Avalanche Pack

W

willey

New member
John, which pack did you end up purchasing? Thinking about getting one before I leave next week. cutting it close but I wanna be safe!!!
 
J

jonw

New member
Not wanting to answer before John, but I have the Snowpulse Highmark bag and love it. I was driving through Utah about a month ago and made a detour through Mt. Pleasant to visit SnowBigDeal so I could try on all the bags and vests. Snowpulse was definitely the right fit for me, but other bags might be be better for others.

Brian at SnowBigDeal is a great guy and really knows his stuff.
 
W

willey

New member
jonw said:
Not wanting to answer before John, but I have the Snowpulse Highmark bag and love it. I was driving through Utah about a month ago and made a detour through Mt. Pleasant to visit SnowBigDeal so I could try on all the bags and vests. Snowpulse was definitely the right fit for me, but other bags might be be better for others.

Brian at SnowBigDeal is a great guy and really knows his stuff.
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Thanks! I sent him and email tonight.
 
Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
I got the BCA Float 36, but I would not recommend this one. The reason why I got it was it provided the most storage space, which is what I was looking for. I carry a large pro-sumer video camera with me out west and need the space. This bag sure has it, you could store a compact car inside! However, it is not well set up for snowmobilers, with little features for them. Most of the storage and mounting options are for skiers and ice climbers.

The bag will work fine for me, but is a monster and I think other models are better suited for snowmobilers. Seeing all the snow that has fallen and is going to fall, I am glad I will be wearing it.

-John
 
W

willey

New member
Thanks John. I think I am gonna order the Float 30 tomorrow after talking with the guys as Snowbigdeal.com. I hope your pack works out for you and more importantly I hope you don't need to pull that handle! But it's nice to know its there if you need it.
 
C

chicagosledder

New member
I have a ? for you guys, we are going to Tog on Mar 07 do we need to bring a Avalanche pack? We are newbies and yes we hired a guide and rented sleds. Any input on what to bring is appreciated.
 
Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
Need? No. Want, yes. However, they are expensive. Low end $600. High end $1300. So there is the old cost/benefit question that arises. I will be only 2 of 9 guys in our group riding with one.

Since you will be with a guide, your exposure to avalanche risk will be much lower than if you were just going at it on your own. However, the first rule in avalanche safety is there are no absolutes (except you have to have snow to have an avalanche).

What you will need is a beacon, which the lodge will rent to you. A shovel is a must. There have been arguments about how much to use them for a sled stuck, but if you are riding with me in avalanche terrain, you better have a shovel strapped to your back to dig me out in the event I am buried, or you are not riding with me. A probe is also a good thing to have, but not a necessity. The beacon will do most of the finding. If you are down to using a probe, you either have zeroed in on the victim, or are in a world of hurt to find them.

An avalanche pack is just another level of protection, but not a 100% full proof way of keeping you safe. It's a pull and pray device.

-John
 
W

willey

New member
Administrator said:
Need? No. Want, yes. However, they are expensive. Low end $600. High end $1300. So there is the old cost/benefit question that arises. I will be only 2 of 9 guys in our group riding with one.

Since you will be with a guide, your exposure to avalanche risk will be much lower than if you were just going at it on your own. However, the first rule in avalanche safety is there are no absolutes (except you have to have snow to have an avalanche).

What you will need is a beacon, which the lodge will rent to you. A shovel is a must. There have been arguments about how much to use them for a sled stuck, but if you are riding with me in avalanche terrain, you better have a shovel strapped to your back to dig me out in the event I am buried, or you are not riding with me. A probe is also a good thing to have, but not a necessity. The beacon will do most of the finding. If you are down to using a probe, you either have zeroed in on the victim, or are in a world of hurt to find them.

An avalanche pack is just another level of protection, but not a 100% full proof way of keeping you safe. It's a pull and pray device.

-John
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What John said! ^^^^
 
S

Skylar

Super Moderator
Staff member
When did you get the air bag John, and who did you buy it from? I can't swing one this year, but I am going to pick one up next year.
 
W

willey

New member
Skylar said:
When did you get the air bag John, and who did you buy it from? I can't swing one this year, but I am going to pick one up next year.
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Skylar I would Highly recommend SnowBigdeal.com. Very knowledgeable guys and they had pretty much all of the major brands/models on hand. Great price and I will have it before we leave Friday.
 
Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
Skylar said:
When did you get the air bag John, and who did you buy it from? I can't swing one this year, but I am going to pick one up next year.
Click to expand...

I picked it up a couple of weeks ago. I ordered mine from First Place Parts. Took about a week to get it.

-John
 
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