K2 Shovel with Rescue Kit - 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 only difference between this shovel and the basic version is that this shovel has a "rescue kit" that stows in the shaft. This can be easily added or removed as needed and doesn't effect the performance of the shovel.

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.

Great shoveling shovel. Comes with the parts in shovel handle to build a sled with the K2 skis. So the holes that are on the tips and tails of factory freeride and Backside series skis work in conjunction with the parts that come in a a bag that is stuffed down the tube of the handle, there is a pull tab to get it out and has instructions on the bag. Obviously you want to build the sled at home a few times so you can built it up quick for an injury extraction if necessary. Any ski poles will work with the cross bracing that is need in sled construction. Snow Hoe option a held. Very sturdy! Blade is designed to be used as an anchor with some webbing.