How to Buy a Snow Shovel for Backpacking

A snow shovel is an essential piece of equipment for winter hiking and backpacking. Use it for simple tasks when making your camp and for emergency situations, like digging out of an avalanche or blizzard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Parkas
• Gaiters
• Ice Axe
• Snow Shovels
• Snowshoes
• Trekking Poles

1. Expect to spend $40 to $50 on a good snow shovel.
2. Look for a lightweight, collapsible shovel that will fit in your pack easily.
3. Get a metal shovel, not a plastic one. Metal is more durable.
4. Compare T-shaped and D-shaped grips for leverage. Put on a pair of mittens or gloves, and fit your hand into the grip. Test the shovel out by using a shoveling motion and lifting a bit of weight on the blade.
5. Consider purchasing a shovel with a large blade (about 9 by 12 inches), so you can move a lot of snow quickly if you need to.
6. Look for a blade made from material that is guaranteed to be resistant to freezing and corrosion (such as a polycarbonate blade). You don't want your blade to break when frozen.
7. Consider a "modular" shovel that's convertible for various uses: snow shovel, pick axe, snow anchor, rescue sled.
8. Consider purchasing a compatible shovel and saw set, one in which the saw can be stored in the shaft of the shovel.