BCA is an abbreviation for "Backcountry Access." As the name suggests, it is a North American brand that produces snow safety gear. For the 2022 season, the brand will be making significant updates to its shovels, and will also be releasing a long-awaited helmet
BCA's brand concept
BCA is more than just a snow safety gear company. The brand's purpose is not to sell products, but to protect the lives of backcountry enthusiasts
BCA not only develops gear that supports the safety of skiers, but also places importance on providing effective training and improving safety skills and understanding. Therefore, all gear is designed with the aim of supporting active safety, with a focus on being simple and easy to use
This is because people are more likely to make mistakes when they are in a cornered situation. The product's design takes into consideration the misunderstandings, misconceptions, and mistakes that tend to occur in rescue situations, aiming to prevent major mistakes even if judgment is impaired
10 category lineup
BCA currently has 10 product categories. One of them, the helmet, will be a new item from the 2022 season. The shovel will also be a major update. Let's take a look at the BCA lineup
Avalanche Airbag System
Known as "FLOAT," the 2022 model comes in four sizes: 12L, 22L, 32L, and 42L
Avalanche Transceiver
The latest model in the TRACKER series is the TRACKER 4. BCA's avalanche transceivers are simple, easy to use, and highly durable, making them the most widely used in North America
probe
BCA's "STEALTH" probe is a folding type that can be extended with one action. The lineup includes four aluminum models (240, 270, 300, and 330) and two carbon fiber models (240 and 300). The outside of the body is laser engraved with markings that indicate the depth, allowing users to know the depth to the buried person while searching
shovel
It has been completely redesigned under the name "DOZER," a name that has become popular for use on snowmobiles, and has been updated to become a tougher and more powerful shovel
helmet
The new BC AIR is ultra-lightweight yet offers outstanding protection, ensuring high safety whether hiking or skiing
backpack
The STASH line of standard backpacks without the avalanche airbag system comes in three sizes: the 20 for mobility, the 30 for serious backcountry skiing, and the 40 for a larger capacity that will satisfy even pros and guides
pole
SCEPTER is designed for both touring and snow safety. In addition to the fixed, non-stretch model, there are four models available: carbon, aluminum, and a folding model suitable for splitboards and snowboards
Snow Study Tool
The lineup includes a variety of tools used for snow observation. There is also a "SNOW STUDY KIT" that brings together all the tools necessary for snow observation
climbing skins
Made from a 65% mohair/35% nylon mix, the adhesive-free Contour rugs are available in 115mm and 135mm widths, each in three sizes
backpack
This BCA backpack is perfect for the green season. It's designed for use in the city or hiking, but it's made from the same material as the floats in avalanche airbags. It's made from recycled material left over from making floats, so its durability is guaranteed
Featured items for the 2022 season
Introducing the "DOZER" series!
Expanding on the D-2 EXT DOZER shovel, which has been a favorite among many BCA fans, the new lineup was given the name "Dig Like A Machine" along with the catchphrase "Dig Like A Machine!"
The newly designed shaft features a deformed oval cross section that is durable and easy to handle, and is strong enough to prevent ice from getting stuck when extended or retracted. The blade not only meets the safety standards for avalanche rescue shovels, but is also designed with a flat shoulder to support the digger's weight for reliable penetration
In addition, the blade has no protrusions to make packing easier, and it has a smooth, flat surface, taking into consideration the smooth wall surfaces that are important when observing snow accumulation, making it a product that thoroughly meets the needs of the field
The blades come in three sizes, large, medium, and small, depending on their area, and are numbered 1, 2, and 3, starting with the smallest. The "T" and "D" in the product name represent the handle shape, while the "H" represents the hoe (HOE). In other words, the "DOZER 2H" is a shovel equipped with a Dozer medium-sized blade that can also be used in hoe mode
Furthermore, the DOZER 1T-UL is a lightweight model made from high-strength aluminum, weighing just 435g. It is currently the lightest telescopic shovel on the market, making it a must-have model for anyone looking to reduce the weight of their equipment
The two models, "SHAXE SPEED" and "SHAXE TECH," which can be converted into ice axes, retain the traditional blade design and will continue to have the same specifications as before
The video below is an impression of the DOZER 1T-UL by Jun Horie, a BCA/K2 Skis advisor and Austrian nationally certified mountain ski guide
BC Air
Avalanches can happen while hiking, so your helmet needs to be lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all the time
The newest addition to the BCA lineup, the BC AIR, was created in collaboration with K2. Its in-mold construction and passive channel vents for active ventilation make it incredibly light, weighing just 340g in sizes S and M. It also features the Boa™ fit system for a comfortable fit and a head wrap clip, making it perfect for any unexpected situation
BCA's classic safety gear
"FLOAT" series
Furthermore, gear that requires complex operation requires time to master, which may reduce opportunities for practical training. Training is essential to ensure high safety even in harsh conditions. BCA values simplicity in order to effectively improve such skills
It is no exaggeration to say that this system laid the foundation for avalanche airbags, and it has now evolved into the "2.0" version, which significantly reduces the size of the unit. This allows the unit to be completely separated from other luggage while still providing ample space in the backpack, further enhancing the reliability of its operation
The FLOAT series is equipped with a cylinder filled with compressed air, and the air pressure drives a turbine inside the unit, which takes in ambient air and deploys the balloon at the top of the backpack
The trigger is mechanical, making it easy to feel the action and ensuring reliable operation regardless of temperature, but the cylinder needs to be refilled after each use
TRACKER 4
The latest version of the TRACKER 4 is similar to the TRACKER 3+ in terms of search capabilities, but the biggest difference between the two is its operability
For example, the tone of the beep that sounds when searching has been changed to make it easier to hear even in a snowstorm. The LCD display has been enlarged to improve visibility, and a rubber grip has been added to the body to prevent it from falling
On the other hand, the TRACKER 3+ aims to improve storage capacity with a thinner body designed for more aggressive riding, while the TRACKER S aims to be affordable and easy to handle
Although each model has a distinct concept, they all share the same search capabilities. The TRACKER series has always been popular for its fast signal reception and ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions
The video below is an impression of the TRACKER 4 by Iwao Saeki, a BCA/K2 Skis advisor and mountain guide
A brand that moves forward with skaters
As you can see, BCA develops products with a thorough understanding of the backcountry enthusiast's perspective. Even on the brand's website, they state that "our mission is not just to make and sell products, but to save users' lives," and "training is just as important as the gear we manufacture." This attitude is exemplified by the comprehensiveness of their "SNOW STUDY KIT."
The brand has released a range of tools for academic study of snow conditions, including snow saws, which are essential for observing snow accumulation, as well as magnifying glasses for observing snow crystals, aluminum cards, thermometers, slope meters, etc. BCA is unique in its focus on gear that enhances users' knowledge
The SCEPTER also features a unique design for the grip, which functions as a scraper to remove snow from the deck of skis and splitboards, while also preventing the grip from digging into your body in the event of a fall
BCA's commitment to incorporating the passion of the field into its products is evident in this, as it balances practicality and safety for skiers while also combining functionality
Text / Takuro HAYASHI
◆ Official website: http://www.k2japan.com/brand/bca.html