Grivel Air Tech Evolution Review

One of the best all-around mountaineering axes out there, the Air Tech Evolution does nearly everything well and was very nearly our Editors' Choice, only barely losing out to the Petzl Summit Evo. We liked the ergonomics on the shaft of the Summit Evo better for steep snow climbing, and it was slightly lighter; however the Air Tech Evo remains a very close second and a rad all-around option. If extreme toughness and top-notch steep snow performance are priorities, then this is a fantastic option. If you are looking for a simple ice axe for general mountaineering, you can save a few dollars and a few ounces with another model, but other than a little weight, this axe provides very few downsides. So if steep alpine faces or late season glaciated ascents are in your future, then Evo makes a great choice.