SNOW EQUIPMENT

For many alpine and winter activities, and in particular alpine-winter activities, items like ski poles, avalanche probes and snow shovels are important and possibly life-saving items of kit. We don't sell skis or avalanche transceivers (try Backcountry UK) but here are many other snow "essentials".







Photo: Sally Baxendale using Yowie Snowshoes to approach the very fine Pisse Benard (WI III/4) in the Ecrins, France.

A kit in a zipped case consisting of:
Mini Traxion
Oscillante Pulley
2 x OK Screw-Lock oval karabiners
120cm sling
Tibloc
Instruction Manual
Laminated Guide

Please click the image to see the contents.

Designed mainly for the ski-touring market but handy for all mountaineering.

746g (including case). 

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Should you ever be caught in an avalanche, the AvaLung II is designed to allow you to extract air from the snow to potentially enable you to continue breathing while an immediate rescue effort is being made. The AvaLung II separates carbon dioxide into a different part of the snowpack to minimize "ice masking" and CO2 poisoning and its slim harness is virtually undetectable when worn correctly. Streamlined harness is light, comfortable and is worn over your jacket. Proven to save lives in both actual use and supervised burial tests. 265g.

See also www.avalung.com.
 

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Size S/M M/L Size Stock S/M 2 M/L 2

Very light polycarbonate bladed snow shovel with telescopic aluminium handle that converts into a mattock. Blade can also be used as part of a deadman anchor or to make an impromptu sled (when combined with skis). 545g 

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Simple two part snow shovel equipped with a metal shaft with plastic T- handle and work-hardened aluminum blade. Total length is 70cm or packs down into a shaft of 48cm length and the blade wich is 36cm long x 22cm wide. 700g. 

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Deploy shovels are built for mountain professionals and serious ski-mountaineers. Trapezoidal, curved shaft design. The shaft slides into the metal blade for integrated storage within the blade, making a very neat package that can quickly be bought into use. The exceptionally strong aluminum blade is built to move large quantities of snow quickly and create smooth snowcave walls. The ergonomic handle feels like a D-grip but packs like a T-grip, and is usable with gloves or mits.

700 g (1 lb 9 oz) , Blade Volume: 2.65 L
 

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As for the Deploy 7 but with a smaller blade.

565 g (1 lb 4 oz) . Blade Volume: 1.14 L  

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Almost identical to the Deploy 7, except that the shaft is straight and doesn't store in the blade. It also extends twice (total extended length 86cm).

770 g (1 lb 11 oz), Blade Volume: 2.65 L  

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Identical to the Deploy 3, except that the shaft is straight and doesn't store in the blade. Like the Transfer 7 it also extends twice (total extended length 84cm).

650 g (1 lb 7 oz). Blade Volume: 1.14 L  

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Innovative lightweight (398g according to Grivel but we think nearer 418g) plastic (very) short handled shovel with a sharp steel blade imbedded in it.

Easily used in confined spaces such as a snowhole, but an ice-axe can also be slotted into it to make a longer shaft. Slots in the blade allow it to be used as a mattock to drag snow towards you and four holes mean that it could be threaded up with cord to use as an improptu deadman. 

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Lightning-fast assembly and locks into place with a quick tug of the cable loop. This, the lightest alloy probe in the BD range is a great option for the ultra weight-conscious. It features BD's new rapid deployment system.

190cm, 223g inc storage sack.
 

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Lightning-fast assembly and locks into place with a quick tug of the cable loop. This is a probe for the professional working in the field or for anyonewho does a lot of ski-touring. It features BD's new rapid deployment system.

265cm, 300g inc storage sack. 

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Lightning-fast assembly and locks into place with a quick tug of the cable loop. Ultra light strong carbon-fibre avalanche probe designed to keep weight at an absolute minimum. It assembles quickly and packs down extremely small. Great for high-altitude mountaineering.

230cm, 170g inc storage sack. 

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Simple strong alloy snow saw with a solid handle. 

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This saw is lightweight, yet not flimsy, and it cuts snowblocks, and even twigs with ease. Conveniently stored inside the handle of most BD shovels made between 2002 and 2005 (not the Tele Lynx or Transfer and Deploy models), it can be used on its own or slotted into a shovel shaft. Weight: 125 g (4.4 oz).

While stock lasts.
 

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Vicious looking weapon that seems likely to be as much use in a close encounter with a polar bear as it would be in cutting snow blocks. Combination tooth design saws through tough consolidated ice layers with the smaller teeth, and rips quickly through standard consolidated and powder snow with the wider spacings. Can be used by hand or attached to most ski poles with its dual FlickLock attachments for 14mm and 11mm pole sections, providing an extended reach for cutting cornices and working in particularly deep holes. Top tip - with BD poles, take the lower pole section out and reverse it - it will then fit (though this doesn't give you a handle).
Weight: 265g (including scabbard). 

