K2 Extendable Rescue Shovel - 2011 BCS

There is a lot to love about this shovel and after using it for the first time it became my instant favorite.

The Blade
- Nice flat back, which cuts clean, vertical pit walls (no scooping)
- Flat, reinforced upper lip for ski boot stomping. No curves means your boot doesn't glance off.
- Welded ferrule on the back provides a beefy blade to handle connection
- Slots in the blade mean it can be used as a deadman if need be (unlikely, but why not?)
- Heat treated blade, not work hardened. This makes for a very durable blade
- The blade size is juuuuust right - not too big, not too small. Digs well and also fits in packs
- Pseudo serrations on the leading edge (scalloping) which help the point penetrate hard snow.

The Handle
- Has a two positions in the "short" length which allow you to store the handle in a tight pack
- Beautifully cast aluminum handle
- Very solid and secure fit between shaft sections - no janking around

Overall, this shovel hits the perfect balance of weight, strength and function. It will take a beatings/stomping and not break and the tight tolerances on it means that it isn't rattling around when you use it. This shovel comes without the rescue kit in it, which I prefer as I want the lighter weight and the rescue kit is just basically a few nuts, bolts and straps - stuff I think I could jury-rig in the field with other items. The modified T-grip handle also allows you to use the shovel in "hoe mode" which is a nice feature for rapidly clearing snow.