Collecting every piece of gear takes a little time.
We think it's worth the wait.

Nice choice!
Give us a moment to collect those options for you.

Petzl Sum'tec Adze
  • Petzl Sum'tec Adze
  • Petzl Sum'tec Adze
  • Petzl Sum'tec Adze Bottom

Sum'tec Adze

Rating

My vote: None ( 5 avg )

Description

Modular ice axe for technical mountaineering.

The SUM'TEC ice axe represents versatility: it adapts easily to any mountaineering activity, from classic to technical. It is completely modular, allowing it to be optimized for the objective. The TRIGREST handrest, adjustable without tools, and the compatibility of the ice axe with most Petzl accessories (PUR'ICE and DRY picks, MASSELOTTES...) ensure the efficiency required for difficult sections.

Description

  • Technical:
    - ICE pick is tapered at the tip for easy penetration in any ice
    - the TRIGREST handrest allows the position of the hand or the index finger to be adjusted into climbing mode quickly and without tools
    - shaft has steel spike for solid support in piolet-canne mode
  • Versatile:
    - curved shaft for efficient anchoring, while protecting the hand
    - shaft is straight enough for efficient planting into snow and walking comfortably
  • adding weights (optional) improves anchoring qualities
    - compatible with Petzl accessories for QUARK, NOMIC and ERGO ice axes

Retail price

US$ 209.95

When you click a link below and then checkout online, no matter what you buy (climbing gear or not), we get a small commission that helps us keep this site up-to-date. Thanks!

Award Image
Weight (g / oz)

Weight (g / oz)

In grams and ounces, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

The weight is the packaged weight. If there are differences in weight (due to optional accessories) we'll note them here.

470 g / 16.57 oz

52 cm: 470 g / 16.57 oz
(We have converted the grams to ounces)

Length (cm) 52 cm
Head Details Adze (pair: Sum'tec Hammer )
2 Screw adjustment
Ice Rating Pick: T / Type 2
Shaft: T / Type 2
Picks Included with the tool:
Ice
­
Pommel & Grip

Pommel & Grip

Upper Pommel

Fixed: An upper pommel that is fixed in place (it cannot move up/down the shaft nor can it be taken off).

Adjustable: An upper pommel that can move up and down the shaft.

Removable & Adjustable: An upper pommel that is completely removable and also adjustable.

Removeable: An upper pommel that is either on or off (it cannot move up/down the shaft).

None: If there is no upper pommel that comes standard (there may or may not be options to buy separately).

Lower Pommel

Fixed: A lower pommel that is fixed in place (the angle cannot be changed nor can it be taken off).

Adjustable: A lower pommel that can change angle or location on the tool.

Removable: When the lower pommel can be removed but not adjusted.

None: If there is no lower pommel that comes standard (there may or may not be options to buy separately).

Upper Pommel: Removable & adjustable
Lower Pommel: None
Grip Size: 1 size fits all (not adjustable)
Materials Pick: Steel
Head: Steel
Shaft: Aluminum
­
Certification

Certifications

The main climbing gear certifications are CE and UIAA--and normally the UIAA creates the rules that the CE body also supports. When possible, we try to list all the certifications the product carries.

To sell a climbing product in Europe, the device must be CE certified. There are no official requirements to sell climbing gear in the US. The UIAA certification is a voluntary process.

Learn More

Rock and Ice Certifications Guide
CE, UIAA
Ice Pair Reference
Picks it comes with
Ice Tool Acces. Ref
AVG RATING
5.04
( 5 avg )
Rating
5.04
( 5 avg )

Nifty little thing, jack of all trades, master of...a few of them

Pros
Trigrest; multifunctional; self arrest
Cons
Weight; length (depending on activity)
Familiarity
I’ve used it a few of times

Great crossover axe/tool that really does a good job between traditional mountaineering toward more technical terrain. While not the best for purely glacier/snowfield travel, nor a full on technical dry tool for vertical/overhang climbing, it does everything in between very well.

Outdoorgearlab.com reviews are my go to, and they said that one of its deficiencies was self arrest. My first run out with it on a steep powder ascent under San Gorgonio I slipped, slid over 10m of powder and rock, before self arresting. ~55-60deg grade. Great axe

Outdoor Gear Lab Gear Review rating 5/5

The Sum'Tec is the best option for folks who want a more technical ice axe or a lighter-weight ice tool for moderate routes. The Sum'Tec is stellar for a wide-range of mountaineering and alpine routes that truly blur the line between an ice axe and an ice tool. It can be used independently for basic glacier climbs, provides security on steeper snow routes, and can be used as a pair for steep alpine climbs, moderate alpine, and waterfall ice. Its weight and price mean it might be a little overkill for climbers who tend to stick to easier mountaineering routes and simple glacier climbs; however, a few ounces aside, the Sum'Tec remains a viable option for those routes.

If you know of a good product video that should be here, let us know, and we'll put it up.

If you're looking for gear videos in general, check out our Vimeo and YouTube channels to see the newest gear.