Ortovox Pro Alu III

This versatile shovel transforms into a hoe—fast—and works for righties and lefties.

Brand: Ortovox

Model: Pro Alu III


VERSATILITY If your buddy gets buried, you need to move snow and debris quickly, and this shovel can help. Just swivel the 11-by-9-inch-wide head to create a hoe, which lets you plow through debris efficiently—and with less effort—than digging. Assembly is fast and hassle-free, even while wearing gloves. Release points along the 17-inch handle allow for extension up to 33 inches.

GRIP Face-up, the aluminum handle is designed for right-handed use. Release the handle, flip it, and reconnect: Boom, left-handed use. Bonus: A rubber grip kept the shovel secure in our testers’ hands.

Durability No bowing or sticky buttons after a season of hard use. That’s a lot of performance for the moderate weight.

$69; 1 lb. 12 oz.; ortovox .com

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