Ortovox Shovel Badger avalanche shovel
Best lightweight shovel for backcountry skiers needing rapid, reliable snow clearing.
The Ortovox Badger Shovel is a super lightweight and easy-to-handle all-aluminum shovel designed for off-piste enthusiasts. It features an ergonomic, hybrid grip for maximum power transmission, a sizable blade volume of 2.5 liters, and a robust design with pronounced center ridge and high side walls for full rigidity. Non-slip grooves on the top edge of the blade provide traction when wearing boots, and a centering aid in the shaft socket facilitates rapid assembly. This shovel is built for effective and quick snow shoveling.
$39.90
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
62
/ 1157
#62 in Climbing
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Brand
Ortovox
/ Ortovox
Who it's for
- Backcountry skiers prioritizing lightweight gear for long tours
- Safety-conscious mountaineers needing reliable, rigid tools for hard snow
- Minimalists wanting efficient, packable gear that resists twisting
Who should skip it
- Rescuers needing maximum leverage for extended, strenuous digging
- Professionals requiring high-volume blades for rapid snow displacement
- Budget-focused beginners seeking basic, entry-level safety equipment
Performance breakdown
Weight Efficiency
Featherlight aluminum construction ensures minimal fatigue during long backcountry tours.
Blade Rigidity
Center ridge and high walls bite through dense, compacted avalanche debris.
Deployment Speed
Centering aid in the shaft socket allows for near-instant assembly.
Ergonomic Handling
Hybrid grip design maximizes leverage and power transmission when moving snow.
Traction Control
Non-slip grooves on the blade edge provide essential boot grip.
Volume Capacity
Generous 2.5-liter blade moves significant snow volume with every scoop.
Key Specs
Brand
Ortovox
Weight
625 g
Blade size
2,5l
Shaft/closed shovel lenght
45 cm
Open blade length
70 cm
Material
Aluminium
Know before you buy
Yes, the Badger is built for durability. Its aluminum construction, combined with a pronounced center ridge and high side walls, provides the rigidity needed to move dense, compacted snow effectively.
The hybrid grip is designed specifically for ergonomic power transmission, even with bulky gloves. Its shape allows for a secure, comfortable hold that helps you maintain leverage while digging.
Absolutely. The shaft socket features a centering aid that guides the blade into place quickly, allowing you to assemble the shovel in seconds when every moment counts.
These grooves provide essential traction for your boots, allowing you to apply extra downward force with your foot when the snow is too hard to break through with your arms alone.
Yes, 2.5 liters is a standard, efficient size for an avalanche shovel. It balances the need to move a significant amount of snow quickly with the requirement to keep the overall weight low for easier carrying.
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