Where do you store your shovel?

[Weekday Warrior]

The boys in Sparwood said that they all lost their shovels after the second avy. Wonder if a wrist strap is in order. And to make sure you keep your jacket on and your pack. Food for thought.

yes and I've done some thinking, normally when I'm diggin the pack comes off (along with my coat, helmet, gloves) cause I'm getting too hot.

I might get a huge grain shovel and strap that sucka to my sled, after shoveling three roofs off I love the grain shovel..moves the snow WAY better then my avy shovel. even the hard frozen snow thats fallen off the roofs and sat overnight in big frozen blocks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DEN564

OR

My avy shovel is a pain to really move a lot of snow, basically I hate it for trying to dig out a stuck sled. http://www.snowbigdeal.com/servlet/the-25/Voile-Rescue-Shovel--fdsh-/Detail

I've even duct taped the handle in an effort to get the shovel to not tip to one side so easy when trying to lift a block of snow. ANother problem is you can't "pry" a chunk of snow, the shovel just digs deeper in then you gotta pull it out and chop at the snow more..just way more work = SLOWER!

with the grain shovel the blade is much longer and you can pry loose big blocks of snow then lift em out in one smooth motion = FASTER!

 

[Scott]

Metal shovels only...not that lexan POS. I've seen a lot of them break.

 

[LID]

yes and I've done some thinking, normally when I'm diggin the pack comes off (along with my coat, helmet, gloves) cause I'm getting too hot.

I might get a huge grain shovel and strap that sucka to my sled, after shoveling three roofs off I love the grain shovel..moves the snow WAY better then my avy shovel. even the hard frozen snow thats fallen off the roofs and sat overnight in big frozen blocks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DEN564

OR

My avy shovel is a pain to really move a lot of snow, basically I hate it for trying to dig out a stuck sled. http://www.snowbigdeal.com/servlet/the-25/Voile-Rescue-Shovel--fdsh-/Detail

I've even duct taped the handle in an effort to get the shovel to not tip to one side so easy when trying to lift a block of snow. ANother problem is you can't "pry" a chunk of snow, the shovel just digs deeper in then you gotta pull it out and chop at the snow more..just way more work = SLOWER!

with the grain shovel the blade is much longer and you can pry loose big blocks of snow then lift em out in one smooth motion = FASTER!

If you get an avvy shovel with a "D" handle instead of a "T" handle, it's way easier to dig fast with big blocks of snow. "T" handles are a bit more compact and some come with a saw, but for grip when you NEED to dig fast or want to build a booter, the "D" handle is way better.

 

[yardsale_oem]

I am quoting Dora the Expolrer on this one: " Backpack, Backpack"!!!!!!

 

[HUNDO]

In the pack all the time

 

[RMKcowboy]

One in the pack (with a probe) and one in the sled, can't lose with that setup.

 

[xrated]

dang H2, you ain't messing around.

gotta have some good waterproof tape as well.

 

[yardsale_oem]

well then ........

my dakine pack has ....

shovel,with saw in handle
probes
flares,flaregun, pen type
sized down jump kit
including
water proof matches
wind proof lighter x2
hot packs
salt
sugar
high energy bars
airways
pocketmask
lip balm
rope
wire
black tape
1 socks
1 extra mechanix gloves
space blanket
flint strikers
water x 2
sam splint
multi trauma dressing x 4
4 slings
bandaids
liquid bandaid
2 spare spark plugs
axtra dess cord
gerber leatherman tool
chain saw ...in can
chocolate,nut bars
spare beacon batteries
3 rolls of gauze
mini mag light
super sheers
cpr quick note
signal mirrow..the one with the hole in the middle
roll of orange flagging tape
one cold compress and one hot

thats just off the top of my head

when I get home i'll lay it all out and take a pic


oh yeah ....I feel naked without it on ?????

can i go riding with you!!!!?????

 

[Mrs Snowrider]

I carry 2 shovels. One is under the hood, I have room. The other is in my pack. Spend the 80 or so bucks for a good backpack and learn to carry it everywhere. After the avy deaths this year, it is stupid to separate yourself from your survival gear!

 

[Scott]

One in the backpack...and......

 

[thefullmonte]

I used to ride with it on the sled. I have forced myself to wear a pack. So now it is always on me. Once you get used to it, it almost seems faster to drop your pack and grab the shovel.

 

[witewater]

"back"

the word "BACK" in backpack means if i wanta rid more than an hour the the shovel and gear gos on the sled!!!
i fasened a plastic box on the tunel and mounted the shovel to that bungeeeeee and survivel get inside

 

[ericbigbore]

The only place for your shovel is on your back if you only carry 1! If you put an extra on your sled thats good too.

Plastic shovels are worthless and won't work as a fire pan. Yes my pack is huge like h2 and then some. It's all about survival in the backcountry not wieght. Be safe - Eric

 

[Gimpster]

Forever.
We have packed the collapsable metal 'boy scout' or military shovel in our sleds. Handle and head fold over. They can be used as a saw also.
When you all became more wary of slides and coming up with plastic shovels, I found one with a removeable handle. The handle is strapped to my belt shield and the head is packed in my backpack. I have dug out both ways. with handle and without.
Honestly, the shovel is for your buddy...
If you get covered you cannot get the shovel out of your back pack. Been there in smaller slides when a cornice broke off while looking over the edge contimplating a drop. When you get pinned you usually don't have time to remove your backpack just before you can't move anymore under the snow.

It is good practice to know where your riding companion's stuff is when you go out riding, in case something happens, so you can all ride together
Forever


----- Gimpster -----

 

[jafraune]

my hmk pack has a perfect little spot for a shovel.....so yes on the pack it is

 

[Gimpster]

If my buddy AND both our sleds are buried and I am not-I would want more than the head of a shovel to dig him out.
I can't dig out a sled as fast with only the head of a shovel (Nevermind a buddy), and I won't be the only one.

Sorry, I feel this is a very important thread and a dozen or more people here all told this guy the shovel belongs in the back pack, and I agree.

Sorry if I offended you.
I read his posts and responded
I keep a shovel in my back pack and one in my sled
Guess I am wrong aye ?
You ever been buried ?
----- Gimpster -----

 

[Pastor]

back pack

 

[208_RMK]

Thanks for all the replies I am glad I joined this forum-

 

[Gimpster]

Head of the shovel is in the pack because you need something to scoop snow out of the hole when the handle gets in the way and you are trying to clear a breathing area around a helmet a couple feet down, so they can breath to continue digging a feller out.


----- Gimpster -----

 

[blindman]

navaho washington slide

on this buriel and death they wished they had the shovels on the sleds.

[QUOTEIn your backpack on your body.....if your sled gets buried like this, the shovel that is strapped to it or under the hood does you no good.
][/QUOTE]

most likely best to have it both ways.

sure would be nice to not have someone else telling you how to live your lives.

this country used to be free.
now even them that preach that,,,, want you to do it there way,,or not at all