13 best avalanche probes
Avalanche probes are essential tools used in backcountry winter sports and avalanche safety. They are designed to help locate and rescue avalanche victims buried in the snow. Here's what you need to know about avalanche probes:
Purpose: Avalanche probes are used to pinpoint the location of a person buried beneath the snow after an avalanche.They are a critical component of an avalanche rescue kit.
Construction: These probes are typically made of lightweight and durable materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. They consist of multiple interlocking segments that can be assembled quickly and easily.
Length: Avalanche probes come in various lengths, typically ranging from 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) or more. The length you choose depends on the depth of the snowpack in your backcountry area and personal preference.
Collapsed Size: When not in use, avalanche probes collapse into compact and portable lengths, making them easy to carry in a backpack.
Deployment: To use an avalanche probe, you first assemble it by connecting the segments. Then, you insert the probe into the snow, pushing it downward until you make contact with the buried object (which could be a person). Probes often have depth markings to help you determine the burial depth.
Grid Markings: Many avalanche probes have grid markings along their length. These markings assist rescuers in estimating the precise burial depth, which is crucial for efficient digging and recovery.
Quick Lock Mechanisms: Avalanche probes typically feature quick-lock or snap-lock mechanisms that secure the probe's segments in place when deployed. This ensures stability and accuracy during the search.
Compatibility: Avalanche probes are commonly used alongside avalanche beacons (transceivers) and shovels during rescue operations. These three tools work together to increase the chances of a successful rescue.
Training: Proper training in avalanche safety and rescue techniques is essential when using avalanche probes. This includes practicing probe deployment and effective search patterns.
Safety Precautions: Avalanche probes are safety tools, but they are not a guarantee of rescue success. Traveling in avalanche terrain should be done with caution and in groups, and backcountry enthusiasts should be educated about avalanche awareness and prevention.
Maintenance: Avalanche probes should be inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Damaged probes should be replaced to ensure their reliability during rescue situations.
In summary, avalanche probes are crucial tools for backcountry winter enthusiasts, especially those who venture into avalanche-prone areas. They are designed to assist in locating and rescuing buried avalanche victims quickly and efficiently. Proper training, along with the use of avalanche beacons and shovels, is essential for safe backcountry travel.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best avalanche probes on the market
BCA Tracker 3 Avalanche Beacon with Stealth Probe (240cm Probe)
Product description
The Tracker3 has Tracker2’s renowned ease of use and instantaneous real-time display-and it’s 20 percent smaller and lighter. Designed to be “pocket friendly,” T3 is the thinnest multiple-antenna avalanche transceiver available. Signal suppression and Big Picture modes for no-nonsense multiple-victim searching.
- BCA Tracker 3 Avalanche Beacon
- BCA Stealth Avalanche Probe
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is the probe carbon? What is the folded size |
| Answer: | The probe is aluminum with a stainless internal cable. The folded length is 16” and it come in a light 19” zippered bag. Note: the folded pole is marked to about 215 cm; the remaining 25 cm extends from the handle and locks the cable and segments; thus it does not add to the folded length. |
| Question: | Does transceiver have a harness and batteries |
| Answer: | Harness no batteries |
| Question: | Does the probe come with a storage bag |
| Answer: | Yes, the probe includes the storage bag and the beacon includes the body harness. |
| Question: | Does the beacon come with a harness |
| Answer: | Yes it comes with harness |
Backcountry Access BCA Stealth 270 Avalanche Probe
Backcountry Access
Product description
STEALTH 270 Our mainstream probe for the recreationist. Collapsed length fits in most packs. Weight........................... 10.4 oz / 295 g Extended length.......... 106” / 270 cm Collapsed length......... 17.7” / 45 cm Diameter....................... 0.47” / 1.2 cm
- 270cm Aluminum
- Weight: 10.4oz
- Collapsed Length = 17.7"
