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Backcountry

Jones Excavator Carbon 2019-2020 Avalanche Shovel Review

  • LENGTH: 69cm full legnth / 46cm shaft length (27″ / 18″)
  • WEIGHT: 377 grams (17oz)
  • BLADE SIZE: 23.5cm / 24cm (9.2″ / 9.4″)
  • PRICE: £53 / €75
  • BUY DIRECT FROM JONES

Why we chose the Jones Excavator Carbon Shovel: The new ultra-light scooper which shifts as much snow as the big boys.

Jones have been leaders in the splitboard game since day one, but it was only more recently that they threw their hat into the ring of backcountry safety equipment and accessories. For their shovels and probes, they’ve been working in partnership with ARVA, the European avalanche safety experts with over 30 years’ experience in the game. This season, there are a couple new upgrades, including a longer probe for deeper snowpack searches and this, the Excavator Carbon Shovel.

“For their shovels and probes, they’ve been working in partnership with ARVA, the European avalanche safety experts with over 30 years’ experience in the game”

Weighing almost 40% less than the aluminium equivalent, the carbon version is aimed for riders looking to shave off every possible gram for fast and light backcountry travel. Both shovels are constructed from an anodized aluminium blade, with the same total surface area and high volume design, as lightweight kit needn’t compromise on how much snow you can shift when every second counts. They have, however, profiled this one 0.5mm thinner (we didn’t know how to check, so we’ll take their word for it), which will please those gram-counting pedants.

The shaft is where the bulk of the weight saving comes in. Instead of the collapsible aluminium construction, it’s made from a single-piece, carbon fibre construction with an ergonomically shaped, symmetrical T-handle. At 49cm long, it’s functional enough for digging efficiently, but will still fit in virtually any size of pack.

“There’s a tricky irony in spending more on bits of kit that, ultimately, you hope to never use in earnest. The fact remains, however, that whenever you venture out of bounds you’ll be taking a shovel with you”

There’s a tricky irony in spending more on bits of kit that, ultimately, you hope to never use in earnest. The fact remains, however, that whenever you venture out of bounds you’ll be taking a shovel with you. A couple hundred grams, here and there, may not seem like much, but as you rack up multiple trips in the backcountry, the lighter the setup, the more efficiently you can move through the terrain and the less compromised your riding technique will be on the descent. For those looking to cut weight, without compromising on safety, this ultra-lightweight shovel is one of the best places to start.

Trade Secrets

Jeremy Jones – Founder, Jones

“The Excavator Carbon Shovel is designed for light and fast alpine missions where every gram of gear you’re carrying counts. It is ultralight, yet still fully functional as a rescue or backcountry camping tool. The carbon fibre handle is the perfect mid-length that offers good leverage, yet fits in your pack.”

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