How to Carry an Ice Axe on Your Pack

As a general rule, a hiker wants as few items as possible attached to the exterior of his or her backpack, since gear housed on the outside of a pack creates an uneven distribution of weight. Exceptions to this rule include pointy items, such as an ice axe. Attaching an ice axe to your backpack is a relatively simple task. Virtually all hiking backpacks have loops for securing an ice axe.

Things You'll Need

  • Backpack that has ice axe loops
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the ice axe loops at the bottom of your backpack. They are nylon rings sewed onto the exterior of a pack and are about an inch in diameter.

    • 2

      Slide the handle of the ice axe all of the way into one of the loops. Rotate the axe so that the pick faces inward.

    • 3

      Flip the ice axe upside down so that the handle is pointing upward and the head is resting against the bottom of the pack.

    • 4

      Secure the handle of the axe so that the axe remains in its upside down position, with the pick facing inward. There will be Velcro straps, bungee cords or buckles on your pack for this purpose.