CAMP Corsa Ice Axe
The CAMP Corsa Ice axe is ridiculously lightweight. It is perfect for technical rando races and light duties such as basic ski mountaineering, glacier travel, and self-arrest. It can also be used in a pinch as an anchor. The Corsa meets all CE and UIAA requirements for strength and durability, and its clean design provides surprising performance in a super-light package.
- Forged aluminum pick and adze can take some abuse while giving you security on icy slopes.
- Comes with a nylon spike plug to prevent snow buildup in the shaft (60cm and 70cm lengths only).
- 7075-T6 aluminum alloy head and shaft meet CE and UIAA requirements.
- CC4U wear indicator lets you know when the pick is becoming dull beyond the designed safety limit.
- Optional sliding leash gives you added confidence in sketchy situations.
- Optional head protector helps prevent impaling yourself while skiing with your axe.
- Not recommended for ice climbing, rugged mixed terrain, or intense step chipping.
Update 2020/21: New construction of the aluminum alloy head making for a stronger connection to the shaft. Also the spiffy new color and ~10g lighter in the 50cm length.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 50, 60, 70 |
|
Weight |
209g [50] 248g [60] |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
7075-T6 aluminum alloy head and shaft |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Technical rando racing |
| Notes | Nylon spike plug comes with 60cm & 70cm versions to keep snow out of shaft |
| Bottom Line | One of the lightest ice axes in the world |
| Compare to other Ice Axes | |
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Questions & Reviews
Great tool for spring missions. I often pair it with a whippet which makes for a secure ascent when its steep and icy. I would not recommend if your looking for a proper piolet for glacier travel and rescue due to the aluminum head and shaft but definitely helps having something more than a whippet when things get a little dicey.
Comment on this review:
I originally picked up this axe when I was going to be doing some fast packing/trail running where I was going to have to cross steep snow fields. It was light weight and functional... which were my only requirements.
For most of my ski mountaineering trips, I now usually use a whippet. But if I'm taking on an objective where I might want a second pointy thing, I will throw this on my pack as a just in case. This came in handy last week on Mount Shuksan when we rappelled into a rather sketchy patch of steep snow and had to traverse out to get to more manageable terrain.
It's so lightweight, you almost forget you have it on your pack.
Others have complained about the unplugged shaft, and I agree that can sometimes present a problem. But as part of a quiver it's got some great uses.
For most of my ski mountaineering trips, I now usually use a whippet. But if I'm taking on an objective where I might want a second pointy thing, I will throw this on my pack as a just in case. This came in handy last week on Mount Shuksan when we rappelled into a rather sketchy patch of steep snow and had to traverse out to get to more manageable terrain.
It's so lightweight, you almost forget you have it on your pack.
Others have complained about the unplugged shaft, and I agree that can sometimes present a problem. But as part of a quiver it's got some great uses.
Comment on this review:
The weight of this axe is unreal. The usability, less so. This will not stick into ice for even the shortest pitch. However, it is enough axe for anything less technical. It is as good as any straight shafted tool for daggering up neve on steep terrain. I am surprised by the durability of the aluminum head. Definitely a "quiver axe", awesome for what its meant for!
Comment on this review:
This axe is a great choice for competition skimo, or in situations when you think you might briefly want to use an axe, but you don't want to carry the weight of a beefier tool.
With an unplugged shaft, it can be a bit of a drag to plunge in sticky snow, as the shaft can fill and then become more challenging to use. On the other end of the spectum, in stiff snow, it can take quite a bit of work to earn yourself secure placements with the axe. That's just a simple result of it weighing nothing: you have to do all the work.
That said, the 50 cm is the perfect tag along. If you're going to need a quick boot-axe belay or the top of the couloir requires some cornice wrangling, it can be great to have along. And for competitions that require an axe, I can't think of a lighter option (though they do make a 40 cm I think). Used appropriately, it's a great tool with no weight penalty.
With an unplugged shaft, it can be a bit of a drag to plunge in sticky snow, as the shaft can fill and then become more challenging to use. On the other end of the spectum, in stiff snow, it can take quite a bit of work to earn yourself secure placements with the axe. That's just a simple result of it weighing nothing: you have to do all the work.
That said, the 50 cm is the perfect tag along. If you're going to need a quick boot-axe belay or the top of the couloir requires some cornice wrangling, it can be great to have along. And for competitions that require an axe, I can't think of a lighter option (though they do make a 40 cm I think). Used appropriately, it's a great tool with no weight penalty.
Comment on this review:
Haven't had much use for a straight ax in recent years, but when I've used the Camp Corsa, I've been surprised by its feathery weight and easy plungeability. It's so light in fact, that it actually feels delicate. Haven't broken one, however.
Downside is that it comes with no leash and the metal shaft is slippery, so it needs a leash or attachment system of some sort. 3 mm cord will do, and is in keeping with the lightweight theme. A bit of sticky tape will make the shaft more grippable, too.
Downside is that it comes with no leash and the metal shaft is slippery, so it needs a leash or attachment system of some sort. 3 mm cord will do, and is in keeping with the lightweight theme. A bit of sticky tape will make the shaft more grippable, too.
Comment on this review:
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