Gear Review

CAMP USA Corsa

1. 7.4 Ounces (!)
2. EN B-rated
3. Not for technical ice or mixed climbing

With the Corsa Ice Axe, CAMP USA continues its tradition of creating outrageously light and functional backcountry gear.

At a wispy 7.4 ounces (measured!) in its 50 cm version, the Corsa is perhaps not the lightest ice axe in the world, but it is most certainly the lightest CE B-rated axe you'll find, meaning you can actually use this as a general mountaineering tool (within limits), rather than as just a backpack ornament.

Compared to other ultralight aluminum axes, the Corsa seems to make far fewer compromises in its design.

The pick, for example, is no thicker that usual, so you won't have trouble getting the axe to bite in hard snow.

The base of the shaft has six groves etched in, for better grip in soft-palmed gloves and mittens.

For ultralight mountaineering applications, the Corsa's design is a marvel of simplicity.

No, you do not want to face any significant ice or mixed climbing with this axe. But if you're primarily a ski mountaineer with little more than hard spring corn on the agenda, why would you ever want to carry anything else?

Adventure Racers will love the Corsa's insignificant weight—without having to compromise away safety when using the axe to self arrest or self belay. As for general mountaineering, the Corsa will be appropriate only in those situations where weight trumps all other concerns. You would not want to have to rappel off it, for example, though no doubt people will use it for modest glacier travel.

I often carry an axe primarily for insurance, and for this purpose the Corsa is without peer. Strap it to your pack and it's there if need it. If not, well, you'll hardly begrudge seven extra ounces.

In terms of quirks, the Corsa is mercifully free from design annoyances. This is a clean, elegant tool that will get the job done without driving you crazy. My only complaint is that the 50-cm Corsa comes with an unplugged shaft (as compared to the 60 and 70 cm versions). We haven't been able to get an answer from Italy as to why the 50 cm axe didn't get the factory rivet and plug, but this may be enough of a quirk to recommend the longer shafts.

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