Choosing an ice axe leash

Well, its time for more gear. Previous hikes were done without a leash on our ice axes, generally because as a 'beginner', it is generally good to learn how to use the ice axe before having the thing drag wildly behind you as you slide down the mountain; waiting for the perfect moment to impale your leg.

As hikes get more difficult and technical, so does the need to ensure you are with your ice axe for the entire hike, especially near the top of the mountain! As such, and due largely to the fact that Alpine Ascents requires us to have one, there is a need to procure a leash for our axes.

One key note here, these are non-technical leashes; meaning, these are NOT for ice climbing, where a leash would be used to help carry some of your weight. No, instead these are to ensure you don't drop your essential tool, your ice axe.

The leashes above:

First: Black Diamond Lock Down (58 grams)

Second: Black Diamond Slider (50 grams)

Third: Grivel Long (34 grams)

They are all about the same price, ~$15

They are all non-technical

They all weight about the same, I suppose the Grivel wins here

So what to do? Still looking for other options. However, if I get the idea, basically you need to simply ensure you don't drop your axe with these. If that's so, the key is to get the leash that will actually be used. Meaning, as you are zig zagging up the slope, you'll have to switch the axe from hand to hand (pain in the ass)....so you better get one that is easy to switch from hand to hand. With that said, you also want one long enough so you are not inhibited switching to arrest mode when needed.

Given this, it seems to me the BD lock down with its easy to use glove-loop for adjusting is great, especially since I think you would use the thing loosely on your arm, and when the need comes, the axe will pull and the slip-knot loop will secure to your arm.

The simplicity and lighter weight of the Grivel appeals to me as well...esp. since I get to cover up my axe point when not is use, and its nice and long.

Need to play with these some more before deciding...