10 Best Avalanche Shovel Reviews - Buying Guide in 2024

Best high-quality: G2 GO2GETHER avalanche shovel

The G2 Backcountry Lightweight Telescopic Avalanche Snow Shovel is designed to withstand tough conditions and offers superior durability for winter wilderness terrain activities.

With easy-to-use press the pop-up button technology and an adjustable length, you can assemble the shovel in a matter of minutes.

At 1.1 lbs and a compact storage size of 17”, this shovel is lightweight but powerful enough to get the job done. It expands from 24 inches to 30 inches when in use and boasts ABS anti-slip-proof handles for added stability.

The G2 Backcountry Lightweight Telescopic Avalanche Snow Shovel was made with extreme backcountry activities in mind, allowing you to dig and remove snow with absolute confidence wherever your adventures take you. 

Best for any backcountry adventurer looking: MSR avalanche shovel

The MSR Responder Snow Shovel Yellow, One Size is the perfect choice for any backcountry adventurer looking to keep their gear pack light and strong.

This shovel, designed with a compact blade profile and innovative neckless design, allows for easy stashing in even the tightest of packs. The blade is made from 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum which is lightweight yet incredibly durable.

The flat chopping face and serrations on the edge make it easier to break up snow and ice more quickly than ever before. For comfort, an ergonomic T-handle offers maximum control in a low-profile form factor.

With two sections of non-rotating telescoping shafts, deployment is quick while the versatile shaft design allows you to choose the length you need - ideal for creating snow pits or other backcountry activities. 

Best for conquering the backcountry experience: Backcountry avalanche shovel

The Backcountry Access D-2 EXT Dozer Shovel with Folding Saw is essential equipment for conquering the backcountry experience.

Making snow exploration easier than ever before, the dozer shovel comes with an extended and packable design that combines both powerful form and function to ensure smooth progress.

The slip-proof handles provide a steady grip on both the shaft and blade, while its bombproof construction, made from a B-2 blade, oval shaft, and T6 heat treatment is guaranteed for longevity.

Plus, you can even cut ice or pack snow into blocks with the folding saw’s high-strength polymer handle and 420 Stainless Steel taper-ground razor teeth blade. 

Best for any badass outdoorsman or adventuring family: Ortovox avalanche shovel

The Ortovox Avalanche Shovel Pro Alu III is a durable and reliable tool for every backcountry adventurer. This hard-anodized aluminum shovel packs down to easily fit in your backpack and has fast-assembling locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for buttons.

With a 90-degree clearing angle, this shovel can help create paths of escape in emergency situations or clear a path of snow to move on your journey.

It also features a specially designed blade that fits effortlessly into any pack, non-slip grooves, and a rubber grip zone, allowing users to maximize power during shoveling.

The T-grip Pro has a flexible left and right-handed function, making it compatible with the Pocket Spike for extra toughness when needed.

With an impressive 2.7 liter scoop and only 1lb., 11 oz., this lightweight shovel is the perfect choice for any badass outdoorsman or adventuring family.

Best for any serious alpine adventurer: Voile avalanche shovel

The Voile Telepack Mini Avalanche Shovel is the perfect tool for any serious alpine adventurer. Constructed from lightweight, durable aluminum alloy, this shovel weighs only 770 grams (1lb. 11oz.) and packs down to 740 grams (1lb. 10oz.), so you needn’t worry about it weighing you down on the slopes.

With an extended length of 35.5” (or 29.75” for the mini) you have plenty of reaches to removing snow with ease and speed without having to strain your back.

The sharp cutting edge ensures efficient shoveling attention to detail in every scoop, while the ergonomic T-handle design allows for maximum performance during use, making this shovel a necessity during every outing or expedition into the backcountry. 

More recommendations:

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• 10 Best Snow Shovel Mountaineering Reviews - Buying Guide in 2023
• The 10 Best Small Snow Blower For Decks - Reviewed by Appliances Radar

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Things to consider before purchasing the avalanche shovel

Avalanche shovels are an essential piece of gear for anyone who is interested in backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, or other winter activities that take place in potentially dangerous avalanche-prone areas. There are many different types of shovels on the market, and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs.

In order to help you make that decision, this article will outline the most important things to consider before purchasing an avalanche shovel.

1. Size and Weight:

When it comes to avalanche shovels, bigger is not always better. While a larger shovel may seem more convenient if you are planning on digging out a large area or need to move around lots of snow quickly, it is actually a lot more difficult to wield than a smaller shovel.

You should therefore choose a shovel that is sized appropriately for your needs. In addition, take your body size and weight into account when choosing the right avalanche shovel for you.

A heavier person may need a larger or heavier-duty shovel, while someone who is more lightweight may be able to get by with a smaller shovel.

2. Materials:

It is also important to consider the materials used in the construction of your avalanche shovel before making a purchase. Some of the most common options include aluminum, stainless steel, and composites like carbon fiber and titanium.

Aluminum is typically lighter than other materials but can be more prone to breaking. Stainless steel tends to be heavier but is also stronger and more durable than aluminum.

Composite materials, like carbon fiber or titanium, are typically lighter than other types of avalanche shovels but can be pricey; however, these materials also tend to provide extra strength that allows you to dig through tough snow with less effort.

3. Design:

Because avalanche shovels need to function both as a scoop and as a handle for your hands, it is important to consider the design of the shovel when making your purchase.

For example, you may want to opt for an avalanche shovel that has a curved handle if you have smaller hands and wrists since this kind of design will allow your hands to rest more naturally and prevent any unnecessary strain.

On the other hand, if you want a sharp blade edge that can quickly and easily slice through hard-packed snow, then you may want to opt for a shovel with a tapered design.

4. Accessories:

Finally, think about any additional accessories that might be useful when choosing an avalanche shovel. For example, some may come with a leash tether so that you don't accidentally drop your shovel; others may be designed to attach to your backpack for easy carrying and/or tool attachments like snow saws or probes for emergency situations.

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Thank you for reading our blog post on the best avalanche shovels. We hope that you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or would like to purchase one of the shovels we recommended, please contact us. We would be happy to help! Have a great day.

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