The rewards of backcountry snowboarding can be beyond your wildest dreams, but so can the ugly realities of the risks. Avalanche danger in backcountry terrain is a serious threat to your life and the lives of your backcountry partners. When you leave the controlled slopes of a ski resort, the current conditions of the snowpack are always to be conscientiously respected.
If it’s sketchy, the best call is to stay in bounds and save that backcountry tour for another day. And regardless of the avalanche danger, you should never travel in the backcountry without basic training in both avalanche beacon rescue and rescue shoveling. Every backcountry traveler must also be carrying the mandatory rescue gear - beacon, shovel and probe.
We’ve partnered with ARVA, an industry leading avalanche safety gear manufacturer to produce durable and high performance rescue tools for riders of every backcountry skill level. For 2019/20 we’ve expanded the Jones Mountain Safety collection and now offer two shovel and two probe models including a longer probe for deeper snowpacks and an ultralight shovel for weight critical alpine missions.
The Strike 320 probe (top) has eight 13cm sections, the Strike 240 probe (bottom) has six 11cm sections. Both are made with aluminum 7075 alloy.
“Knowing how to use your avalanche safety gear is equally as important as carrying it with you. Take a rescue course from an avalanche professional to gain a foundation of skills and then spend a few days at the beginning of every winter practicing those skills. Before my winter really gets firing I always make sure i’m up to speed on the latest rescue techniques and dialed with my rescue equipment. Our shovels and probes match exactly what I look for in my safety gear - simple, solid and lightweight.” - Jeremy Jones
The Strike 340 features a wire cable tensioning cord and an ergonomic grip for supreme functionality and durability.
The new Strike 320 Probe is a robust backcountry safety tool designed for avalanche professionals or backcountry travelers who frequently tour in deep snowpacks. With eight 13cm diameter aluminum sections and a Double Push Pin with wire cable locking system, the Strike 320 flips together in seconds. For unmatched grip when moving fast, the Strike has an ergonomic thermoplastic grip.
The Strike 240 now features a Rack Locking tension system that secures automatically as the kevlar cord is pulled taut in the probe. No need to “lock off” the cord. To open, pinch the lock.
The Strike 240 Probe is a simple and solid backcountry safety tool that you can count on when you really need it. Featuring six 11cm diameter aluminum sections and a new Rack Locking System with Kevlar cord, the Strike flips together with just the flick of a wrist. For unmatched grip when moving fast, the Strike has an ergonomic thermoplastic grip.
The Strike 240 probe is lightweight, durable and competitively priced. It is the perfect probe for most backcountry travelers.
One workhorse and one ultralight rescue tool - the Excavator and Excavator Carbon shovels.
The new Excavator Carbon Shovel is an ultralight backcountry tool built for light and fast alpine missions. Featuring a streamlined yet high volume anodized aluminum blade and a single section carbon shaft, you’ll barely notice the weight of the Excavator Carbon in your backcountry pack. The Excavator Carbon’s 49cm long carbon shaft is a functional length for moving snow fast yet short enough to fit in any backpack. For unshakable grip or changing hand positions, the Excavator Carbon is outfitted with an ergonomic symmetrical T-handle.
The Excavator Carbon’s handle is 46cm long and the blade is made with 1.5mm thick anodized aluminum.
The Excavator shovel’s dual-section handle collapses down to 32cm and extends to 49cm. The Excavator’s blade is made from 2mm thick anodized aluminum.
The Excavator Shovel is a robust and lightweight backcountry tool built for both rescue and winter camping use. Featuring a streamlined yet high volume anodized aluminum blade, the Excavator can move snow fast, yet easily slips into any size backpack. The Excavator’s two-section collapsible aluminum shaft can adjust from 32cm to 49cm and offers a functional length while keeping the shaft compact. For unshakable grip when moving fast or changing hand positions, the Excavator is outfitted with an ergonomic symmetrical T-handle.
Backcountry Safety
Anyone who ventures out into the backcountry should have basic training in both avalanche beacon rescue and rescue shoveling. Learn the basics of avalanche safety and rescue here and take an avalanche course to solidify your knowledge.
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