DMM SPIRE £65

Embarrassing most of the competition in terms of both price and performance, the newest addition to DMM’s range of ice axes is the Spire. A lightweight anodised aluminium shaft is combined with a high strength steel alloy head, resulting in a modern piolet with just enough heft to perform reliably on snow, ice and névé. It also comes in four lengths, from 55cm to 75cm.

VERDICT A meticulously designed and supremely well-made winter hillwalking and general mountaineering axe, crafted in

DMM’s factory in north Wales.