Striker 240 Probe

Wasn't sure about the skinnier upper tubes at first, but this thing packs down so small it disappears into my pack. The thicker lower section feels solid when I'm probing through a firm slab. For shallow continental snowpacks it's all I need.

Took this on a week-long tour and the smaller upper tubes really cut down on swing weight when I'm probing one-handed. Stiff where it counts near the tip, so I'm not fighting flex in dense debris. Packs down short enough to live in my day bag all season.

I barely notice this thing on my back on the way up, which is the whole point. The smaller tubes up top and stiffer lower section make it feel solid when I'm actually probing a slope. Packs down short enough to fit inside my smaller daypack too.