ABS packs

[ski-doo junkie]

I am going to buy an ABS pack but I dont know what size to get.
Right now I use a Dakine Heli Pro and thats just right for my amount of storage.
So I need to know if I can go with the 15 or do I need to get the 30?

Thank you in advance for your comments.

 

[900dragon]

I bought the 30 last year and found it very big. Lots of room to put stuff in, but also fairly heavy all day. I would get a smaller one for myself next time.

 

[EricW]

I've got the 30 and it's pretty big. I do carry a lot of stuff and I'm just used to it. I think the 15 would be the right fit if the Dakine was handling all your gear. If I remember right there were some pics of each pack with the typical back country gear they would haul laying beside them.
http://www.rockymountainxtreme.com/abscompare.htm
Found it.

Good luck. EW

 

[Insaneboltrounder/sjohns]

I just happen to have a 15 for sale... mint shape... used 3 times. im swap. sj

 

[Rioplay]

I have the 15 and it seems bigger than the backpack I had before, so I think it will be perfect for an all day ride.

Nice backpacks, what I really like is that the whole back of the pack unzips so you don't have to dig through your backpack like I used to, everything is right there and easily accessible.

 

[SnowBigDeal]

If you are unsure of the size pack you would like, I would highly recommend the Vario. It has a base unit and the pack is removable. You can purchase extra zip on packs that will fit onto the base unit. That way you can have an ABS pack in multiple sizes if you would like.

You can check out the vario at: http://www.snowbigdeal.com

 

[DeepInTheTrees]

I have used a Dakine Heli pro the last couple of years also. If you go to Dakine's site and see the volume of your old pack - mine was a Heli Pro II which had the following stats (from Dakine's site):
Volume - 1600 cu.in. [ 26L ]
Weight - 3 lbs. [ 1.5kg ]
So this would put the ABS 15 at about half the volume of what you are used to. That is why I went with the 30.

As far as the weight goes, the 15 is 6.9lbs and the 30 is 7.1lbs (according to rockymountainxtreme.com). Of course if you load it down, it will be heavier, but if it is stuff you need, then.... But if you don't load it down, there are some nice straps to compress the bag down to make it smaller. So long story short, I say go with the 30, because there are no penalties (unless you consider .2lbs a penalty, then leave that candy bar in the truck), but you always have the option to carry more. Anyways, that was my reasoning. Good luck!

 

[giddyup]

i too have been using the heli pro. great pack, this year for mountian riding i got an ABS pack. i was looking at the 15 but found it to small. i went with the 30 and i think it is bigger that the heli pro but if i have to put the probe and shovel handle in the pack it is better. i wish the 30 had a mount similar to the heli pro to mount the shovel on the side of the pack out of the way but still quick to get to. Any one have any good setups for a shovel on the 30lt. still waiting for the first trip

 

[Rioplay]

Mount the shovel some where on your machine because if you are taking off your pack to remove your shovel when you are stuck you are defeating the purpose of it.

 

[Woof]

I used the HeliPro for 5 years, actually wore it out. This time I went for the Klim Freeride ABS, very light and comfortable, added a tunnel bag for the rest of the goodies I used to carry on my back. It is very comfortable and is giving me a piece of mind that lets me rely a bit more on myself instead of worrying about my rescuer also getting buried, still have the shovel on my back as well as on my sled. Probe always stays with me.

Ride safe.

 

[Untamed]

Shovel on 30

i too have been using the heli pro. great pack, this year for mountian riding i got an ABS pack. i was looking at the 15 but found it to small. i went with the 30 and i think it is bigger that the heli pro but if i have to put the probe and shovel handle in the pack it is better. i wish the 30 had a mount similar to the heli pro to mount the shovel on the side of the pack out of the way but still quick to get to. Any one have any good setups for a shovel on the 30lt. still waiting for the first trip

Put the handel on and run the horizontal strap on the bottom through the vertical loop at bottom of pack. The shovel fits perfect, stays in place also.

 

[TheOnlyBFC]

Mount the shovel some where on your machine because if you are taking off your pack to remove your shovel when you are stuck you are defeating the purpose of it.

I agree and disagree with you on this one. I see the importance of always having your pack on, but if you mount your shovel on your sled and get taken in an avalanche or something, then you are without your shovel if you sled gets buried. You would have to first dig out your sled by hand, get your shovel, and then dig out your buddies if they got buried. Just some food for thought...

 

[drscotch]

I agree and disagree with you on this one. I see the importance of always having your pack on, but if you mount your shovel on your sled and get taken in an avalanche or something, then you are without your shovel if you sled gets buried. You would have to first dig out your sled by hand, get your shovel, and then dig out your buddies if they got buried. Just some food for thought...

Both good points but the solution is 2 shovels. One in your pack, one in a tunnel bag, etc.. The weight is negligible. I wouldn't have carried 2 shovels before I got my ABS but it didn't matter if I took my pack off then. I'd hate to trigger an avy with my ABS pack off.

I bought the Vario 30 and the size is just right. I'd rather have some extra room then have to jam everything in. The option for different pack sizes is nice too.

 

[ski-doo junkie]

Thanks for the input guys.
I think I'll go with the 30ltr

 

[DeepInTheTrees]

Nice picture slayasher, looks like a real professional photographer took that.....