Winter is coming upon us quite fast, and those who enjoy mountaineering and mountain climbing will soon be able to go out and put their gear to good use! Getting prepared for climbing and making sure that all of your equipment is in order is essential before going out and tackling a tough climb.

Making sure that you are equipped with the best and most effective pieces of gear is of utmost importance. Not only will having reliable gear ensure that you ascend to your destination safely, but that you make it back down knowing that you can rely on your tools to get you back home safely.

Of course, one of the key pieces of equipment that any winter climber needs in their kit is an ice axe. Having a reliable ice axe can truly make the difference in whether or not you are successful in your climb. Aside from that, you need to have a dependable and consistent ice axe in order to keep you safe while traversing the slopes and inclines of a mountain or hill.

If you didn’t already know, an ice axe is a tool used by mountaineers which serves many different purposes. When hiking, climbing, or mountaineering, an ice axe assists the climber in ascending and descending the incline safely.

They are especially useful in conditions which are snowy or frozen, as the ice axe can be driven into the snow or ice, giving the climber a good grip and securing them in place. This way they can either safely descend or climb up on the mountain.

The Grivel G1 Ice Axe is a wonderful example of a reliable and useful ice axe that gets the job done, while remaining light and durable. The G1 gives the user a very strong grip on the surface while staying lightweight and comfortable when in use.

Many have found the Grivel G1 extremely useful and dependable in a number of situations. It performs considerably well in snowy conditions, and extended use of this tool won’t cause any strain to the user due to the ergonomic design.

We will be going over some in-depth details of the Grivel G1 Ice Axe and bring forth exactly what makes it such a superior ice axe and why it is a great choice for any mountaineer, hiker, or climber looking for the best mountaineering axe available.

Grivel G1 Ice Axe Product Review

Design

The Grivel G1 Ice Axe does not disappoint when it comes to looks. Coming in a variety of 3 different colors, green, yellow, and pink, this tool will definitely stand out and give a bit of flair to your kit.

With a very simple head made of high-quality steel and a neatly formed adze seated behind it, you will be able to wield this tool with great effect and be quite pleased to know that it does not just look nice – but it performs quite well also.

The shape of the Grivel G1 is nothing fancy, and that is exactly what you want to see out of this type of tool. The simple, straight shaft of the G1 is what sets it apart from the competition. The shaft and head work extremely well together to offer the user superior self-arresting potential.

When it comes to the appearance of the tool alongside its purpose and usefulness, it truly does not disappoint. While having an ice axe that is nice to look at, you will also find a very capable and dependable tool that can get you through many different climbs and travels.

Build Quality

The Grivel G1 Ice Axe brings quite a bit to the table in terms of usefulness, and some of its unique features and design decisions set it apart quite nicely from the competition.

Also, when compared to similarly priced ice axes, you will find that the hot-forged head of this ice axe is remarkably durable and outperforms nearly every other competitor.  Unlike most similarly priced ice axes, the head of the G1 is not only carbon steel that has been hot-forged, but it is riveted as well as glued right into the shaft, rather than only being glued on.

You will find that the aluminum shaft of the G1 is wonderfully constructed to bring the user as much comfort as possible with every swing. Not only this, but the lightweight nature of the G1 means that you won’t be overly encumbered when carrying it about.

Performance

Coming in at just around one pound for the 58cm model of the G1, you will find that carrying this ice axe around either in your pack or in your hands won’t cause any discomfort, and you will still be able to self-arrest and dig into snow without issue. 

When looking at the Grivel G1 in terms of its self-arrest potential, you may come to decide that it is the best self-arrest ice axe in its category. While remaining lightweight and easy to swing and use, the G1 still maintains its ability to dig into the snow and offer the user very solid placements.

The head on this ice axe has been tested to bite into the snow very efficiently and hold well within soft snow. With the slight curve offered by the shaft of the G1, you will notice that it self-arrests more than adequately and outperforms similar ice axes which are built with straight shafts.

Weight of the axe is focused more towards the top of the tool, meaning that swinging and digging into snow or ice is made easier, as the tool actively works with you to dig in deep and give you a superior hold.

