Shovels

[Squatch]

I was going to get a shovel this winter. I've heard different things from the shovel camps; some like the burliest shovels possible, others want to go lighter. Here is what it's going to be used for:

1) General Use - Building kickers, stuff like that.
2) As part of an avy gear set-up (probably start heading into the backcountry next winter, don't think it'll work out this winter)

It needs to be collapsible so I can take it with me on/in my pack. At the same time I want a decent shovel, just so it doesn't crap out on me in times of crisis. Plastic blades will be avoided. Thinking about getting a BD Tele Bobcat shovel. The D-handle seems nice, better than a T, and it seems like it fits my bill. Anybody use this, and would you recommend it or not? I would rather carry around some extra weight and then have gear that works well enough, especially if lives are on the line, so if people don't think that this is adequate for backcountry use, speak up. Also, if you know better, cheaper shovels that I've overlooked, please let me know.

[Summit]

I like www.survivalonsnow.com shovels

[Squatch]

I like www.survivalonsnow.com shovels

any idea on the prices for their shovel/handle combos?

[altagirl]

I know you already said you were avoiding plastic blades, but I thought it was interesting that last time I was in Black Diamond - they don't even carry anything with a plastic blade anymore.

Personally, I just went with something that felt sturdy but relatively light and was at a reasonable price.

[Core Shot]

For an avy shovel, I prefer metal blades and a relatively straight angle between shaft and blade. Too much angle makes chopping in hard debris harder. (my preference is Ortovox Alu Professional - chops like a mutha).
This is also why I hate plastic - it does not chop as well.

Since you are doing kickers, you may wanna get a larger shovel. Scooping loose snow with a small avy shovel is not the most efficient thing to do.

D or T handle is personal preference, although if the handle sticks up on your pack, do not get D since it will snag trees.

[Cornholio]

I have a D-handle preference... my fingers hurt when digging for a long time with a T.

Check out the HeliPro by Voile... solid metal blade, collapsable, d-handle.

[peterslovo]

I have the Tele Bobcat. Thumbs up. Bought a smaller blade so I can change out the blade for whether I'm touring or building kickers (mostly touring so the small blade stays on).

[cololi]

I don't know what model of shovel mine is, a blue metal thing made by Voile. It works. It certainly does not have the largest blade orthe smallest, but it is telescoping. I have used both a D and a T in the past, and don't really have a preference. I used a life link shovel (with some sort of plastic blade) for a long time. The only time I noticed a problem with is was building a snow cave. It sucked for that.

[MakersTeleMark]

I'll put in a vote for:
http://www.genuineguidegear.com/backcountry_shovels.html

[AltaPowderDaze]

i like the tele-bobcat and the voile tele-pro(t-6?) with the orange blade that has the slats for a deadman anchor. i carry both the black diamond D9 and the bobcat in both a D and T grip. grab the grip and see what you like better. you should think about your pack size when choosing a shovel. take it with you so you know if they're reasonably compatible.

[Buzzworthy]

Just got the Voile Tele pro T6, orange blade with anchor. Saw it, put it back in box to go under tree (that is not up yet either). Like it a lot.


Currently have APD's old BCA yellow blade shovel, is a bit smaller and APD mentioned to upgrade as well when I could.

Looked at this, the Tele Bobcat and the D9, and the G3 Avitech.

Went with Voile Tele Pro T6. Right size, and secondly weight and cost were good.

[rossibandit]

"Nothing Like a Good Hand Made Joint"

Should check out the G3 avi tech shovel. I just got one and its pretty bomber and I don't even notice it in my pack.

[Squatch]

i'm a sucker for well-made equipment.

think i might still go with the tele bobcat (as of now) and maybe swap out the blade if/when i head into the BC.

[AltaPowderDaze]

i'm a sucker for well-made equipment.

think i might still go with the tele bobcat (as of now) and maybe swap out the blade if/when i head into the BC.


use the D9 for building kickers and carry the bobcat. small shovels don't move much snow. they are great for high density snowpacks like the PNW.

[miniracer]

I have been looking at getting a total setup.

About shovels.
Does anyone know sizes?
Has been hard to find the width of blades.
I do not live near anywhere I can test them on by different packs.
Main pack is the DaKine heli-pro.

What will fit?
sound like a d9 is great but how big is it?
But sounds like the Tele pro t-6 is the best carrying one?

Thanks

[AltaPowderDaze]

MR,

the D9 is about 12"x13" and the tele-bob is ~10"x13". i don't imagine that a heli pack would have very much room for a big shovel so you'll have to ask someone else about that. what type of snowpack are you usually skiing in?

[miniracer]

APD
I only get out when I am with a group or a paid trip.
I just hate borrowing or using someone else gear. I just want to have a good setup I am used to if I ever have to use it.
Brother in law is getting a beacon also so we can practice with them.
So I don't have an answer on the snowpack. But I won't be going out, just cuz I got equipment.

Thanks.

[Arty50]

I absolutely love my Voile Telepro. I vastly prefer a D handle and really like the fact that it telescopes too. I couldn't imagine digging with a short handle.

[AltaPowderDaze]

APD

Brother in law is getting a beacon also so we can practice with them.
So I don't have an answer on the snowpack. But I won't be going out, just cuz I got equipment.

Thanks.

i'm just asking if your snow is typically heavy (dense) or light and airy. huge shovels don't work as well as a medium sized one for maritime snowpacks. continental and intercontinental have lighter snow where a larger shovel can be a benefit.

[miniracer]

Utah or Colorado snow would be the main snow pack for me.
But I am heading to AK for a heli trip.
THanks for all you help APD
henry

[Max Gosey]

The bobcat fits in large (1300 cu inch?) heli-pro and is a great shovel for building kickers. I haven't built anything huge with it, but it moves a lot of snow pretty quickly, and the D handle is great. Good size. Love how it extends, too. MUCH easier to move a lot of snow in full extension mode, the shaft and handle fit fine on a heli-pro.

I bought a voile pack shovel with included snow saw as my backcountry-dedicated shovel (I believe in snow saws). It's a shorter handle for sure, so I wouldn't imagine it would be as much fun to dig with, but if you've got a partner with a bigger shovel, having a place to store your snow saw ought to be great (I haven't been out diggint with the thing yet).

[PNWbrit]

I believe in snow saws, unicorns, the tooth fairy and Santa Claus

Sorry Max couldn't resist - yep they're useful.

[commonlaw]

Just bought a metal collapsable da kine shovel for a good price.

[Max Gosey]

Dakine makes shovels?

And I don't BELIEVE in unicorns... MBS has proved their existence. What else is there to believe in? :fm:

[schueb82414]

I just used my d-handle dakine shovel today for the first time and of the four or five shovels there it was the best, and it was on of the cheapest to, i can fit two shovels into my dakine jmp pack fine if that means i anything to anyone on here(probably not)

[Squatch]

Update: I got the tele bobcat.

It seems great: blade fits into my pack. For BC use I would leave out the telescoping portion of the blade; for all other use it is awesome. Extremely versatile, nice handle. Eats snow for breakfast.