Was looking into avy packs and see most people ride with a Snowpulse or BCA. Whats some insight on these to. Vest or Pro from Snowpulse or the 22 throttle from BCA?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Airbag packs??
- Thread starter kreps306
- Start date
ABS Powder SB15
I have a BCA 22. My wife bought it for me for my birthday. I had a Gregory Tarne 36 pack that I was using before. Absolutely loved it, but for some reason I wouldn't go spend the money on an avy pack... so she did it for me.
I like the BCA 22, but I honestly wish it was larger.
I have my BCA shovel, a headlamp, some basic survival sh*t, aluminum water bottle, spare gloves, a length of rope (on the outside), a folding saw, and by the time you throw some lunch in there, it's getting crammed up. Not much room to bring half a dozen beers if you're into that. Some guys are. (Not judging... I like an afternoon beer sometimes.)
I guess it depends on how much stuff you like to bring. I liked that I could ditch my jacket, and put it in my Tarne bag and ride in a hoodie on warmer days. Not happening with the BCA.
The BCA feels comfortable. Quality is good. After you read the instructions and practice folding the inflatable bag a few times you get the hang of it. I have no complaints aside from the small size. I'm glad my wife bought it for me, it was very thoughtful of her and where I ride, it's actually completely retarded NOT to have an avy bag.
I like the BCA 22, but I honestly wish it was larger.
I have my BCA shovel, a headlamp, some basic survival sh*t, aluminum water bottle, spare gloves, a length of rope (on the outside), a folding saw, and by the time you throw some lunch in there, it's getting crammed up. Not much room to bring half a dozen beers if you're into that. Some guys are. (Not judging... I like an afternoon beer sometimes.)
I guess it depends on how much stuff you like to bring. I liked that I could ditch my jacket, and put it in my Tarne bag and ride in a hoodie on warmer days. Not happening with the BCA.
The BCA feels comfortable. Quality is good. After you read the instructions and practice folding the inflatable bag a few times you get the hang of it. I have no complaints aside from the small size. I'm glad my wife bought it for me, it was very thoughtful of her and where I ride, it's actually completely retarded NOT to have an avy bag.
Those bags are pretty rad. I'm not saying you can put a price on your life... but, they're pretty effin expensive for your average dude to go and buy.
Cheaper than a Casket.
This is the pack I have i love it. