I like to say “there is a thin line between badass and dumbass” and that rings true when it comes to Avalanche Probes. You want something sturdy but you also want something light and it’s that one piece of gear that you buy and hope to never use. In this review I’ll’ write about what I both what I got and why in this breaking down What is an Avalanche Probe and What you need to look for.
I guess I should start with the beginning and ask what is an avalanche probe?
Simple answer….
an avalanche probe is a foldable metal rod that you use to dig through avalanche debris in order to find your friend. It’s a part of the holy three things you should take with you on every single trip (Beacon, probe and shovel) that you’re out in the backcountry.
My Experience
Over the years I’ve used it more while crossing glaciers checking the depth of the snowpack and reading snowpit data than what most think is its intended purchase. I’ve carried the same K2 Backside 300 cms Aluminum poles for the past 10 years. Before I had them I used to own a carbon fiber setup but it broke the one time I went to use it so I switched to Aluminum after that experience.
My Mindset
For me the most important determining factor for is the length of the avalanche probe making sure not to skimp out on the weight. If someone is buried in a massive slide and they died because you wanted to have a smaller and lighter piece of gear it would be pretty sad, and it’s hopefully something that never happens.
My experience working with K2
These days the company that owns K2 also owns BCA so they have moved everything over to the BCA office in the K2 warehouse. Back in the day I was sponsored by K2 and it was an awesome time chatting with some engineers who just loved what they were doing.
The main thing I loved when working with companies was geeking out on gear and testing hundreds of pairs of ski poles and skins but have never had an issue with my probe.
My conclusion
When it comes down to it BCA is a staple in the avi gear market. Now they are selling the Stealth 330 Avalanche probe. It it easy to use and fast with the additional length just in case there ever became a moment I would need to use it.
If you don’t have one get one, if you need to get one and don’t sacrifice durability and size for the sake of packing.
I hope you enjoyed my breakdown of What is an Avalanche Probe and What I need to look for and if I helped one person it was worth it.