UKH

I've just bought a new ice axe and would really like to find a simple leash for it. My old Cassin has a hand-sized loop of tape attached to a metal ring, and the metal ring just slides up and down the shaft of the axe (it's stopped from falling off by a metal bolt towards the bottom of the shaft). It's great to use because you can easily swap hands, it's easily removed if needed, and when you are using it there isn't fifteen feet of tape flapping around everywhere. However, I've not been able to find anything similar for purchase in the UK. The Camp Touring Leash (http://www.camp.it/prodotti3.aspx?CAT=22&CDV=02&B=&ART=|588 ) seems close, but is only available from the US or Norway, both being about £5 for the leash but £35 postage.

I've emailed the UK distributor for Camp to see if they can help, but wondered if anyone has any suggestions for alternatives please?

In reply to haydn:

DMM used to do a great one for the walking/alpine version of the Raptor but I can't find it on their web site unfortunately. Grivel also do a basic leash that looks ok, but it looks a bit more faffy than the old DMM one.

http://www.grivel.com/products/ice/accessories/40-long_leash

In reply to haydn:

I wonder if you could make a leash?

In reply to haydn:
It looks like an O-ring of the right size could be used to stop your leash from sliding off, meaning you 'just' need to work on the loop part which goes around the axe shaft - perhaps putting a nylon sling around the shaft and then knotting it tightly around it (so you have a small O or top of a figure of -->8 around the shaft) would be enough for it to butt up against the O-ring and not slide off the end?

http://image.rakuten.co.jp/camp-star/cabinet/27/cmp-axe-010-001.jpg

If the sling is still too long, I guess you could put an overhand knot in it near the shaft end to make it the right length?

In reply to haydn:

Making a leash has got to be the way forward.

In reply to haydn:
The DMM one is available here http://www.needlesports.com/4259/products/dmm-standard-leash.aspx or http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/dmm-standard-ice-axe-leash-f1a22003

The CAMP one you mention seems available from here: https://www.baechli-bergsport.ch/Dragonne-avec-anneau-Camp-Dragonnes/-Acces... however I can't find out the postage cost without entering my details.

Hopefully the distributor for CAMP will be able to help.

In reply to haydn:
Would recommend one of the blue ice leashes http://www.blueice.com/product/boa-leash/ and I know grivel make a single one for walking axes. One end is larks footed onto the axe, the other is clipped to you somewhere (camera sling or rucsac strap.) It prevents dropping the axe but allows easy hand swapping, etc. Disadvantage is that you don't get a wrist loop, but I'm not sure if you use one anyway?

Homemade versions can be made with bungy threaded through tubular tape.

In reply to Fiona Reid:

Managed to find out the postage from Bachli Sport now. It's 40 CHF thus no better than the USA suppliers you already found. Unless of course you have a friend in Switzerland that could pop into a store....

In reply to Timmd:

Back in the day I made my own ones from a length of 10mm tape and a wee bit of garden hose for cinching onto your wrist.

In reply to haydn:
Could you put a metal bolt through your newer ice axe and do the same as on your Cassin?

Edit: My dad may have the same axe, with his being the first all metal axe? He's said the leash saved his life on a couple of occasions while out in the hills.

In reply to Mark Bull:


Thats what I still use, both on walking axe and the now decidedly non technical Vertiges. Works fine, although I think I've used heavier weight pipe than garden hose.

In reply to Fiona Reid:

Actually, for simplicity, I particularly like the Grivel Long Leash: http://www.needlesports.com/4249/products/grivel-long-leash-pjlonggl.aspx . The captive spike guard on the wrist loop is really useful. I see we're out of stock at present - I'll look into it.

Thanks all, I may well investigate the home-made option if Plan A doesn't work (below).

In reply to Fiona Reid:

This is definitely the way forward! Thank you!