The Salewa Alpine-Tec was the most mountaineering orientated axe in this selection. At 50cm long (or is that short?) it was an excellent length for a technical, steep terrain tool, but lacked the necessary length to be much use as a walking assistant. The shaft is simple and lacks a rubber grip, with the curve beginning quite low down. The included pommel did a good job of providing security in the hand, but the low curve meant that it was prevented from travelling more than halfway up the shaft. Consequently, a good plunge was hard to find!
Materials: Carbon Steel pick, Aluminum shaft, carbide spike | Technical rating: B (type 1) | Grip: none | Leash or Pommel: adjustable pommel | Lengths available: 50, 58cm
The Salewa Alpine-Tec was the sharpest tool in this selection box of ice axes, by a long way. The point and teeth cut effortlessly, and that plus the short shaft length meant this tool really shone when used to dagger uphill or cut into snow or ice above the head. The adze is nicely curved but quite shallow, so less effective than others here for cutting steps or ledges.
The spike here is much less effective – it’s a walking pole style carbide tip screwed into a plastic fixture. This has an advantage in that it can be easily replaced, but the plastic will deteriorate quickly on Scottish mixed ground and the carbide tip just isn’t aggressive enough to find decent purchase on ice. Overall, the Salewa Alpine-Tec felt very insecure as a walking assist tool.
Compare the Salewa Alpine-Tec with other models in our buyer’s guide to the best ice axes.
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