case (self belay, self arrest, etc) during their respective demos. If you have specific questions I didn’t cover, I’m happy to answer them here!
@RollrightKnights Жыл бұрын
What about self arrest wearing a backpack?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
It functions the exact same way, but a bit harder to maneuver if you fall on your back. That’s why it’s critical to practice and build that muscle memory for more difficult arrest scenarios.
@escapeartist65462 жыл бұрын
Is it a good idea to keep the handle spike end elevated? im just thinkn that if you got up speed and accidently dug the end in it might catapult me?
@RadishUprooted2 жыл бұрын
It’s highly unlikely given the dynamics of your fall that the spike would “catapult” you. Your main goal is to drive the head of the axe into the snow as quickly and securely as possible, before you begin to pick up speed. Pivoting on your body to leverage your own weight is key. The main concern with the spike is to keep it away from your vital organs (ie down and out).
@SenatorNyxen3 жыл бұрын
Is that adze end for anything in particular? Looked like it was always the pick going into the snow.
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
The adze can be used for cutting steps into ice and also aids in building snow anchors!
@SenatorNyxen3 жыл бұрын
@@RadishUprooted thanks!
@patrickprice32302 жыл бұрын
I use a spork
@amonster8mymother Жыл бұрын
Do I sharpen the adze? When I am walking how do I use A Lanyard to my harness?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
Unless you hit a bunch of rocks with your adze repeatedly, you shouldn’t need to sharpen it. It’s mostly for cutting in steps to a slope, doesn’t need to be razor sharp (and shouldn’t be). As for a leash, that depends on the terrain and tools you’re using. I tend to not use a leash for glacier axes, as I don’t want it tethered to me if I fall and don’t have a good grip on it. Plus I don’t like switching hands that the leash is attached to with each switch back. If you’re wearing a harness and want to use a leash, you could girth hitch it to that. For anything vertical, you’ll want to use a dual leash for your ice tools and attach them to your harness. Basically think about your tool and terrain in each specific case and choose what you feel is best.
@amonster8mymother Жыл бұрын
@@RadishUprooted ok thanks. I was thi king of girth hitching a walking axe.
@amonster8mymother Жыл бұрын
Is glacier axe and walking axe same?
@RadishUprooted Жыл бұрын
I haven’t heard the term “walking axe” but it might be used in other parts of the world than where I live. My guess is they’re the same. Longer, typically straighter shafts intended for low angle glacier.
@scottgrafelman23903 жыл бұрын
What brand are those gloves, gaiters and crampons?
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
The gloves are Gordini Fuse, gaiters are Outdoor Research Crocodiles, and the crampons are Grivel Steel Air Tech 12pt
@healthcoachadrian2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely no one has a video on how to descend a mountain safely. & that’s where most people get hurt in mountaineering
@christyph3382 Жыл бұрын
Where is your helmet 🪖. Thanks for sharing how to use an ice axe.
@jinx79952 жыл бұрын
I don’t even own one it’s just 1Am and I’m sick
@darian41313 жыл бұрын
Sweet jacket. Is than at Atom AR ?
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It’s the Atom LT. Found it in a used gear sale for $50, and it retails for $270😆
@darian41313 жыл бұрын
@@RadishUprooted that’s so sick! How’s the warmth? Would you have replaced your nano puff on the pct with it? Super torn between which to get for my upcoming thruhike! 😓
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
It’s great! Warmer than the nanopuff but also more breathable than the nanopuff. The hood and the sleeve cuffs are extremely well designed. I’d def replace the nanopuff with it (not taking into account the huge price difference).
@darian41313 жыл бұрын
@@RadishUprooted Sick !! Thanks for the response. Just purchased. Bank acct sore but stoke is HIGH
@hiddenverses3 жыл бұрын
How are you liking the BD ice axe? I was wondering how the epoxy is holding up
@RadishUprooted3 жыл бұрын
No complaints or epoxy issues so far! I personally like my Petzel Sumit Pro a fair bit better but they are all fine axes.