• LENGTH: 280cm Extended / 43.5cm Collapsed (110″ / 17″)
• WEIGHT: 355grams (12.5oz)
• PRICE: £85
• BUY ONLINE

Why we chose the Ortovox 280+ PFA Carbon Probe: Light enough to go unnoticed; strong enough for the most severe avalanche rescues.

It’s understandable that the probe may often be the most overlooked of the backcountry safety trifecta. After all, the transceiver is where you’ll part with the largest sum of money, and is the tool to narrow the search from the best part of 100 metres down to just a few feet away. Meanwhile, the shovel often gets its fair share of use and abuse outside of avalanche rescue scenarios (read: backcountry kicker and igloo building).

However, plenty of research has shown that it takes around twice as long to dig out a victim without the use of a probe. When every second counts, it’s paramount that you’re confident, not only in using your equipment, but in trusting that it won’t break on you. The Ortovox 280+ Carbon PFA probe isn’t just one of the lightest on the market, it’s also one of the toughest.

“At only 355 grams and packing down to 43.5cm, it won’t take up precious space or add excess weight to your backcountry setup”

At only 355 grams and packing down to 43.5cm, it won’t take up precious space or add excess weight to your backcountry setup. Thanks to Ortovox’s refined and upgraded PFA Quick Assembly 2.0 system and quick grab strap, you can get it fully assembled straight out the cover in only a handful of seconds, even with your gloves on.

It’s then securely held together with a steel tensioning wire that holds rock steady until the need to collapse the probe again, via the quick-release button at the top of the handle.