Which avalanche probe

Longer probes are also usually made with heavier, but more durable materials, and have the benefit of easing strain on your back when using for long periods of time. Avalanche probes are usually built from aluminium or carbon and both have their advantages. Aluminium, although heavier, can penetrate tougher, denser snow quickly and effectively while carbon is lighter but more expensive.

Always ensure you know how to use your probe quickly and efficiently in the event of an avalanche, especially when wearing gloves. Although some ski poles have dual functionality and can transform into avalanche probes it can be time consuming in emergency situations. Your transceiver leads to the probe, your probe leads to the shovel, your shovel leads to your friend.

With so many options on the market, finding the right avalanche safety set up can be difficult. Check if your particular probe fits into an accessible part of your backpack. Probes for professional use are often longer, thicker and stronger. These are for recovery professionals who are trained in avalanche rescue and may be able to save people buried deep beneath the snow. They are easier on the back and less likely to break since they allow for a more stable grasp. Longer probes are also useful for measuring the snowpack when doing research or choosing whether to venture further into the backcountry.

Since you will be carrying your avalanche probe at all times when skiing in the backcountry, you will want a probe that is as light as possible while still being effective.

Avalanche probes come in carbon, aluminum and steel. All three materials listed here are extremely strong and resistant to breaking, but each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Carbon probes are the lightest of the three which make them practical to carry while you are skiing. They are more expensive than aluminum probes. Aluminum probes are slightly heavier than carbon probes, which make them less convenient to carry but can actually be an advantage in harder snow.

They are less likely to break than carbon probes. Steel probes are the most durable of the lot, but they are also the heaviest. They are usually favored by avalanche professionals who do a lot of rescue work. You should choose a probe that is quick and easy to deploy.

Ski pole probes seem practical because they double as ski poles, which reduces the number of things you have to carry. However, since ski pole probes require more assembly time, collapsible probes are a better choice. Whatever model you choose, make sure you practice until you can deploy it quickly and efficiently before setting out into the backcountry.

These are assembled by removing baskets and screwing pole sections together. Ski pole probes are also shorter, and they are not as optimal for plunging into the snow. Collapsible probes are usually composed of several metal parts attached by a cord or cable. The best ones assemble themselves in a few seconds with minimal effort on your part. Designs vary; this is a personal choice depending on what you are familiar with and comfortable using.

The rule of thumb for avalanche probes is the longer, the better. As steel does not stretch, it is one of the most reliable tensioning systems. Aramid fibers are lighter yet provide high rigidity and stability with limited stretching, making them ideal for use in tensioning systems.

After completing the fine search with an avalanche transceiver and marking the location, you need to pinpoint the victim with the avalanche probe. Find out how to probe correctly here! Get educated surrounded by snow-capped mountains and reduce the risk! Lightweight, extendible carbon probe with PFA quick-assembly system cm in length. Very lightweight, compact aluminum avalanche probe with quick-assembly strap cm in length. Sturdy, lightweight cm aluminum avalanche probe with PFA quick-assembly system and rubber handle.

Intuitive, lightweight aluminum avalanche probe with a small pack size cm in length. Sturdy, extendible cm aluminum avalanche probe with PFA quick-assembly system and rubber handle.

Very sturdy, extendible professional steel probe with PFA quick-assembly system cm in length. Show more Show less. Mark the point with the smallest distance measurement with crossed ski poles, shovel etc. The probe remains in place and is used for orientation purposes. Get ready for the powder season! Not available online! ALU Intuitive, lightweight aluminum avalanche probe with a small pack size cm in length.

ALU Compare products Remove. Choose your country and language. Bulgaria EN. Denmark EN. Germany DE EN. Estonia EN. Finland EN. France FR EN. Greece EN. Ireland EN. Croatia EN.