Lightest Avalanche Shovels, Probes and Techniques — 2021

by James Streater @maverixsnow

As more of us bring along heavy avalanche airbag systems or start to head out for longer splitboard missions then it’s worth considering the weight of your kit.

I know after a quick evaluation of my primary off piste equipment I was able to save a considerable amount. In this guide I’ll look to save you some weight and help you understand what to look for in your choices and some hints on how to use it more effectively.

Snow Shovels

When choosing a snow shovel you’ll want to consider your requirements and budget. Having an extendible shovel will give you more leverage and distance from the snow making it easier to dig. However, you may want a smaller non-extendible shovel for ease of packing or weight.

How does the handle shape and length affect its attachment to the exterior of a pack to stop it falling off, or fit within a pack? How does the shape of the blade make it fit within your pack? If it’s very curved that could affect your ability to fit other items in your pack. Plus, the bigger the blade the more snow you can move. You might need to move 1500 litres of snow for an average rescue. It’s all not so obvious stuff, but well worth considering before you buy.