Okay, so the other day I was watching this documentary about avalanche safety, and it got me thinking about my own gear. I mean, I’ve got the basics, but I realized my shovel was, well, let’s just say it’s seen better days. It was one of those cheap plastic ones I picked up years ago. Time for an upgrade!
The Search Begins
I started poking around online, looking at different avalanche shovels. Wow, there are a lot of options! Different materials, different blade shapes, different handle types… it was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. I knew I wanted something sturdy and reliable, something that wouldn’t fail me if, god forbid, I ever needed it in a real emergency.
Narrowing it Down
I started reading reviews and watching some videos. A few things became clear pretty quickly:
- Metal is a must. Those plastic shovels might be okay for clearing your driveway, but they’re not going to cut it in dense avalanche debris.
- Size matters. Too small, and you’ll be digging forever. Too big, and it’ll be a pain to carry.
- Handle shape is important. A good grip is crucial, especially when you’re wearing gloves and your hands are cold.
Making the Choice
After a few hours of research, I decided to go with a mid-sized aluminum shovel with a T-shaped handle. It seemed like a good balance of strength, portability, and ease of use. I also made sure it had a good, solid locking mechanism for the extendable handle. No one wants a floppy shovel when you’re trying to dig someone out!
Putting it to the Test (Sort Of)
Of course, I haven’t had to use it in a real avalanche situation (and I hope I never do!), but I did take it out to the backyard after our last big snowstorm. I wanted to get a feel for it, practice extending and collapsing the handle, and just generally see how it felt in my hands.
I have to say, I’m much happier with this new shovel. It’s significantly more robust, it feels well-balanced, and the handle is way more comfortable than my old one. It just gives me that extra peace of mind knowing I have a reliable piece of equipment if I ever need it.
The most important part, I practised and dug a large pit to test how it felt. I’m glad that I did it.
It’s one of those things you hope you never have to use for its intended purpose, but it’s definitely better to be prepared!
