Grivel G-Zero £70

+ Great price, plastic head cover, comfortable, durable

- Pick and adze not technical or aggressive, quite heavy

Why overcomplicate things? This nononsense ice axe is ideal for the beginner winter hillwalker, with a simple steel blade and adze, straight shaft, removable plastic cover for comfort and thermal protection, and an adjustable webbing leash with rubber tip for the spike.

At 479g, it’s a tad heavy for a non-technical axe, but some may find additional stability and security in the extra weight. The £70 price is competitive and four bright colourways are available (pink ice axe, anyone?). The shaft is constructed from aluminium while the blade is steel.

The pick and adze aren’t particularly aggressive, but for less technical use they suffice. The axe’s most striking feature, however, is the soft, rubber-like plastic cover that fits over the centre of the axe head. This significantly enhances comfort when you’re holding the axe in walking mode. It also insulates your fingers from the coldness of the steel and protects them from the sharper edges and teeth of the pick.

All in all, the G-Zero does the basics very efficiently and is ideal as a ‘just in case’ safety tool for beginner mountaineers. A plastic axe guard, which covers the blade tip and adze, is sold separately for £7.95. ■ Lengths 58cm, 66cm, 74cm

■ Weight 479g (66cm, including wrist leash and plastic cover) ■ Strength rating 1/ B-rated ■ Wrist leash included? Yes

Verdict

A walking ice axe with a straight shaft and no-fuss design – but the adze and pick aren’t particularly aggressive.

Features Carrying comfort Lightness Performance Value for money