The straight pick of the G1 is great, as it digs right into the snow easily and quickly without bouncing off or clattering when attempting a self-arrest. Arguably one of the most important features of an ice axe, being able to perform such a clean and dependable self-arrest at this price point is not to be scoffed at.

When taking a look at the performance of the G1 for steep ice and snow climbs, it performs slightly above average when compared to competing ice picks. The head on the G1 is not overly aggressive in its dig, but it is good enough to tackle moderately snowy and icy paths. 

The fact that the head is not very aggressive is part of the reason for why this is such a great axe for self-arrests.

Those who would like to use this axe as an improvised anchor will be quite pleased to know that it is rated as CEN B. This means that you can use it as a deadman in order to handle moderately heavy loads.

Driving the axe into the snow is an easy affair, and it sits well without budging. Keep in mind that the hole in the G1’s head is known to not work with all carabiners as it is a bit on the small side.

With its well designed and hot-forged adze, the Grivel G1 has no issues with digging and chopping out snow for various uses. Even icy snow does not pose any problems when using the adze of the G1, and it performs this job with much more ease than similar axes in its category.

Benefits

Durable

For starters, the Grivel G1 is built to last, and you will find that it is extremely durable when compared to other ice axes in its class. The head of the ice axe is made out of very robust and highly durable carbon steel, which has been hot-forged in order to give it added strength.

On the back end of the pick, there is an equally durable adze which will allow the user to chop and dig into even hard snow with ease. This adze is hot-forged and made of the same carbon steel that the pick is made of.

Comfortable and Lightweight

The Grivel G1 Ice Axe is a dependable, durable, and comfortable ice axe that is perfect for general use, and gets the job done well. It is built with comfort and usability in mind, and this is showcased in its lightweight aluminum frame, which makes swinging and digging into snow or ice an effortless process. Its carbon steel head has been hot-forged to provide the user with a durable and reliable tool to grip into ice and snow for many seasons of climbing.

Efficient

You will get quite a good amount of efficiency out of this tool. As stated previously, the pick itself digs and holds very well in snow and ice, while the adze is perfect for chopping and carving out emplacements for your tent and other items.

Manageable

When using the Grivel G1, you will find that carrying around either in your hand or on your pack will not be any strain at all. Due to the lightweight frame and build quality of the tool, carrying it around when not in use is very comfortable and manageable by the user.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Axe Length Should I Choose?

When trying to decide which axe length to choose from, you will want to stand in a comfortable position and hold the head of the axe in one hand, with the adze facing forward. The spike of the axe should be level with your ankle or at most one inch above your ankle. Choose the best ice pick that fits these criteria.

What Type of Shaft Should I Choose?

There are two types of shafts for ice axes. In general, you will want to use a classic ice axe (one with a straight shaft) when you are mountaineering and aiming to summit a peak. Those with curved or bent shafts are more suited for climbing, and they are considerably shorter in length and used in pairs for very steep slopes. 

If you are not climbing, then choose a classic ice axe which will provide you with good grip and self-arrest potential.

What Features Should I Look for When Buying an Ice Axe?

First off, you will want to look for an ice axe which offers a durable and sturdy pick which will last. The last thing you want is a cheaply made axe which has a shoddy pick head. Steel heads which are firmly attached to the shaft is what you want to keep an eye out for.

The pick is what you will use the most, as it is how you will be able to hook into the snow and be able to maneuver yourself about, as well as self-arrest should you ever slide down the slope. For summiting, look for a pick which has a classic curve in order to provide you with the best self-arrest potential.

For the shaft of the tool, find one that is lightweight while still remaining resilient and strong. An overly heavy ice axe will be very uncomfortable to wield in your hand while also adding extra weight to your pack when not in use. If you are traversing steep terrain, then take an axe with a curved shaft. If not, go for a straight shaft.

Also make sure to take into account the adze of the tool, as well. The adze will serve as your tool for cutting out steps and seats in the snow or ice, as well as clearing space for your tent. Having a sturdy and reliable adze is just as important as having a good pick.

Lastly, take into account the proper length of the ice axe. Getting an axe that is too long or too short will result in you not being able to comfortably use the tool, and may even result in you not being able to properly self-arrest.