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Excellent ultralight snowshoe from Australia (of all places!). To quote Yowie, "Natural walking motion is achieved with the flexible, ergonomically designed platform, utilising advanced polymers, providing a highly developed moulded base to give flotation and traction in varied snow types. Multi-directional grip is provided by the aggressive hexagon patterned base and cleats. Ice buildup is minimised by the non-stick characteristics of the polymer and the ability to break ice away through flexing. The flexible, unitary platform is tough, simple and easy-to-use even in extreme terrains. The secure, positive binding system is a unique feature, providing unmatched stability. The binding system is easy to adjust, utilising hook and loop fasteners and durable webbing."

Who uses Yowies? Yowies are becoming popular around the world. Their light weight, compact size, and easily adjusted harness have endeared them to people undertaking many and varied activities. Yowie enthusiasts so far include expeditioners to some of the highest peaks in the world, snowboarders adventuring into backcountry, over-70s enjoying an alpine walk with morning tea, search-rescue teams saving lives, nordic skiers and hikers negotiating treelines, school groups learning about outdoor activities, as well as people who live and work in the snow.

They don't look like tennis racquets - how do the work? Yowie snowshoes are unique because they are flexible. As you put your weight on the platform, snow compacts into the hexagon pattern on the base - providing 360 degree grip. As you lift your foot, the base flexes releasing the snow.

The harness keeps the shoe snugly on your foot, and because it is flexible, you can walk normally. This means anyone can use them. Since your whole foot is attached, you can walk backwards, sideways, around trees and up hills - getting you where you want to be.

What happens to the flexible platform in the cold? It stays flexible. The Yowie Light is made from a specially selected material designed to retain its strength and flexibility even in the coldest temperaturs. It also provides good insulation for your feet - keeping your feet considerably warmer than with traditional snowshoes!

How do Yowies shed ice and snow? The angles, surfaces and materials of Yowies are all carefully selected to minimise ice and snow build up. If you look closely, you will notice the many subtle features of the platform, the harness and the aluminium cleats which are all designed specifically to enhance shedding.

Why does the VELCRO® work when its wet and cold? The hook and loop fastening system of the Yowie has been manufactured with built-in water and snow repellent coating. This helps the harness to shed snow and water and strengthens the locking ability of the hooks and loops in the cold. The outer harness buckle system incorporates possibly the best manufacturer of buckles, National Mouldings, all components are made from super-tuff nylon6.

How do Yowies grip? The primary form of grip is from the hexagon pattern on the base. Each shape, angle and curve has been carefully selected to provide maximum grip in multiple directions. As you step, your weight compresses the snow under the shoe, providing grip. As you lift your foot, the shoe flexes and the snow sheds. The front and back cleats break through any crusty layer of ice, enabling the hexagons to do their job.

Can I go up hills? Yes. This is one of the key design features of Yowies. The strength of the platform and secure harness allows you to kick steps in to a hill, just like you would in boots. The same technique can be used when descending. Keeping your foot horizontal not only ensures a stronger hold, it helps to make the walking action natural.

What size do I need? Yowies currently come in two sizes - medium and large. The adjustable harness ensures that each size fits a range of boot sizes. Medium is recommended for sizes 39-45 Euro (6-11 USA; 24-29 Japan), and large for 44-49 Euro (10-14 USA; 28-32 Japan). However another function to be taken into account is your height. Generally if you are under 5'11" (ca 180cm) you will need a medium whatever your foot size. Over this height then a large is usually preferred. Don't forget to adjust both the inner and outer straps for a snug fit.

Can I wear any sort of boot? Just about. Yowies are normally worn with bush walking and hiking boots, cross country ski boots, snowboard boots or climbing boots. It's really up to you - how far you are going and in what other activities you plan to partake.

Medium: 460mm x 245mm, Weight 1.18kg/pair. Designed for people who weigh up to 86kg, and under ca 180cm height.

Large: 510mm x 260mm, Weight 1.33kg/pair. Designed for people who weigh up to 125kg, and over ca 180cm height.

NB In soft sticky snow, Yowies, like all snowshoes can ball up. Cure - Silicon spray water repellent/release agent is probably the easiest to obtain and apply. Apply to the crampons and under side of the snowshoe. Great care should be taken not to apply or let over-spray on the Velcro as it will lubricate and diminish its closure and its hold strength. The Velcro already has PTFE water repellent chemically bonded to it.

We think Yowies are the best choice for the occasional user who wants them to approach climbs etc as they are simple and lightweight. They work really well in this respect and can easily be carried in a rucksack up a route if need be. 

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Size Medium Large Size Stock Medium 0 Large 2

Top class snowshoe with heel lift, steel traction blades with teeth, "crampons" (ie more teeth), and moulded braking bars in deck to stop slithering and provide exceptional grip. Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural. Very easy to fit securely and remove.
Weight: 4 lbs. (1.82 kg) per pair.
Size: 8" x 22" (20 x 56 cm).

NB Single boot not included!

We think Denalis are the best choice for the dedicated snow-shoe user who is using them for long alpine walks in deep snow. 

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Simple moulded plastic bum slider to save wear and tear on those expensive over-trousers when glissading. Comfortaby curved handle. High strength. Turned up rear and side edges. Colours vary. 200g.

Colours vary - sorry no choice.
 

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