Best Backcountry Snow Probes
FEATURES of the Backcountry Access Stealth Avalanche Probe Easy assembly with no loose cable to cause hangups Top segment nests inside the next probe section, reducing the number of segments and size of the probe bundle when disassembled in your pack Laser etched depth markings for measuring snowpack. Easy assembly with no loose cable to cause hangups.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Quality fit and finish along with the bag as well."
"Item is exactly as described."
"The missing piece to his backcountry gear to make his wife be at peace..."
"High quality probe."
"Fortunately, I haven't had to use it for a real rescue, but it worked really well for 2 days of intensive avalanche rescue training."
"Great product, reasonably priced, arrived faster than stated/expected."
"Quick assembly."
"As expected and seems of nice quality."
With a shorter length ideal for lightweight tours, avalanche rescue practice and skiing terrain with shallow snowpacks, the Black Diamond Quickdraw Tour Probe 240 features a durable aluminum construction. Updated dual Quick draw speed ferrules make for extremely fast deployment with maximum durability.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When seconds matter, this sucker pulls out of your pack, and into place in seconds -- highly recommended!"
Designed for the snow enthusiast, the Quickdraw Tour Probe 320 is made of durable aluminum, and features a one-pull QuickDraw deployment system. Oversized alloy tip improves probing sensitivity by creating a hole larger than the probe shaft.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Quick, solid performer."
"Lightweight, simple to extend out."
"Chose this probe due to the high-contrast visibility of the numbers (large, white on black) and 1/10" markings."
Best Backcountry Snow Shovels
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Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Amazing little shovel!!!"
"This winter, NY was hit by wet snow and it quickly turned into ice. Now the real reason, why I have deducted 1 star is more due to the fact that there are some areas where it could use some improvement. First of all, the entire body of the shovel is made out of aluminum and there is no grab provided for the fore-hand. Lastly, the handle is really uncomfortable but this is somewhat understandable as they wanted to make it as portable as possible."
"When used to dig vigorously in compact snow, the fulcrum point connecting the shovel to the handle bends and warps."
"I was so impressed with the quality of that shovel and the reasonable price that I purchased a second shovel when we replaced our second family vehicle this month. In the compact position, the shovel is easy to handle around care tires and under a vehicle caught in a drift. I didn't anticipate this feature when I bought it for emergency use, but when my two year old wanted to shovel the driveway with daddy last winter, I gave him the AAA Sport Utility Shovel with the handle in the compact position and he loved it."
"This little shovel is very solid and durable."
"I am about 5'6 and it works just fine, if you are closer to 6 feet or above, I would recommend getting a larger collapsible shovel."
"I have had a similar lexan expedition shovel for 25 years and it's still as good as new."
"This was a great little shovel that I kept in my car for emergencies."
Best Avalanche Beacons & Transceivers
Backcountry Access stepped it up again this winter with its all-new Tracker3 Avalanche Beacon. Battery life: minimum 1 hour in search mode after 200 hours in transmit mode (approximately 250 hours in transmit only or 50 hours in search only).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"So great I bought 2!"
"Easy to use."
"Amazing safety equipment."
"Extremely easy to turn on with gloves."
"Nice features, intuitive operation; complete instructions included."
"Very easy to use and high quality."
"A necessary piece of equipment for playing in the backcountry."