Backcountry Access BCA Stealth Avalanche Probe
Backcountry Access
- 240cm Aluminum
- Weight: 8.8oz
- Collapsed Length = 15.7"
Black Diamond Recon BT Avalanche Beacon
Black Diamond
- Black Diamond Equipment: Designing and constructing the world's best climbing, skiing & mountain gear since 1957
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do you need any sort of 'subscription' or does this use radio frequency |
| Answer: | No subscription needed, but getting the beacon is only 1/2 the battle. Taking an avalanche safety course should point you in the right direction. |
| Question: | does this come with a harness |
| Answer: | Yes it comes with a simple harness to wear around your chest. |
| Question: | does this come with a harness |
| Answer: | Mine did come with a nice harness. |
| Question: | Does this come with a lanyard? To attach to your pocket or to the harness so if you drop it, it’s still attached to you |
| Answer: | Yes, it comes with 2 lanyards. One is attached to a shoulder harness/waist belt sling and the other I have not quite figured out how to use yet, but it is included. |
Product features
BD Recon BT Beacon
Simplified and streamlined yet outfitted with all the features needed for fast, accurate searches in the event of a slide, the Recon BT avalanche beacon features Bluetooth capabilities, and a housing with soft-touch contact points for improved handling. The beacon's Bluetooth connection allows you to manage settings and software updates from your smartphone. With a 60-meter circular range, and three antennas for pinpoint search accuracy, the Recon BT is the go-to beacon for everyday backcountry travelers. The included harness-style carrying pouch provides comfortable, streamlined storage and fast removal for beacon practice and emergency response.
Backcountry Access Tracker S Avalanche Beacon + Avalanche Probe
Backcountry Access
Product description
The BCA Tracker S Avalanche Transceiver has the performance, ease of use and instantaneous real-time display of the Tracker3, without the Tracker3 motion-sensing or upgradeable software, which are advanced features needed by snow professionals while in an avalanche area. This Backcountry Access beacon is used to find people while in an avalanche and prevent death or injury by locating the transceiver. Includes the SnowBigDeal 260cm Aluminum Avalanche Probe Make sure to read the Backcountry Access Tracker S Avalanche Transceiver resources to use the device properly.
- BCA Tracker S Avalanche Beacon/Transceiver
- SBD 260cm Aluminum Avalanche Probe
- 3-Antenna Digital Avalanche Beacon
- Includes Harness and Batteries
Backcountry Access Stealth 240 Probes
Backcountry Access Inc
Product description
FEATURES of the Backcountry Access Stealth 240 Probes Laser-etched depth markings assist with measuring snowpack Durable aluminum probe for avalanche safety and snow study Quick-lock avalanche probes features the easiest and fastest assembly on the market, with no loose cable to cause hangups Stealth probes are built to last and save valuable seconds during an avalanche rescue when time matters Stealth 240 avalanche probe is an industry standard length, compact, lightweight, and economical The top segment stealthfully nests inside the next probe section, reducing the number of segments and size of the probe bundle when disassembled in your pack Equipped with laser etched depth markings for measuring snowpack and/or victim depth to determine the dimensions of the excavation area before shoveling
- Compact, lightweight probe
- Industry standard length
- An essential for all backcountry travel
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does it come with a case or covering |
| Answer: | Hi, Yes it does come with plastic zipper cover to store it. |
| Question: | Does it come with a case or covering |
| Answer: | Yeah, It comes with a lightweight orange bag. |
| Question: | What is standard length |
| Answer: | 7 ft 11 in / 240 cm |
Backcountry Access BCA Tracker 4 Avalanche Beacon + Avalanche Probe
Backcountry Access
Product description
Includes the BCA Tracker 4 Avalanche Beacon Includes the 260cm SBD Avalanche Probe Tracker avalanche transceivers have long been the fastest, easiest-to-use beacons in the industry. The Tracker4 just took it up a notch, with a rubberized over-molded case, larger LED display, and the same Tracker interface that basically makes it impossible not to find your companion. Signal suppression and Big Picture modes for no-nonsense multiple-victim searching. Motion-sensing auto revert-to-transmit mode. Upgradeable software and electronics performance testing for fleet management.
