Best Backcountry Snow Shovels of 2025

The Yukon Charlie's Collapsible Snow Shovel is an ideal accessory for motorists and outdoor enthusiasts who want to be prepared for anything. Its lightweight, adjustable design makes it easy to carry on a winter hike or store in the back of a car. The shovel length and blade angles are adjustable, providing multiple options for digging or removing snow. The shovel can be packed down to 13 inches and weighs just over one pound. The slip-proof ABS handle ensures that the shovel stays securely in your hand even when wearing gloves.

The BCA Dozer Shovel is the most popular size avalanche shovel from Backcountry Access, designed for the masses. Its ovo-concave shafts and low-profile, "stompable" blades make it easier to dig and penetrate just about anything by adding body weight. The front third of the blade also offers a smooth surface for clean snowpit walls during snow stability tests. With the auto-engaging spring pins at the blade/shaft connection, you can assemble and deploy the shovel faster and hands-free. Moreover, it lies flat in your pack with no protruding ferrule or "neck," leaving more room for other backcountry gear. All BCA extendable shovels meet the UIAA standard for avalanche rescue shovels.

The G2 Lightweight Avalanche Shovel is designed for convenience and durability. Made from high-quality aluminum alloy, it promises a long lifespan, ensuring you won't need to replace it for years. Adjusting the shovel's length is a breeze with its easy pop-up button, allowing you to set it up in minutes. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, folding down to just 17 inches and weighing only 1.1 pounds. Additionally, the adjustable length and blade angles provide flexibility for various tasks, whether you're digging in the field or clearing snow in the backcountry.

The K2 Dozer Shovel boasts an innovative oval-concave shaft that enhances strength while keeping it lightweight. This design allows you to effectively pry and dig without worrying about breakage. The low-profile stompable blades provide efficient snow removal, making your work easier in challenging conditions. With a range of cored-out handles, this shovel is more packable than ever, giving you the convenience of easy storage and transport. Plus, all extendable models meet the UIAA standards for avalanche rescue, ensuring you have a reliable tool when it matters most.

The BIRDROCK HOME Snow Shovel is a compact tool designed to keep you prepared for winter challenges. Its lightweight yet durable construction makes it perfect for snow removal, ensuring you can handle emergencies while traveling or camping. The foldable design allows for easy storage in your vehicle or backpack, so you can always have it on hand without taking up much space. This versatile shovel performs well in snow, mud, and sand, making it an essential companion for outdoor adventures year-round.

The BCA Dozer Shovel is designed for backcountry snow enthusiasts. Its 6061 T6 aluminum blade provides strength and durability, ensuring you can tackle tough snow conditions. The extendable T-grip handle allows you to adjust the length from a compact 23.5 inches to a maximum of 31.5 inches, giving you versatility for different tasks. With blade dimensions of 9.75 by 11.5 inches, you can efficiently move snow, whether you're digging out a snow pit or creating a shelter. Plus, its packed size of 15.25 inches makes it easy to carry in your gear.

The SnowClaw Snow Shovel is an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in activities like skiing, snowboarding, or snow camping. Its durable high-impact copolymer construction ensures it can handle tough conditions while transforming into a rigid tool when needed. Weighing only 6.4 ounces, it fits easily into any backpack, making it perfect for emergencies. Additionally, its efficient design allows you to dig effectively by utilizing your body weight, helping you quickly create snow caves or clear snow from vehicles.

The Ortovox Avalanche Shovel Kodiak I is a sturdy and durable aluminum shovel that easily packs down to store in a backpack or car. With high sidewalls and prolonged center ridge, it provides maximum rigidity. Its lightweight, adjustable design with automatic locking system makes it convenient to store and quick to assemble. It also features a 90-degree Easy Plug clearing function, pack-friendly blade, telescoping handle, non-slip step grooves, rubberized grip zone, D-grip, oval handle cross section, and rescue sled function.

The Ortovox Avalanche Shovel is a practical tool for any backcountry adventurer. Made from sturdy aluminum, this collapsible shovel is easy to store in your backpack or car, ensuring you're always prepared. Its rapid locking system allows for quick setup without fumbling with buttons, saving you time in critical moments. The shovel also features a unique 90-degree clearing function, making it efficient for digging out snow quickly. With a telescoping handle and non-slip grips, you can work comfortably, even in challenging conditions, giving you the confidence to tackle any snow situation.

The Mammut Snow Shovel Alugator Pro Light is a backcountry snow shovel made of hardened, anodized aluminum. It has a straight blade back which is perfect for cutting straight snow profiles. Additionally, it features stabilization ribs that provide maximum stability and a space-saving blade design. The shovel also has attachment holes for snow anchor and rescue sled, making it a versatile tool for outdoor winter activities.