Climbing a mountain requires strong endurance and the right set of equipment, especially when navigating a mountain during winter. To climb an iced mountain, a trekker needs ropes, crampons, and of course, picks. Mountaineering offers a wide range of types of activities that cover the thrill of climbing a hill under different conditions and challenges. But like any adventure, safety must always be prioritized. 

Over the years, climbing iced mountains was just a segment of crossing obstacles during rock or mountain climbing. When travelers encounter an iced section, they will perform a traverse method to continue the trail upward. The challenge and thrill fruited into the idea that climbing on ice could be another exciting activity to try.

Ice climbing is now practiced as an independent mountaineering activity. Considered as the most popular climbing venues, frozen waterfalls and glaciers are steep and challenging mountaineering environments that are not for noobs and beginners. However, with an appropriate tool, anyone can be a champ and brave through the icy and slippery mountains. 

Trekkers sometimes hover into mixed climbing, which involves the combination of snow, rock, and ice. Due to the fact that ice climbing is exposed to greater risks and cold weather conditions, it is identified as the most extreme sport among the three mountaineering ventures.

An ice axe can help climbers manage the slopes. But the best ice pick elevates the whole experience of ice mountaineering as trekkers use the tool to get through crevasses, avalanches, and other inclement conditions. The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe offers a modern approach to ice climbing and exerts maximum strength with a lightweight composition. 

The best ice axe should meet the basics while covering the demands of today’s market. The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe is a product that uses the advantages of technology to improve its efficiency and performance on being a dependable tool for ice climbing adventures. Discover the impressive features of the Grivel G Zero Ice Axe in this detailed review. 

Grivel G Zero Ice Axe Review 

Design

The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe is made with high attention to detail. Its design is brought about by the influence of technology and innovation. Aiming to be part of the line-up of advanced and modern alpine equipment, the Grivel G Zero Ice Axe features an ergonomic and neutral design, making each climb feather-light and comfortable. 

The one-piece head is built with minimal weight without the expense of sacrificing the strength that an ice axe ought to give off. The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe’s classic and modern touch assures the climbers a flexible experience and  a hassle-free trek even on ice. 

The manufacturer is known to be one of the producers of high standard equipment since 1818. In the ever-changing industry of innovation, specifically on functional tools for recreational activities, the Grivel followed the flow and made every device and equipment adaptive to the diverse needs of the modern world. 

The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe blade is insulated through innovation. With the modernized blade feature, the climbers can hold the axe all day, free from the contact of cold metal, injuries, risks, and acute accidents. The length of the ice axe measures 58 cm x 66cm x 74 cm and such dimensions are accorded to the standard of safety and secured climbing protocol. The shaft is formed in a straight shape while the pick is molded into a classic curve.

Weighing 280 kg, the shovel, shaft, and grip of the Grivel G Zero Ice are designed to be resistant to impacts and ice collisions. The ice axe is usually exposed to different types of forces during the climb and how it is designed matters most to determine the course of its limits and best features. 
 

Build quality

Every tool has its limits — even the best mountaineering axe that ever existed. However, a piece of equipment can be formulated to minimize curb and expand more in the attributed area if it is built from quality materials. The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe is made of carbon steel composition. Metals and steels are great materials to overcome standard tool limitations.

Steel can be distorted with rust when continuously utilized, yet a carbonated one is a composite that does not corrode. The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe is a lightweight tool with extreme strength that acts as a dependable pick for ice climbing. The shaft, particularly, withstands different unfavorable elements that a trekker might encounter while climbing the ice hills. 

The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe underwent the process of hot-drop forging. The method of hot drop forging is popular among steel products. To get the best possible stamina of steel, the stool is beaten under a huge block of granite to align the fiber contained from the element and associate it to the intensity and volume of maximum strength. The fibers of steel are naturally aligned but usually scattered in sequence. Hot drop forging fixes the matter and transforms the steel to the best ice axe within the particular length of the blade. 

The Grivel ice axe is indeed durable and obstruction resistant, considering that technology and traditional methods worked hand in hand to produce an ice climbing tool that can withstand and overcome the limits of mountaineering activities. 

Performance

Every climber will definitely want to have the best ice axe for self arrest. If rocky mountains are tough enough to conquer, the icy hills triple the difficulty and it might be impossible for a trekker to take the challenge when he or she is not confident with the performance rate of their ice axe. With its ability to cast strength in traversing the loops, the Grivel G Zero Ice Axe might just save the day.

