Bushwalk Australia

Thinking of heading over to canada for a mountaineering course, and one of the items required is a shovel.

I have previously used snowclaws as a shovel for winter camping but have decided they couldnt cut it and stand up to the job.
Ive got an old army digging tool somewhere in the shed but cant seem to find it.

I am looking at a black diamond deploy shovel 3 or 7. Has anyone had experience with it or any other brands recommended?

Hello Ninjapuppet,
Numerous brands out there, all expensive and some better than others. I have observed two part collapsing/telescoping handles to break readily. Most find a "square" (straight) shovel mouth better for forming tent platforms, shaping snow blocks and doming a snow cave roof. My shovel is now at least 15 years old and thus far has not failed - short one piece alloy handle, polycarbonate shovel. Think the best advise is to get a well reputed brand of the best you can afford and never, repeat never, apply too much of a bending moment to the handle.
Cheers,
Randal.

Buy over there and bring it back with you

I think this is about the ultimate when it comes to shovels -

http://thecheesegrater.co.uk/chinese-military-shovel/

Dave

What a great video - glad to see it has a bottle opener like all good multi-tools!

MJD wrote:What a great video - glad to see it has a bottle opener like all good multi-tools!

Screwtops or nothing.

I think you'll find they are requiring a shovel for avalanche rescue, rather than snow kitchen work. Think that really crappy, compacted snow around Falls or Thredbo carpark. Stick with a proper aluminium blade. I like the Voile Minis, but the BD should be fine.

Buy it at MEC when you get there. Calgary is cheaper than Vancouver due to sales tax, but a smaller store. A good idea is to order everything you THINK you might want to buy about three weeks before you go, and get it shipped to the Calgary store, if you're going there. If you're not sure of sizes, order both. That way you know they will have stock, and they are happy to return the size you don't need, and any gear not required on the day you pick up your order. (BTW, this was their suggestion, not mine)

Cheers, Rod

I want one of those in my pack just to show off, not sure I would need it though


Wonder how much it weighs ?

Cheers.

DaveNoble wrote:I think this is about the ultimate when it comes to shovels -

http://thecheesegrater.co.uk/chinese-military-shovel/

Dave

lol, get out of my way!!!!....i gotta go.
hahahaha..............

This one is the version 2 of the shovel. Not as feature rich, but will dig holes, can be used as a hoe and axe and hammer and maybe even a saw


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-China-Army-Mi ... 3a63f1c252


Also pretty light at only 650g, not sure how tough it is compared to the orgiinal, I think that one is tough for the military. Would 650g be light enough for a pack item, would use you it enough ?


Cheers.