When it comes to backcountry snow safety, one of the most important pieces of gear is a good probe. A probe is used to locate buried victims in an avalanche, and can mean the difference between life and death. With so much riding on such a small piece of equipment, it's important to choose the best possible option for your needs.
That's why we've put together this list of the best snow probes on the market, complete with ratings and reviews. We want you to be as safe as possible when you're out in the backcountry, and choosing the right probe is a big part of that. Take a look at our list and find the perfect probe for your next adventure.
10 Best Snow Probes | June 2023 (Reviewed & Ranked)
Last updated on June 12, 2023
8 minutes
OUR TOP PICKS
Top #2
G2 Avalance Kit: Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Snow Shovel with Snow Probe and Storage Bag, Folding Des...
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A Few Of Our Ranking Metrics:
Check below for our tips on purchasing the best Snow Probes:
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The 10 best Snow Probes
Top #1
Backcountry Access BCA Stealth Avalanche Probe
84%
Customer
Satisfaction
100%
Overall
Score
91%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are that it is made of aluminum and is lightweight.
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Top #2
G2 Avalance Kit: Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Snow Shovel with Snow Probe and Storage Bag, Folding Design, Easy to Storage and Carry (Orange)
88%
Customer
Satisfaction
99%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are that it is made of aircraft aluminum alloy, durable, and easy to use. The probe also has a black cover which can be unfolded to reveal the probe itself. The shovel size is also adjustable and the probe size is also adjustable.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is light weight and easy to carry around.
The shovel is good for search and rescue purposes.
The kit is always with the person when they go snowboarding or skimobiling.
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Top #3
TerraWest Core Quick Lock 240 cm Avalanche Probe
84%
Customer
Satisfaction
98%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
240 cm probe. 6 second deployment time from quick release cover to fully assembled probe. 14 second ski backpack to assembled probe.
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Top #4
Backcountry Access Stealth 270 Avalanche Probe
87%
Customer
Satisfaction
96%
Overall
Score
89%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are that it is made of aluminum and is lightweight.
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Top #5
Backcountry Access Stealth 240 Probes
92%
Customer
Satisfaction
96%
Overall
Score
87%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
This product is easy to assemble with no loose cable to cause hangups.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The probe is easy to pull to length.
The customer service is great.
It is well made.
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Top #6
DEMON UNITED Snow Probe-Avalanche Probe 270cm
76%
Customer
Satisfaction
95%
Overall
Score
90%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the light weight aluminum construction, easy to assemble and disassemble, 270 cm in length, 7.9 oz weight, and covered by Demon United's warranty.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is strong and durable.
The length of the product is good, making it easy to use.
The lightness of the product makes it easy to carry around.
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Top #7
TerraWest Core Avalanche Shovel and 240 cm Quick Lock Probe
84%
Customer
Satisfaction
94%
Overall
Score
84%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The Terrawest Core Light Avalanche Shovel is lightweight and practical, perfect for ski tourers and off-piste enthusiasts. The shovel is made with modern production methods and extremely strong but lightweight materials, and only weighs 475 g. The telescopic stem makes adjustments easy, and the quick lock probe ensures safe use in difficult conditions.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
The shovel is well made and has good fit and finish.
The probe locks into place easily, making it easy to use with gloves.
The probe deploys nicely.
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Top #8
Black Diamond Equipment Quickdraw Pro Backcountry Snow Safety Probe, 240 cm
93%
Customer
Satisfaction
92%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
The probes are designed for snow study, avalanche professionals, patrollers and anyone exploring deep terrain. Dual Quickdraw speed ferrules provide extremely fast deployment with maximum durability. Rapid deployment stuffsack integrates with the probes pull cord for one-pull readiness. Oversized, durable alloy tip improves probing sensitivity by creating a hole larger.
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Top #9
SnowBigDeal American Avalanche Probe - 10 Feet (305cm) - Red, White, Blue
86%
Customer
Satisfaction
91%
Overall
Score
88%
Product
Quality
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WHAT WE LIKE:
This product is a snow probe that is 10 feet long and 7 sections collapsed, 8 sections assembled. It weighs in at 9 ounces and has depth markings shown in feet and inches, instead of centimeters.
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Top #10
Sainlogic Wireless Weather Station with Outdoor Sensor, 8-in-1 Weather Station with Weather Forecast, Temperature, Air Pressure, Humidity, Wind Gauge,...
90%
Customer
Satisfaction
89%
Overall
Score
87%
Product
Quality
View on Amazon
WHAT WE LIKE:
The best features of this product are the reception range and the large color display.
Pros & Cons From Reviewers:
It is easy to set up.
The display is clear and attractive.
It is easy to install.
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Snow Probes Buying Guide : What You Need To Know
*Our top pick for the best Snow Probes
Attributes Of High Quality Snow Probes
- Snow Probes are made of high quality materials that can withstand extreme temperatures.
- They have a strong and durable construction.
- Snow Probes are designed to be easy to use in all types of snow conditions.
How To Choose The Best Snow Probes
When it comes to backcountry snow probes, there are a few things you need to take into account in order to choose the best one for you. The first thing you need to consider is the length of the probe. Probes come in different lengths, and the length you need will depend on the depth of the snowpack you plan on probing. If you're only going to be probing shallow snowpacks, then a shorter probe will suffice. However, if you're planning on probing deeper snowpacks, then you'll need a longer probe.
The next thing you need to consider is the material of the probe. Probes are typically made from either aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum probes are less expensive but also less durable than carbon fiber probes. Carbon fiber probes are more expensive but are also more durable and lighter weight.
Finally, you need to decide what color probe you want. Black probes are the most common and tend to be the least expensive. Red probes are less common but can help you easily spot your probe if it's buried in the snow. Blue probes are even less common but can help you easily spot your probe if it's buried in the snow and can also help prevent avalanches by providing a contrast against the white snow. Silver probes are the most expensive but offer the best durability and visibility in both deep snow and low-light conditions.
What To Avoid When Looking For The Best Snow Probes
When choosing the best snow probes, there are a few things you'll want to avoid. First, make sure that the probe is long enough for the depth of snow you're expecting. Second, choose a probe with a durable tip that can penetrate hard-packed snow and ice. Third, make sure the handle is comfortable to use and won't slip out of your hand. Finally, consider how easy the probe is to assemble and disassemble - you don't want to be fumbling around in the middle of a storm!