Brooks Range Sharktooth Shovel

Brooks Range Shovel Cropped

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Sure, it sucks carrying a big, heavy shovel in your pack all day on a long tour. I complained while trying to stuff this 10-by-10.5-inch blade and 36-inch (when compressed) shaft into my backpack. And then I complained some more while lugging its 32.6 ounces up and down the mountain. But when I went to test the actual digging performance of the shovel, I stopped complaining immediately. It has this super sharp serrated edge (which comes with a plastic protective sheath so you don’t slice yourself) that chomps through icy crud like an excavator. And it’s massive blade and 45-inch (when extended) aluminum shaft gives you good leverage for digging in deep. If you’re looking for a shovel that’s built for using (not necessarily carrying) this is a good one. [$50; brooks-range.com]  —Megan Michelson

Brooks Range Shovel Cropped

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