Keeping with the winter theme of my most recent posts, what is a good shovel to backpack in the winter? I'm thinking the uses would be ground clearing for fires and shelter, and/or for building an igloo type shelter. I currently have an excellent entrenching tool (I forget the manufacturer) with a root saw in the handle, but it is too heavy for serious backpacking.

I've not personally used, but a friend in Colorado uses for winter backpacking, and is happy with it.

"The Aluminum Pro-Series Backcountry Snow Shovel serves the same key functions as the original SnowClaw - snow shovel and snow anchor (it is not bendable to be used as a splint, however). Choose the Aluminum Pro model if you want more stiffness for digging in, carving, and moving hard or cruddy snow.

SnowClaw is a revolutionary design in backcountry snow shovels. You can now spend less money, carry less weight, take up less space, and move more snow faster than with with any other backcountry shovel in the world. Thousands of SnowClaws have been sold worldwide. SnowClaw is used by Military Personnel, Search and Rescue, Ski Patrol, Snowmobilers, Backcountry Enthusiasts, Snowboarders, Skiers, etc."

<12 oz. | 10.5" x 12" | There are other models.

That's definitely an interesting design. I'm guessing it may even be better for back muscles than the standard handle design.

I have a SnowClaw and use it often - but generally for ultralight snow camping where I'm not really going to do a whole lot of digging. It works best digging hunched over, with the snow flying out back between one's legs. It's definitely not better than a real shovel for one's back, especially when digging out pits and trenches.

If you're serious about building igloos, snow kitchens and the like, consider something more like these:

http://www.bdel.com/gear/shovels_overview.php

I have one of their models with the snow saw add-on (it fits inside the handle). We've used it to saw blocks for making windbreaks for tarps while snow camping in the Tahoe area. I also have a Komperdell shovel that's only about a pound in weight, but its shovel is smaller and so I tend to either take the SnowClaw or the Black Diamond, depending on conditions and trip goals.

Depending on the size and shape of your pack and type of snow shovel, it can be used as a sled to transport your pack by dragging behind you especially when in soft snow.

I have an old Life-Link shovel. Plastic blade and aluminum extendable tube handle. Check out a good mountaineering supply store and they will have a couple of light but strong shovels.

For igloo building you may want to have a snow knife or saw too. A curved shovel can be used to cut blocks but a flat knife or even a ski is way easier to use than a shovel.

I have not used that Snow Claw, but I am guessing I would want to try one before buying one...it seems a bit limited to me especially for snow caves or avalanche digging.

I always toss my shovel in the car trunk in the winter...excellent for digging out or tossing some sand under the tires.

The Black Diamond gear mentioned earlier is high quality equipment. Another option, one I like because it has some slots on the blade section for making a deadman, or lashing up a sled, is the Voile Telepro T6 shovel. Here's a link to their avalanche gear:
http://www.voile-usa.com/avygear.html

I went with the Black Diamond D9.

I watched the video at the snowclaw website and my back is hurting just looking at the guy digging. I would say a good backpacking shovel should be light and strong. Some designs allow you to remove the blade from the handle so that the blade can serve as a scoop inside a snow shelter. Right now I'm looking at the Voilé mini shovel. It can fit in a daypack and you can remove the blade.



Good luck.
François

Hi Frankie,

This one looks nice... Je l'ai vue sur le site de MEC, crois-tu que c'est un bon achat? I'm also looking for a backpacking shovel, but I also would like it to serve as a trunk shovel, for the car (40 cm of snow today, ouch).

Ttyl! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Salut Bee,

Yes I know they have Voilé and other "avalanche shovels" at MEC. It looks like a good choice for a bug-out-bag in cold countries but we have to try them... There are other choices but this one looks like a decent shovel.

François