Abs packs

[travisjhansen]

On the abs packs they have a sb 15 with the shovel on the outside and some of the other packs offer for the shovels to be stored inside the pack. Which is better having shovel.outside or inside the pack?

 

[jlebrun_05]

thats the pack I have, and I think the shovel on the outside is nice, but thats what Im used to- had an HMK before

 

[frntflp]

Shovel inside or outside a pack doesn't really matter. Personal choice. Mine is inside because I normally use a shovel on the sled. Read below -

The comments below are based on owning, wearing an Avy pack. (ABS Escape 15) - they do not apply if you are not carrying an avy pack.

OK, here is something to think about. If your shovel is in/on you pack and you get stuck on the side of a hill, one would have to remove the pack in order to access the shovel. At that point, while digging, you would not have any of the protection the pack offers (remember - the pack is on the ground - my money says i/you won't put it back on, while digging). A slab breaks loose above you, you and the sled are tumbling helplessly down the hill and apart from your pack. At this point, the back is worthless.

The best option I've seen (IMO) and I follow, is I carry two shovels [and probes]. One of each on the sled and the others in my pack. When digging or searching, use tools from the sled - then my pack stays on my back and can help be if the side of the hill goes down. Further - if I ever become separated from my sled, I still have tools for survival, on my back with other survival equip (fire starters, space blanket, compass, etc.).

If I were to carry only one shovel and probe, it would be on my sled. Strapped to tunnel, in tunnel bag, under hood, etc.

Great question, good to see you are thinking about the right equipment, it is a very "sinking" feeling to find out that only 3 out of 10 have probes - after you already found out the guy that is buried left his probe at home. Thank God we found him, all is good AND all 10 are much better equipped when we ride in the Mtns.

 

[Norona]

Shovel inside or outside a pack doesn't really matter. Personal choice. Mine is inside because I normally use a shovel on the sled. Read below -

The comments below are based on owning, wearing an Avy pack. (ABS Escape 15) - they do not apply if you are not carrying an avy pack.

OK, here is something to think about. If your shovel is in/on you pack and you get stuck on the side of a hill, one would have to remove the pack in order to access the shovel. At that point, while digging, you would not have any of the protection the pack offers (remember - the pack is on the ground - my money says i/you won't put it back on, while digging). A slab breaks loose above you, you and the sled are tumbling helplessly down the hill and apart from your pack. At this point, the back is worthless.

The best option I've seen (IMO) and I follow, is I carry two shovels [and probes]. One of each on the sled and the others in my pack. When digging or searching, use tools from the sled - then my pack stays on my back and can help be if the side of the hill goes down. Further - if I ever become separated from my sled, I still have tools for survival, on my back with other survival equip (fire starters, space blanket, compass, etc.).

If I were to carry only one shovel and probe, it would be on my sled. Strapped to tunnel, in tunnel bag, under hood, etc.

Great question, good to see you are thinking about the right equipment, it is a very "sinking" feeling to find out that only 3 out of 10 have probes - after you already found out the guy that is buried left his probe at home. Thank God we found him, all is good AND all 10 are much better equipped when we ride in the Mtns.

Great points and easy to always keep your pack on or put it on after taking out your shovel if your stuck on a slope.

 

[Norona]

On the abs packs they have a sb 15 with the shovel on the outside and some of the other packs offer for the shovels to be stored inside the pack. Which is better having shovel.outside or inside the pack?

Personally I prefer to carry it inside a 15 litre normal 2 clam shell abs pack for the reason that the shovel ferrels can get plugged and iced when it is outside your pack all day in the pow. When I use the shovel and put it back inside it partially melts and is ready for the next use(stuck again), many people love the outside shovel holder sb15 pack but every year I see tons of shovel blades and handles and probes on the trail that have come off of packs. Personal choice for sure. Some people think it is faster on the outside but it is actually faster to do one zipper than 2 buckles and pull the shovel handle out of the sleeve after unhooking it.
Whatever you use make sure you secure it properly!!

 

[backcountryislife]

I prefer it on the outside because I keep items on the inside that I want dry. Socks, first aid, gloves, bivy sack, hat... I don't want the snowy shovel in there with them.

I'm amazed at how much more space there is once you lose the shovel..
I went from a vario 15 bag to a SB5 bag this year & with the shovel on the outside again I feel like I've got MORE space in the 5 than I did in the 15. REALLY happy with this bag this year.

 

[Norona]

I prefer it on the outside because I keep items on the inside that I want dry. Socks, first aid, gloves, bivy sack, hat... I don't want the snowy shovel in there with them.

I'm amazed at how much more space there is once you lose the shovel..
I went from a vario 15 bag to a SB5 bag this year & with the shovel on the outside again I feel like I've got MORE space in the 5 than I did in the 15. REALLY happy with this bag this year.

Yes to each their own, however all 2012 2013 abs bags have two clam shell areas one for the shovel and one for dry stuff so no need to get your dry gear wet, only the sb line has one inside area as the shovel is outside.

 

[backcountryislife]

only the sb line has one inside area as the shovel is outside.

Yeah... that's because the SB line comes with an extra dose of awesome... it's like a proven fact

Having a divider is another simple way to do that though I suppose!