SnowClaw Aluminum Pro-Series
Field Report
Report Date: June 16, 2004
Reviewer Information
- Name: Edward Ripley-Duggan
- Age: 51
- Gender: Male
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Weight: 215 pounds (98 kg)
- erd@wilsey.net
- Catskills, New York State
Reviewer Background: See end of report
Product information
Testing environments and field-specific notes: The SnowClaw reached me somewhat late in the season (April 12), after most of the serious snow was gone from the Catskill Mountains, among which I live. Accordingly, I took it with me for a traverse of the still snowy Dix Range in the Adirondacks on April 24-26. Nighttime temperatures were well below freezing, but well above during the day. With a snowpack on sheltered slopes of up to four feet, this had resulted in snow conditions that could fairly be described as "difficult." The snow texture was coarse and apparently dense but also unsupportive of snowshoes – rotten snow, messy to deal with.
The first task to which I applied the SnowClaw was leveling a sleeping platform for a tent, on a slope with a twenty-degree incline. I found the best method for using the tool under these conditions was to cut into the snow with the more pointed end of the tool, then move away large chunks of snow. These were then either discarded or scattered to even up the surface. The flatter edge was useful for fine-tuning, used rather like the blade of a plane. If anything, I found the SnowClaw easier to use for this slightly finicky work than most shovels.
I didn't feel any major back strain from the use of the tool, although it was necessary to kneel down to reach over far enough to avoid standing on the cleared area (to avoid forming indentations). It would probably not have been necessary to kneel with a shovel with a handle but I don't see this as a significant shortcoming.
Because of the greater amount of bending needed, moving quantities of dense snow into a mound requires a fairly substantial effort with this tool, based on a preliminary test. I did not have an opportunity to actually build a quinzhee, as I'd hoped. Still, I can state that the shovel functions adequately and performs quickly for standard winter camp tasks, and I was generally pleased with the results.
Having a firm surface to hand that's more or less flat is a great asset for a winter camp. The SnowClaw served that function well at various times, as a level stove base, table and a seat. It was handy for excavating catholes, and additionally functioned rather well as a form of toilet seat (an ignoble but very handy role). With some line tied through the handles, it served as a snow picket for pitching my tent (I usually don't carry snow stakes or pickets, using poles, snowshoes, etc. – an additional attachment point is a big plus). I consider this a true multi-use tool and I was absolutely delighted by the variety of roles in which it proved useful.
No significant wear to the SnowClaw was noted after use. The raised rams-horn elements on the blade noted in my initial report remain a little mysterious – I still can't determine if they are functional or not. They may come into their own handling finer snow than I encountered. The gentle curve of the tool enables it to be easily strapped to a pack (I wove a front compression strap through the handles). This kept it clear of attached crampons and snowshoes. From this preliminary field experience I am convinced that the SnowClaw will come with me henceforth on any winter backpack where there's a significant accumulation of snow.
Future testing: Subject to the availability of early-season snow in time for the Final Report, I hope to be able to give the SnowClaw further testing, although I was able to address many initial issues on this field trip. Some remaining questions follow.
How does the tool handle fine powder?
I did not have an opportunity to create any kind of substantial heaped snow structure. How well does it work for this, and will back strain be an issue?
I didn't have an opportunity to use the SnowClaw as a sled. This is hardly a critical matter, but it did seem to me that it might have promise for pulling gear or simply having fun. I hope to put this to the test once snow returns.
Summary: The SnowClaw performs its primary duty well, in snow conditions that were a good deal less than ideal. It appears very strongly constructed (no bending or vibration were detected) and well up to the rigors of moving all kinds of snow (if it will handle the crud I was on, it will handle anything). It proved to have a very wide range of secondary uses that make it extremely useful as a winter camp tool, and it is easily carried.
Reviewer biography: I hike regularly year-round in the Catskills, with occasional excursions to the Adirondacks and elsewhere. A hiker since my teens, I was born and grew up in rural Hertfordshire in England, moving to the US at age 19. Given the harsh winters of the region where I make my home (and the need to keep active or perish of boredom) I make frequent ascents of local peaks on snowshoes and crampons, with an occasional foray on cross-country skis. Nothing could be further removed from the landscape of my childhood.
I enjoy walking in all its manifold forms, from a simple stroll in the woods to multi-day backpack excursions. I through-hiked the Northville-Placid trail over ten days on 2003. Though by no means an extreme ultralight enthusiast, from spring to fall my preference is to carry a packweight of 12 pounds (5.5 kg), more or less. In recent years, I've rapidly moved to a philosophy of "lighter is better," within the constraints of budget and common sense.
Read more reviews of
SnowClaw International gear
Read more gear reviews by
Edward Ripley-Duggan
