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
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to:
Helix Potty Trowel REVIEW
I want one to try out. 55 or 65cm. Brian is still gone though right?
1. I have had the head bend on mine when using it as a potty trowel.
2. The pick is a bit short making for stopping in loose snow.
3. I've arrested several times, pulled myself up rock/ice gullys without any problems (ie the head has not detached).
4. As for cutting steps; my experience in hard snow is that it just doesn't cut very well–perhaps I babied it too much knowing its carbon fiber but there's just not enough heft. Additionally the adaze isn't very sharp and doesn't sharpen well or maintain an edge.
As a safety item when your use will be limited to self arrest its light weight makes it very attractive.
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