BCA is an abbreviation for "Backcountry Access". As the name suggests, it is a North American brand that deals with snow safety gear. In the 2022 season, the shovel will be significantly updated, and the long-awaited helmet will also appear.
BCA brand concept
BCA is more than just a snow safety gear company. The purpose of the brand is not to sell products, but to save the lives of backcountry enthusiasts.
BCA not only develops gear that supports the safety of slippers, but also emphasizes effective training for them to improve their safety skills and understanding. Therefore, all gear is designed to be simple and easy to handle, with an eye on such active safety support.
This is because people are more likely to make mistakes in stressed situations. At the product design stage, we take into account errors such as misunderstandings, misunderstandings, and mistakes that tend to occur at rescue sites, and aim to prevent large mistakes from occurring even if the ability to make decisions declines.
Lineup of 10 categories
BCA currently has 10 product categories. One of them, the helmet, is a new item from the 2022 season. "Shovel" will also be a major update. Check out the BCA line-up here.
avalanche airbag system
Known as the "FLOAT", it will be available in 4 sizes for the 2020 season: 12ℓ, 22ℓ, 32ℓ, and 42ℓ.
avalanche walkie talkie
Tracker 4 is the latest in the "Tracker" series. BCA's Avalanche Transceivers are simple, easy to use, and durable, making them the most widely used in North America.
probe
The BCA probe named "STEALTH" is a folding type that can be extended with one action. There are 4 models of 240, 270, 300 and 330 made of aluminum, and 2 models of 240 and 300 made of carbon. A memory that indicates the depth is engraved on the outside of the body with a laser engraving, so you can know the depth to the buried person while searching.
shovel
Redesigned with the name of "DOZER", which has been popular for snowmobiles. Updated as a tougher and stronger shovel.
Helmet
The new "BC AIR" is super lightweight and has excellent protection. High safety is ensured during both hiking and gliding.
Backpack
Regular backpacks without an avalanche airbag system are called "STASH" and come in three capacities. The 20 for footwork, the 30 for full-scale backcountry riding, and the large-capacity 40 for professionals and guides alike.
Pole
"SCEPTER" was designed from both sides of tour and snow safety. In addition to the fixed, which does not stretch, there are four models: carbon, aluminum, and a foldable model suitable for splitboards and snowboards.
snow study tool
Lineup of various tools used for snow observation. The "SNOW STUDY KIT" is also available, which is a collection of tools necessary for snow observation.
climbing skin
Mixed type of 65% mohair and 35% nylon. The adhesive-free Contour is available in 115mm and 135mm widths, each in three sizes.
Backpack
A backpack of BCA corresponding to the green season. It is intended for use in the city and hiking, but the material is the same as the avalanche airbag float. The material left over from making the float is reused, and its durability is guaranteed.
Featured items for the 2022 season
Introducing the DOZER series!
The idea of the "D-2 EXT DOZER" shovel, which has been supported by many BCA fans, has been expanded. The new lineup was given this name along with the catchphrase "Dig Like A Machine".
The newly designed shaft with a deformed elliptical cross section is durable and easy to handle, and it has excellent toughness and prevents ice sticking when expanding and contracting. In addition, the blade not only meets the safety standards for avalanche rescue shovels, but also has a flat shoulder design that supports the weight of the digger in order to achieve reliable penetration when weight is applied. .
In order to make packing easier, there are no protrusions on the blade, and it has a smooth surface, which is important when observing snow cover. did.
There are three types of blades, large, medium and small, depending on the area, and the numbers 1, 2, and 3 are given from the smallest. In addition, "T" and "D" in the product name represent the handle shape, and "H" represents the hoe (HOE). In other words, "DOZER 2H" is "a shovel that can be used in ho mode with a medium size blade of a dozer".
Furthermore, "DOZER 1T-UL" is a lightweight model with a total weight of 435g using high-strength aluminum. Currently, it is the lightest telescopic shovel on the market, making it a must-see model for those who want to reduce the weight of their equipment.
In addition, the two models "SHAXE SPEED" and "SHAXE TECH" that can be converted into ice axes inherit the conventional blade design and will continue with 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 State Certified Mountain Ski Guide.
BC Air
Avalanches can also occur while hiking. That's why helmets need to be light and comfortable enough to use all the time.
"BC AIR", which was newly added to the BCA lineup, was born through technical cooperation with K2. The in-mold construction and passive channel vents for active ventilation make it incredibly light at just 340g for S and M sizes. In addition, it is equipped with a Boa™ fit system that provides a comfortable fit and is equipped with equipment that allows you to cope with unexpected situations with plenty of room to spare, such as a head wrap clip.
BCA classic safety gear
"FLOAT" series
In addition, gear that requires complicated operation requires time for mastery, which may reduce opportunities for practical training. Training is essential to ensure high safety even in harsh conditions. Simplicity is also important to BCA in the sense of effectively promoting such skill improvement.
It is no exaggeration to say that the system that created the foundation for avalanche airbags has now evolved into "2.0," a significantly smaller unit. We have succeeded in completely separating the unit from other luggage while creating room in the backpack capacity, making the operation even more reliable.
The FLOAT series has a cylinder filled with compressed air, which drives the turbine inside the unit. Take in the surrounding air and expand the balloon at the top of the backpack.
The mechanical trigger makes it easy to get a feel for the operation, allowing reliable operation that is not affected by temperature. Cylinders, on the other hand, require refilling after each use.
TRACKER 4
The latest "TRACKER 4" has no difference in search ability etc. compared to "TRACKER 3+". The biggest difference in 4 is its usability.
For example, the tone of the search beep has been changed to make it easier to hear even in a snowstorm. The LCD display is enlarged to improve visibility, and a rubber grip is attached to the body to prevent it from falling.
On the other hand, the “TRACKER 3+” aims to improve storage with a thin body that assumes more aggressive riding, and the “TRACKER S” aims at a price that is easy to introduce and ease of handling.
Although the concept is clearly divided into each, the search ability etc. are all the same. Originally, the TRACKER series has been well-received for its ability to catch signals quickly and the display to quickly follow changes in the situation.
The video below is an impression of TRACKER 4 by BCA/K2 Skis advisor and mountain guide Iwao Saeki.
As a brand that walks with slippers
As you can see so far, BCA is thoroughly developing products from the standpoint of backcountry enthusiasts. On the brand's website, he even states, "Our mission is not just to make and sell products, but to save the lives of our users." "Training is just as important as the gear we manufacture." The fulfillment of "SNOW STUDY KIT" expresses this attitude.
In addition to snowsaws, which are indispensable for observing snowfall, the brand has released tools for learning snow conditions academically, such as loupes and aluminum cards for observing snow crystals, thermometers, and inclinometers. It is only BCA that focuses on gear that enriches the user's knowledge.
In addition, the SCEPTER has a unique design for the grip, which functions as a scraper to remove snow from the deck of skis and splitboards, but the grip can also get stuck in the body when falling. prevent.
It combines functionality with a balance between practicality and safety as a slipper. BCA's stance of incorporating the enthusiasm of the field into products is also reflected in such places.
text / Takuro HAYASHI
◆ Official HP http://www.k2japan.com/brand/bca.html