A must-have excavator for backcountry | Models I want to use in the 2022-23 season

A combination of a carbon shaft and a thick aluminum plate. It is very light, strong, and has a high digging capacity. The shaft is short and easy to handle.

Length: 62~76cm (45cm when shortened)
Weight: 490g
¥12,300

BCA's new lineup "DOZER" series, which appeared under the catchphrase "Dig Like A Machine" in the 2022 season. 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. High-strength aluminum is used, and the blade part has a total weight of 435g by removing the parts that are not important for excavation.

Length: 79cm (38.7cm when shortened)
Weight: 435g
￥10,780

When connecting the blade to the handle part of the shaft, it looks like this. When you want to quickly scrape out debris or large chunks of snow, you can transform it into a hoe for easier work. Perfect for snow cave digging. Available in two colors, blue and orange.

Length: 60cm (38.7cm when shortened)
Weight: 765g
¥10,450

UIAA certified for superior strength and durability. In addition to being usable as a shovel, it can also be switched to a hoe shape for high versatility. The shaft connection has been reinforced to provide durability that patrols and guides can use for a full season. The large D-shaped handle increases digging efficiency and speed. With rescue sled function.

Length: 91cm (68cm when shortened)
Weight: 794g
¥13,530

A classic excavator for all backcountry conditions. The 2-piece telescoping shaft is easy to grip and the smooth blade cleans the pit surface. It has acquired UIAA certification that guarantees excellent strength and durability, and is also highly cost-effective. With rescue sled function.

Length: 79cm (61cm when shortened)
Weight: 692g
¥7,480

Compact and lightweight. Because the tip of the blade has a sword tip shape, it is easy to pierce hard snow. Suitable for digging up compact snow in early spring and hard debris. Non-slip material is used for the expanding and contracting shaft. Because it is thin, it is easy to store in a backpack.

Length: 57~79cm (64.5cm when shortened)
Weight: 630g
¥9,350

Uses hardened aluminum blades. Meets UIAA standards for superior strength and durability. The ergonomically designed T-shaped grip enables ideal strength transmission and excellent digging ability. Space-saving blade design also contributes to weight reduction. The long shaft makes it less tiring.

Length: 86cm (61cm when shortened)
Weight: 645g
￥14,300

The T-shaped handle is easy to grip and easy to apply force, and the long shaft makes it possible to maximize this effect. The angle of the blade and shaft is good and easy to dig. It uses lightweight 6000 series duralumin as the material and has undergone hard alumite processing. It is also attractive that it is highly durable. With rescue sled function.

Length: 84cm (61.5cm when shortened)
Weight:
¥12,100

The lightest and best-selling excavator in Japan among the ORTOVOX brand excavators. It has also acquired UIAA certification from 2021, and can be trusted for its durability and usefulness in operation. Achieving a light weight of 440g, it is very attractive in the backcountry where equipment weight is emphasized. The good handling when digging the snow surface is also comfortable.

Weight:
440g ¥ 11,120

Ultra-lightweight aluminum shovel. It is characterized by being made of thick aluminum, which has high strength and can withstand hard snow. The ergonomically designed T-shaped grip that is easy to grip and easy to apply force efficiently transmits maximum power.

Length: Shovel (28 x 21 cm) Shaft (use length 86 cm and 45 cm)
Weight: 625 g
¥ 7,260

It has a hoe mode. A telescopic excavator that is lightweight, has excellent workability, and supports effective rescue. Uses a C-shaped handle that is easy to operate even when wearing thick gloves, and an oval-shaped shaft that does not rotate during operation. In addition, the quick lock system allows you to connect the handle and blade without pressing a button. With rescue sled function.

Length: 90cm (blade size 30.5cm)
Weight: 720g
¥10,670

A super lightweight shovel that becomes compact. The blade has a unique shape that makes it easy to carry snow. A non-slip footrest is used on the shoulders. Highly durable. With sled rescue function.

Length: 68cm (45cm when shortened)
Weight: 500g
¥6,600