Pieps 30 Degree Plus - 2010 BCS

This might well rate as one of the coolest, most esoteric pieces of gear out there, but I happen to love it. A big part of this is that it is very quick, accurate and easy to use, so you end up using it all the time. I attach mine to my ski pole just below the handle and pull slope angles multiple times per day with it, as much as anything just to keep my angle estimation skills sharp.

In the past I've used Life-Link and other slope meters, but they have either broken, or are hard to get at so I don't measure slopes as often as I should. But, not with this one. I like to make a game out of it and have everyone in the touring party guess the slope angle before actually measuring it. Slope angles are one of the most important aspects of avalanche safety and it is important to develop and eye for subtleties in the 30-40 degree range. Like a mechanic looking at a nut or bolt, you should be able to look at a slope from a variety of angles and call the inclination to within a degree or so.

This unit also has a thermometer on it, which is a nice feature as well.

The unit can be operated with glvoes/mittens on and turns itself off after ten seconds. The battery is non-replaceable, but will supposedly last for ten years of heavy use.

As a geeky sidenote, slope angle indictators are often called inclinometers, but the correct term for a tool to measure angles such as ski slopes is a goniometer. Inclinometers measure the angle of an aircraft in relation to the ground (or horizon?).

A very useful tool and perfect gift.