This is a preview of a member exclusive premium article.

In the middle of 2007 the author and his wife spent three months walking in France. While it was meant to be summer, the chances of snow on the high cols was real and we wanted something very light to add just a little safety in the snow. Conventional ice axes were too heavy to be justified, but we felt that the very light weight of a Medium-length 'Potty Trowel' was justifiable. It was used quite a bit, both as a real potty trowel and as an aid in the snow, but we never got any further than 'walking' with it. While not perfect in all details, it can be recommended for those walking trips where a little more security is needed.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

  • Introduction
  • What's Good
  • What's Not So Good
  • Specifications: Manufacturer, Year/Model, Sizes and prices, Parameters, Shaft, Spike, Head
  • Caution
  • Design and Construction
  • ULA Comments on Design
  • Field Testing - as an Ice Axe
  • Field Testing - as a Potty Trowel
  • Ice Axe Certification
  • What's Unique
  • Recommendations for Improvement

# WORDS: 3630
# PHOTOS: 6
# TABLES: 1

--- End of free preview ---
Member Exclusive

A Premium or Unlimited Membership* is required to view the rest of this article.

MembershipLogin

* A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events