Snow Claw Guide Snow Shovel
The flexible, lightweight SnowClaw Guide snow shovel can be folded or rolled up to fit in or on any pack.
- 2 side handles make the Snow Claw Guide snow shovel an easily manageable tool
- Incredibly tough high-impact copolymer is very flexible but transforms into a riged tool by slightly squeezing the handles together in a "U" shape
- Multi-functional design can also be used as a snow anchor, plate, sled or emergency splint
- Material remains pliable and crack resistant to -20°F
Made in USA.
View all Snow Claw Snow Shovels| Best Use | Backcountry Skiing |
|---|---|
| Blade Construction | HDPE |
| Blade Size | 12.5 x 12 inches |
| Packed Length | 12.5 inches |
| Extended Length (in.) | 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.1 ounces |
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After using the SnowClaw for the past few years I've found it very useful during winter camping and touring. I carry both an aluminum shovel and the SnowClaw but for most situations the SnowClaw works best. For moving large amounts of snow as in snow cave building it allows me to use both hands working in same direction which saves energy making it easier than a shovel. It's perfect for shaping the ceiling and walls. Flexing the handles together make the tool rigid enough to dig through harder snow and icy chunks. However, ice layers require my shovel or ice axe. As a former Ski Patrol, I like how well it conforms to an emergency splint.
Not really an avalanche shovel
I’ve had a number of these over the years and use them frequently. I see it’s categorized here in avalanche safety gear. In some conditions— deep or wet snow —your partner will die before you dig them out with this soft, flexible shovel blade. It just isn’t made for rescuing someone in the quick-set concrete that is avalanche debris. Likewise, a melt freeze crust of sufficient thickness will be pretty hard to penetrate, if you’re trying to dig a snow cave, for example. I also question whether stability tests designed around rigid shovel blades can be performed with this, which flexes readily if you whack it. It’s fine for camping in soft snow.
Borrowed Claw
I was driving a ski bus at Alta and noticed a lady, who obviously worked there, was stuck. She had this claw thing. I approached her and asked if she could use some help. She said that she tried digging out with the claw that her boyfriend had given her (she mentioned he was on the ski patrol). I instinctively borrowed it from her and dug out her front tire.(front wheel drive) A couple of other helping people persons had showed up and we pushed her the rest of the way out. ... I am sold, it was so easy to dig the icy snow out of the way... this is the same consistency you would find in an avalanche. Her boyfriend did her good.
Very versatile! Easy to use and lightweight!
I bought this to keep in my car with my chains. Then snow hit the NW hard and I am using it for everything! From plowing my walkway to building an igloo and helping around the barn! Going to buy a second one to keep in my tiny house!
Good quality
Dug around car with the little shovel twice. Very sturdy.
This thing saved my life.
I bought this to keep in my pack while skiing. Yesterday I was skiing through the trees at a local resort and fell. My ski came off and went towards the edge of a 60ft cliff and I ended up on the downhill side about 20 feet above the drop. I was in powder up to my armpits and would have no doubt slid over the side struggling to get back up to my trail if I did not have this tool to dig my way out. I'm buying one for everyone in my family that skis and will always carry one when I ski.
Dynamite Tool
I purchased this ahead of a snowmobile trip from Diamond Lake to Crater Lake in Oregon. It slipped easily into the external storage pocket of my Flash 45 pack. When the rookie driver buried the snowmobile in deep, soft snow off the trail the Snow Claw helped me move lots of snow in a hurry and we were back on the trail in no time. This will go with me whenever I head out on skis, snowshoes or, on rare occasion, snowmobile, in winter conditions. Makes a good sled/glissade device too!
Don't Leave Home Without It?
I bought a few of these for winter camping and traveling last year. Everyone likes them as a great BACKUP tool that is lightweight and easy to carry; in particular, they are great for working inside a snow cave. Keep in mind, they are NOT a shovel substitute! (but they work MUCH BETTER than a snowshoe tail for digging!) I recommend them as a personal piece of gear to back up a shovel or two in a party, and will start carrying them next to the chains in my truck.
Excellent tool
I've used the SnowClaw several times for a snowcaves and general snow-camping stuff - I'm always blown away by how well it works. And the best dead-man anchor out there. Exceptionally easy to pack and ultra-light. I never head into the backcountry without it.
Great digger
This is a great little shovel like thingy. First, it does have some limitations. If you're moving a lot of snow to make a large snow cave; this is not the best tool. If there was a real avalanche situation I would prefer a aluminum shovel with a handle to make the digging go quicker but this would be great if you thought that you're getting close to the person and didn't want to cause further harm by jabbing them with a metal shovel. If I need something to work in tight places such as inside the snow cave or under a truck that's buried up to its axels in hard pack snow, this is the tool I reach for (when it's not in my pack it rides behind the seat of my pickup). It also makes a great anchor point in snow if you need a tie point for guide lines for a tarp or are climbing a steep snow bank. Since it's somewhat flexible, you could (in theory) use it as a splint. It also makes a nice dry spot to sit in snow. I had a friend who used his as a impromptu rain hat when we got caught in an unusually warm winter trek (ran a strap from each handle and tied it under his chin, it worked pretty good). Over all a great multipurpose tool that doesn't add that much weight to your load. Well worth the relatively small amount of money they cost.