SnowClaw Aluminum Pro-Series

Navigation Reviewer Background Product information in brief Field and test information Product Use and Performance Summary

Long Term Report (the third of three reports)
My Initial Report may be viewed here.
My Field Report may be viewed here.

Report Date: January 11, 2005

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

I enjoy walking in all its manifold forms, from a simple stroll in the woods to multi-day backpack excursions. Though by no means an extreme ultralight enthusiast, from spring to fall my preference is to carry a pack weight 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.

Product information

• URL: http://www.snowclaw.com/
  
• MSRP: US $29.99
  
• Listed weight (website): 11.8 oz (335 g)
  
• Tested weight: 11.5 oz (326 g)
  

Field and Test Information

For this long term report, the SnowClaw was used for a mix of day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, at elevations to 3900 ft (1190 m). Minimal pack load was 12 lbs (5.4 kg) or so for day hikes and up to 28 lbs (11.3 kg) for backpacks. The lowest temperatures experienced during the testing period were at elevation at approximately -15 F (-26 C), with a wind-chill resulting in an apparent temperature -40 F (-40C). Most of the hiking involved at some traversing of light snow or ice on the summits, although due to a generally mild November and December in 2004 there was overall less snow cover than usual. Still, most of these hikes were done during what were unquestionably winter conditions.

Product Use and Performance

As noted in earlier reports, 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. It was tested for the Field Report in the Adirondacks. In consequence, the period for this Long Term Report was extended. Although my region has had (as of this writing) far less snow than the historical average (as of the day this is written, temperatures have been running nearly ten degrees over the norm), I have fortunately been able to perform some additional testing in order to provide a fleshed-out picture of the performance of the tool.

I have found the SnowClaw to be useful for the average snow conditions prevailing in the NE United States. It should be noted that I am not generally in areas where avalanches are likely. Avalanches produce very difficult snow textures in their wake, and rescue attempts demand the removal of large amounts of hard snow in a short amount of time. I am therefore unable to comment knowledgeably on the suitability of the SnowClaw as a rescue tool.

For me, the primary use of the SnowClaw has been for snow camping, specifically leveling platforms and digging small pits. Here I have found the tool very useful, even in conditions where the snow was "rotten," i.e. with high water content. I found that for the removal of small to moderate amounts of snow in the preparation of a level surface for a tent the SnowClaw is a really excellent tool. The pointed end is better for digging; the blunter end for smoothing

This was a task that I have generally performed from a kneeling position. When standing, I find that back strain is an issue of concern while using this tool. In fairness, I should mention that I received a spinal compression fracture in a cross-country skiing accident a couple of years ago (now healed, but with some mild residual trauma). Perhaps in consequence, using the SnowClaw while standing (though not impossible) is rather uncomfortable for me.

Leaning forward to dig a cathole or similar small pit is not a problem. Creating a small mound from a standing position (for a small wind-break, for example) is mildly arduous. A small snow trench I found just about manageable, but a large structure such as a quinzhee is not feasible with the SnowClaw, at least for this reviewer. I attempted this task but abandoned the effort, as the act of scooping and hurling the snow onto the pile quickly made my back ache! Because the SnowClaw lacks an extended handle, a lot of mechanical advantage is lost when lifting. This lack of leverage is noticeably awkward when piling shovelfuls of snow, a necessary stage in making many kinds of snow shelter.

Still, for the routine tasks of snow camping in less-than-extreme conditions, this has proved to be a worthwhile tool. It's a great asset to have a firm, solid surface around the camp on which to place a stove, use as a seat or table, etc. I also attempted, with care, to fry an egg on the enameled surface. I succeeded, but care is required to avoid melting the plastic handgrips and I'm unsure whether the paint might exude something that would contaminate the egg. I ate it, in any case.

I was pleased that the SnowClaw gave me another point of attachment for my tent, which is not free-standing (it needs two attachment points, more in high wind). The ability to use it as a picket is a definite plus. It was necessary to tie a loop of line through the handles in order to do this, but this is due to a peculiarity of the design of the tent—most could be tied-off directly to the SnowClaw.

I found that the SnowClaw easily straps to most packs, although a little ingenuity may be needed with some designs. Having an existing compression strap that can be laced through the handles is helpful, but in some cases I have found that the SnowClaw will need to be tied on or retained by an extra strap.

The SnowClaw has been used on very heavily crusted snow (it takes considerable force to penetrate this crud) and on very light powder. Performance is best on snow textures between those two extremes. Light powder has a natural tendency to sift off the blade surface, and heavy crust of the kind formed after rain and ice has landed on the snow is difficult for any tool short of a mattock.

No significant wear to the tool was noted after a number of uses. It is a sturdily constructed item. Despite the few caveats mentioned above, the SnowClaw will come with me henceforth on my winter camping trips, and I now carry the plastic version (not reviewed here) at all times when winter hiking.

Summary

I feel this a very worthwhile tool for snow campers in areas where a snow shovel is not a life-or-death implement, and I expect to get a great deal of use from it in winters to come. It serves well for a diverse range of applications. It can even serve as a sled, although the rides I achieved were wild, uncontrolled and usually ended in a face-plant!

Likes

• Relatively light weight
• Broad range of applications
• Seemingly indestructible

Dislikes

• Lack of leverage due to absence of handle

On this last score, the single biggest improvement I could suggest for this useful tool would be a handle—optional and detachable—although I recognize that this would be a significant redesign.