Because of its minimal weight, the Grivel G Zero Ice Axe is a lot more manageable than most ice picks with heavy compositions. True enough, many people are deceived with the thought that the heavier the tool, the more efficient it is. The notion is clearly not the right way to determine the quality of equipment, especially not when it comes to the mechanisms of ice climbing. The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe proves that an ice climbing tool can be effective and lightweight even with its high quality carbonated steel material composition. 

Though holding the Grivel G Zero Ice Axe is just like holding a plain stick, the ice axe has a maximum strength enough to bite the icy ground and secure a safe self-arrest when the need arises. It is also easy to traverse since one does not need to exert a lot of force and effort to perform such an ice climbing technique. 

The insulating and ergonomic blade is a removable feature, allowing climbers to firmly hold the axe on its head without the risk of injuries and other dangers of accidental hand contact with the blade. 

Benefits

Safe to Use

The Grivel G Zero Ice Axe provides convenient protection for climbers. The blade of the ice axe comes with a cover that greatly serves the purpose of offering protection from injuries, even if a climber will hold the axe by its head. It also protects the hand from high-altitude expeditions, low temperatures, and cold metal contact.    

Durable

Formulated by the hot drop forged method, the carbonated steel is made durable and resistant to impact and rough climbing conditions. The Grivel ice axe also arrives with a heavy-duty leash that can be used to attach the axe to the climber’s wrist. One can utilize the ice axe without the leash, but it may fall off when a trekker fails to hold the head of the tool during slippery paths or tough crevices. 

Lightweight

Whether traversing, belaying, or self-arresting, the Grivel G Zero Ice Axe can make an ice climbing activity more manageable with its lightweight composition. Climbers will be able to swing the axe and let it bite the ground with ease. 

Maneuverable

The shape of the ice axe is one of the features that make the tool maneuverable and easy to use. The Grivel ice axe pick is designed with a classical and neutral curve that promotes a comfortable hold even after hours of climbing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sharpen my ice axe?

Ice climbing tools, such as an axe, need to be sharpened to sustain their efficiency. To sharpen an ice axe, you can get a small bench grinder. Brush the axe slowly to avoid heating up the pick. Get a cup of water and try to cool down the pick after sharpening. Sharpen the ice axe until the dull metal appears shiny and the edge is as sharp as a knife. 


Sharpening your ice pick is most recommended for almost every climbing activity. If your axe has a razor-sharp pick, it will help you yield a more secure placement and fracture the ice easily without giving off extra effort. 

What is the most recommended ice axe material?

A carbon fiber ice axe is the most recommended ice tool for climbing. They are designed to climb steep ice and rock mountains. The pick or head of a carbon fiber ice axe is made of steel to guarantee firm durability. A carbon fiber ice axe is also a lightweight tool perfect for any climbing condition.

A primary ice tool and fully functional, a carbon fiber axe definitely has a weight advantage and is easy to maneuver even on high and slippery ice mountaineering activities. A carbon fiber ice axe comes in great ranges. offering a wide choice for climbers who want to find the most suitable tool for them according to mountaineering conditions and personal preferences.

How do I attach the ice axe to my backpack?

Hold the adze and the axe upright and slide them through the back part of your bag. Try to swirl the axe to position the pick inwards. You have to flip the shaft and secure it inside your backpack. In case you fall, the adze will be attached to your hip and you’ll prevent getting injured by the sharp pick. 

Others also use a leash and attach the axe to their wrists. However, connecting the axe to your wrist has its fair share of disadvantages as well. When you have to turn around, it might be difficult for you to move quickly and avoid the pick from coming into contact with your hand or limbs. 

What are the other functions of an ice axe?

Other than using the ice axe for climbing, you can also use it as a mode for a secure method of self-arrest during downhill slips. The slopes of an ice mountain have an enormous number of downhill slips that can cause you to tumble down and attain a dangerous injury. 

The ice axe is a good alternative for straining yourself from falling and entangling the tool to bite the ground and help you retrieve your balance during the slip. Look for an ice axe that is recommended for multiple uses, specifically the ones that passed the standard protocol for climbing. 

What can cause an ice axe to rust?

Some manufacturers are using a special kind of metal or steel that can withstand conditions that may trigger your tool to rust. If you have an ordinary ice axe, you can protect your tool from the shores, climbing environments near saltwater, and places that can be covered with ocean air. The particles can easily land to your tool and cause your axe to rust. 

Snowy conditions can result in the same faith, yet nothing can beat an area where salt air is dominant. Choose an environment where the shore is not visible and try to look for a spot that is free of saltwater. There are available rust removers, but none of them can really assure that your ice axe can revive its natural quality.