SnowClaw Guide Backcountry Shovel

Catalog No. SNO60067

Overview

The Snowclaw Backcountry Shovel is a hidden gem in the quiver of an ultralighter winter camper. A truly multi-use item (see Applications below) that weighs only six ounces yet is suitable for both practical and emergency uses, the Snowclaw Backcountry Shovel is neither a toy nor a luxury item.

BackpackingLight.com Comments

I've been using the Snowclaw Backcountry Shovel since what is now the "Racer" model was introduced to the market a few years ago. The Racer's Achilles heel is its flexibility: while it was suitable for general winter camping use, cutting through consolidated avalanche debris was a chore. When Snowclaw introduced the metal PRO model shortly thereafter, those problems were solved - this was a far better avalanche shovel than the Racer - but the weight was inflated to more than 11 ounces.

Now, however, we have the best of both worlds, or at least, a very acceptable balance: a shovel that still weighs six ounces but has a shape and stiffness that is far more appropriate for digging in avalanche debris and snowcaves in hard snow: the Guide model, featured here.

The Snowclaw Guide Backcountry Shovel is only 6% heavier than the old Racer model, but far superior in performance. It is the one single, non-negotiable piece of equipment that goes with me on all of my backcountry winter and spring ski tours.

Most commonly, I've used the Guide for digging snowcaves and sculpting snow kitchens and porches for my floorless winter tents. However, having performed an avalanche rescue with the Guide, I'm entirely confident in its ability to shave more than 10 ounces of weight from my pack by leaving my trusty aluminum shovel home.

It makes a super glissade seat for springtime peak bagging as well, and as a climbing anchor in soft snow, it's terrific. The 6-oz Snowclaw has now replaced my 9-oz deadman fluke for snow climbs.

- Ryan Jordan, Publisher

Applications

• Backcountry snow camping
• Avalanche rescue
• Glissade seat
• Auto rescue shovel (great for snowy trailheads)
• Emergency splint
• Snow anchor
• Shelf/plate for winter camping