Ortovox Cougar Avalanche Shovel - 2008 BCS

The best part about this shovel is that it feels great in the hand. Seriously, the handle/shaft feel so comfortable when digging. Also, for a telescoping shovel it has a solid feel. My only concern is the "anti-slip strapping" because it is like sandpaper or griptape and having this material vibrate against a backpack could quickly rub a whole in a pack. I give the shovel a five out of five because it is comfortable, it performs well, and it looks cool.

We all know the argument over plastic or metal blades... I'm becoming indifferent after this shovel. It's plastic blade has held up well. I use it in my snowmobile avy and ski pack. So i take it out about once a week. Luckily not to dig out my buddies, but more to dig pits and occasionally dig out customer snowmobiles. It's been used to dig through many parking lot snowbanks with plenty of ice in the way. It's been banged against cold snowmobile parts on some -30 days. It's dinged up and shows the abuse but it's still a shovel and has no cracks or chips. The non-round shaft makes putting it together and extending it nice and simple... like avy gear should be...no lining up holes. I like it.

This is a well-designed lightweight compact shovel. The T Grip handle is comfortable.

I have an older model of this shovel. The blade is slightly smaller, I think... If you go with a smaller shovel blade it will pack smaller and be less noticeable when riding lifts, but when you pull it out to do a pit, well it's not going to inspire a lot of confidence in your partners.

Practice digging with your shovel what ever you get. Shovel out pits so you wont have to shoving out partners. If your car gets stuck as much as mine did last winter, that always work too, untill you get that pick-up at least