I've just got a mtn stick and just used it as a walking stick so far, and a mattock. For the accidental time when you find ice and didn't mean to it would be better than not having one - but isn't a rated ice axe yada yada. But most of the time a longer walking stick is what I use and this one seems alright.
I quite like it, its heavier than walking poles but also more useful, has a hearty spike on the end, seems pretty strong (so far so good) and is taller than an an ice axe which makes it a decent walking stick. I would rather have the Mtn stick descending slippery tussock as the longer length is more useful. I have not self arrested with it - and hope not to. Mine comes in at about 680 grams which is more than walking poles but about the same as a manuka stick. It digs a pretty good trench.
So, not an ice axe but better than not, pretty useful long walking stick, and excellent digging stick.
Bookmarks