TRAmontana Ice Axe
During the summer of 2022 my brother, Tristan, went on a trip to Mount Rainier for a climb with some friends. He had to check his bags due to the nature of an Ice Axe. After landing, he went to claim his bags and discovered one of the worst potential mishaps had occurred. His bags had been punctured by the sharp metal blade during the turbulence. This story led me to think more about how the nature of mountaineering necessitates travel and we should optimize our gear around this essential part of the sport.
Problem
1 / Packability
Due to the strange shape of Ice Axes they can be difficult to pack in a secure way when traveling to destination mountains.
2 / Damage of other items
Since Ice Axes are meant to pick into ice, this can lead to the puncturing of clothes or suitcases while traveling.
User Research
User Persona & Journey
Research
Stand out axes
Black Diamond Venom LT
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Adjustable pick
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Adjustable grip assist
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Additional shovel attachment
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Additional hammer attachment
Petzl Sum'Tec
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Hammer/adze swapping
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Modular head weight
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Adjustable grip
Petzl Gully
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Travel safe beveled spike *Only Travel Safe Design*
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Optional weight attachments
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Ultralight design
Ideation
2024 Prototypes
Initial prototypes featured a 2 point hinge design and a flatter pick angle. These showed promise of the underlying ideas while still leaving room for improvement with further research and development
 Folded attachment pieces showing hinge function |  Initial prototype |  Unfolded Axe |
|---|---|---|
 Axe in travel configuration |  Cleaning prototype pieces |  3D print prototype |
 Ice axe in suitcase |  Axe lodged in snow |
2026 Prototypes
 Head Assembly X-ray |  Initial headed proto |  Improved Proto (added hammer attachment and shaft width) |
|---|---|---|
 Axe Unfolded |  Folded Axe |  Final Design (added length and rotating spike) |
Safety
Within safety equipment one of the most important considerations is passing industry standard criteria that ensure equipment is safe to use. The UIAA is a international body that creates tests to ensure products are safe for users.
Shown on the right is UIAA 152 a document presenting criteria for ice axe safety certification followed across the industry by brands to ensure safety standards are universal.
After determining materials the axe was tested against UIAA standards using SolidWorks simulations.
The simulation shown here shows the axe passing a test from UIAA 152 where the axe is put under .9 KN of force while the head is locked in place
Tech Pack
Gallery
