Gear Review
Backcountry Access Companion System Shovel/Probe
Perfect all-in-one
By Dominick Layfield
Ranked #28 - Shovels
January 10, 2005
I struggle to think of anything bad to say about this shovel/probe combo. It's small, light, and robust. I love the fact that the probe is stored within the shaft: it protects the probe, and is one less critical item to forget when packing for the backcountry.
Some hard-core ski patrollers or gnarly old-school mountain men might complain that the probe is too short. But frankly, if it's small and light, I'm more likely to leave it in my pack, and there's no better argument than that.
(I make the same case for LED headlamps, that some old crusties claim are insufficiently bright.)
View Details: Backcountry Access Companion System Shovel/Probe
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Shaft Material:
- High grade anodized Aluminum
- Blade Material:
- High grade anodized Aluminum
- Length Attached:
- fixed 27", extendable 40"
- Length Detached:
- 19"
- Blade Size:
- 9" x 10.5"
- Telescoping:
- Yes
- Saw Included:
- No
- Probe Included:
- Yes (5.4oz)
- Recommended use:
- Avalanche rescue
- Weight:
- Fixed shovel 1lb 9oz (1lb 14oz w/ probe), Extendable 1lb 14oz (2lb 4oz w/ probe)
- Warranty:
- Limited
Change me.