- ✅ Includes BCA Tracker 4 Avalanche Beacon/Transceiver
- ✅ SBD 260cm Aluminum Avalanche Probe
- ✅ Beacon Includes Body Harness and Batteries
Black Diamond Quickdraw Probe Tour
Great Lakes MP
Product description
With a shorter length ideal for lightweight tours, avalanche rescue practice and skiing terrain with shallow snowpacks, the Black Diamond Quickdraw Tour Probe 240 features a durable aluminum construction. The Tour 240’s updated ferrules make for increased durability and quick alignment, while the integrated stuff sack and non-slip grip make for fast, one-pull deployment in emergency situations.
- Updated dual Quick draw speed ferrules make for extremely fast deployment with maximum durability
- Rapid deployment stuff sack integrates with the probe's pull cord for ONE-PULL readiness
- Non-slip grip provides secure purchase, even with wet Gloves
- Oversized, durable alloy tip improves probing sensitivity by creating a hole larger than the probe shaft
- High-visibility1 cmmarkings
DEMON UNITED Snow Probe-Avalanche Probe 270cm
Demon United
Product description
If your testing snow depth or looking for a survivor this probe will help you get it done. Demon's 270cm aluminum quick draw probe will give you the quality you need without breaking the bank. Stay safe out there!
- Light weight aluminum construction- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- 270 cm in length- 7.9 oz
- Comes with carry bag- Anodized quality finish
- Depth markers clearly show snow depth
- Covered by Demon United's warranty
User questions & answers
| Question: | How is the cord locked after assembly of the metal sections so the probe does not come apart during use |
| Answer: | The last section contains 2 small pins that lock in place to hold the cord tight. They can be depressed to release the tension and to collapse the probe. |
Backcountry Access BCA Stealth 300 Avalanche Probe
Backcountry Access
Product description
STEALTH 300 Our go-to probe for professionals and advanced recreationists. Collapsed length fits in most packs. Weight................................ 11.6 oz / 330 g Extended length............... 118” / 300 cm Collapsed length............ 17.0” / 43 cm Diameter............................. 0.47” / 1.2 cm
- 300cm Aluminum
- Weight: 11.6oz
- Collapsed Length = 17.0"
Ortovox 2236100001 Picket, Unisex Adult, Silver (Silver), 240 cm
Ortovox
Product description
Hard material ortovox, mountain climbing, trekking and trekking unisex adults, high quality and sporty design.
- Hard material ORTOVOX
- Mountaineering, Mountaineering and Trekking Unisex Adult
- High quality and sporty design.
Backcountry Access BCA Stealth 240 Carbon Probe - 240cm - Orange
Backcountry Access
Product description
The Stealth 240 Carbon quick-lock avalanche probe features the easiest and fastest assembly on the market, with no loose cable to cause hangups. The top segment stealthfully nests inside the next probe section, reducing the number of segments and size of the probe bundle when disassembled in your pack. Equipped with laser etched depth markings for measuring snowpack and/or victim depth to determine the dimensions of the excavation area before shoveling. Stealth probes are built to last and save valuable seconds during an avalanche rescue when time matters.
- The Stealth 240 Carbon quick-lock avalanche probe features the easiest and fastest assembly on the market, with no loose cable to cause hangups.
- The top segment stealthfully nests inside the next probe section, reducing the number of segments and size of the probe bundle when disassembled in your pack.
- Equipped with laser etched depth markings for measuring snowpack and/or victim depth to determine the dimensions of the excavation area before shoveling.
- Stealth probes are built to last and save valuable seconds during an avalanche rescue when time matters.
Ortovox Unisex_Adult Probe Carbon 280+ PFA Avalanche, Black, 280 cm
Ortovox
Product description
This high-end avalanche probe is made of light and rigid carbon. The new PFA quick release system allows for even faster and easier clamping. On the 280 cm long avalanche probe there are depth markings to optimally adjust the shoveling strategy. The rubber handle ensures safe and ice-free handling in all conditions.
- Very lightweight carbon construction
- Small pack size.
- PFA quick release system
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