Outdoor Gear Objects of Desire - #1

Posted by Neil | March 18, 2011

There are certain bits of outdoor kit which when I see them I want one.  Even if I don't need it or have something similar already, I just need it!  I guess this is the same reaction my wife has when she sees a pair of shoes.  I am going to write a regular column on the bits of kit which have that wow factor, that certain element of fairy dust which makes them desirable or a classic.

The first item of this feature is the DMM Rebel Ice Axe.



This is a seriously desirable piece of kit.  The first thing that strikes you is the colour and construction.  Its blood red anodised which just looks great, shiny and very cool.  This is a big difference to lots of other axes which are in their manufacturers signature colours.  This axe stands out.  The shape of it is steeply curved with the profile of the teeth continuing down part of the shaft of the axe.  The profile reminds me of a dinosaur bird, snarling and pointy. The pick is also hot forged and the top is prickly like a hedgehog.

The shaft of the axe is not a hollow tube as most axes are but an I beam (like a reinforced steel joist) and has been hot forged by the metal gurus at DMM.  This is unique to the Rebel and its brother the Anarchist (even the names are cool).  By forging the axe they can distribute the metal in the right places so it balances perfectly.  I don't need to tell you how perfectly balanced this axe feels in the hand.

The handle is made of two plastics which are adjustable and feel comfortable whether you are wearing gloves or not.  Although the axe does not come with a leash these are available.

You may not go ice climbing and this is not a cheap piece of kit but.....it is really really cool and I for one would love a set above my mantle piece.

Posted in Objects of Desire, Outdoor clothing, Reviews