Camp HL 250 Ice Axe

Advantages: Cheap, relativly light
Disadvantages: Leash comes off

...and cracked by being used in grade III winter climb on thin ice with hard rock under the ice. When holding the axe head in your hand and putting weight on the head, you will get a sore hand after a while, although this is quit common. The axe feels fairly comfortable enough, to use when held acros the chest, and the wist strip looks and feels studry enough, The strap can travel from the top of the shaft to almost 3/4 to the bottom of the shaft where it is stopped by a welded on ring that keeps the lease on the shaft. The lease also has a plastic adjustment to make sure it fits the wrist snuggly. The axe, although light does have enough weight in the head to make penetrating solid ice relativly easy. Having practised on a steep (and yes safe slope) for a while, i felt confident enough to take the Anoch Engich ridge in Glen Coe with in. After... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Comfy, tough, practical and adaptable - the best
Disadvantages: Bombproof fabrics and construction mean its a bit heavy

...the Black Ice is probably the one to pick. I am on my second one of these now (first was stolen) and the latest design is even better with a removable waist strap. The simple back system stays the same though which is good (this sack like many Pods has to fit you and you buy the back length to suit, no fragile adjustable back systems here). At 6' tall with a long back length I use a size 3, but its maybe a good idea to try before you buy rather than purchase over the internet to be sure the whole thing suits you and your needs. Capacity wise its pretty big, the claimed 42 litres being generous enough for full winter walking gear, major climbing days out or some long distance lightweight camping. The lid compartment is also pretty generous So what don't I like, well other than the highish empty weight (but hey this sac will last a lifetime... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great for sking, many pockets
Disadvantages: Can't think of any, such a good bag

...This is the perfect rucksack for any adventurers out there, with many pockets for specific uses, like a soft pocket for goggles or glasses, a pocket for avalanche probes, and a pocket and hole for mp3 player and head phones, also great for biking due to the 2 litre hydration pack that is neatly stored haning from the bag, the tube has a lock so no water can dribble out. Very thin and extremely compfortable. the fabric is very durable and has two buckles to hold ski's blades or a snowboard vertically or horizontally, paded waist strap and many loops and clips to hold ice axes spades and keys. An overall great adventure rucksack for any skiers, snowboarders bikers or climbers.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful