Backcountry Access Traverse EXT Shovel - 2008 BCS

This is a small easily packable shovel that will do the job it was designed to do. That being said I have a few issues with it.
1) It has a pretty small blade so moving snow will take a bit more time.
2) Although the shaft extends to a nice length and the fact that the shaft stays attached to the blade is great, but how it slides out from the blade is not designed to my satisfaction. The tolerances between the blade and shaft are so tight that the shaft can become sticky and requires allot of force to open.
3) The number of pins you have to push to get it fully extended is confusing the first few times you use it, which to me could become an issue when the user is panicked.
4) The design on this shovel is on the right track to a great system, but again it's not fully developed. An easy change to the blades design would allow the user to extend the shaft out to it shorter setting with one quick pull. How it is now the user has to push in a pin in order for the pins to clear the blade. Something so simple yet BCA over looked it.

Don't get me wrong, this is still a good shovel that will work when you need to preform a rescue. It's built strong and will last a long time. With a few small tweaks this could be one of the best shovels on the market, it's just a shame they didn't, and it isn't.

I have an old black diamond shovel that is HUGE, like the deploy 7. While I don't mind someone else carrying it I prefer to lug around this little guy. This shovel is light and durable. I can barely feel it in my bag and it does the job.

compact, lightweight, extendable, sturdy. What more could you ask for? Fits in my shovel pouch and I forget all about it because it is so light.

This shovel is awesome.... It is almost one of the lightest shovels out there... But still has a telescoping handle... It's blade is small and it just doesn't take up that much space in the old pack.... In my quest to lighten my winter pack this is one of the items that allowed my to drop 6lbs off my back!!!

This shovel fits in pockets that my Voile wouldn't but I haven't noticed digging any slower. This is a great shovel at a great price and weight. The simplicity of the BCA products is much appreciated - it's a shovel, keep it simple.

I have a smaller backpack (Dakine Heli Winter pack) and this shovel fit great into it. But when you need to use it, the long handle really helps you out a lot. Its also extremely light weight. You don't even notice it when its in your backpack.

this is a great size. very lightweight, yet it seems very strong. i was also impressed by how long it extends to (compared to my old lexan life link). for the price you cant go wrong. very good value!

I was debating between this shovel and the Black Diamond Deploy series. I choose this one and I have not been disappointed. I dont do extreme climbing and so I dont have any avalanche experience with it (hopefully wont ever) but whenever I am out in the snow, this goes with me. Snowshoeing, winter camping, this is great tool to have. Very light weight and functional, and very easy to extend. Blade is very good. Highly recommended.

This one's handy in my trunk when not in my pack. I tried it out in my back yard with the heavy, late snowfall this May - strong and quick - 'sWhat you need. The Traverse EXT is lightweight and well-designed.

Easy to store, assemble quickly, and sturdy. Dug a few pits so far, and no problemas. I like the weight savings and how easily it fits into my BD Ascent 30 daypack for skiing and mountaineering.

love it. Fits perfect in my dakine pack!

great shovel, not too big to get into your pack and not too small to shovel some snow. It will have trouble shoveling if the snow is so hard it is almost ice.

Fortunately I have not had to use it so far this year. It packs great into my Stash pack and leaves plenty of room for additional gear. After my avalanch class I will let you know on how well the shovel works.