I have my own backcountry version of the Goldilocks story: I found a backpack I love, but most avalanche shovels were either too big, or too small to fit inside. D-handles are too clunky, and T-handles don’t get along well with mittens. The K2 Rescue Shovel is just right: its weight, price, and size are on par with other shovels, the detached shaft (16 inches compressed) fits in my pack, and the L-like handle works great with gloves or mittens—if you’re right handed, which I am. $65; k2skis.com. --R. D.