Tag Archive for 'shovel'

Ditch the Plastic Shovel

Published on September 11, 2008 in 02 Gear. 5 Comments Tags: , .

By the numbers, plastic shovels are supposedly as strong (or stronger) than steel and able to withstand incredibly low temperatures.  Their big selling points are that they are lighter and cheaper than metal.  The weight claims are a bit suspect as plastic shovels tend to be on the small side, which naturally makes them lighter, but also less functional.  When it comes to cost, there is no denying they are less expensive, but is $30 really worth it?

A plastic shovel which shattered catastrophically while digging a tent out. The tent survived, but a buried partner probably would not have.
A plastic shovel which shattered catastrophically while digging a tent out. The tent survived, but a buried partner may not have.

The biggest issue with plastic shovels is that they fail catastrophically without warning.  A metal blade on the other hand usually gives you some warning (if you are paying attention) in the form of bending or cracking, and can be nursed through an expedition and/or replaced before they have a chance to fail in the field.

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A Shovel Named Desire

Published on September 8, 2008 in 02 Gear. 0 Comments Tags: .
Avalanches shovels are a matter of personal choice and with so many out there, it is hard to go wrong.  The most important thing is to carry one – after that, if it works good, it is good.  I consider a well-made shovel to be a quality tool and am very particular about what I look for in them.  Probably the biggest mistake a skier can make with shovels to get a small, cheap one in order to save weight and cost.  Save weight in your ski/boot/binding set-up and think of a shovel’s price in terms of what your friend’s life is worth.  An extra $40 is well worth it and a good shovel will last a long time.

What I look for:

- A good sized METAL blade with high sides
- The joint between the blade and the handle should be precise – no wobbling
- I prefer a “D” handle as you can use it with mittens and clip it to your pack.

A shovel is only as good as its individual parts.
A shovel is only as good as its individual parts.
A flat back on the blade helps prevent scalloping when digging pit walls.
A squarish, flatter top edge to the blade gives a better boot contact surface. Rounded shapes are sexier, but your boot glaces off of them.

An extendable shaft is a back-saver for big excavating jobs. Being able to use it with or with out the extension is a nice feature.

 
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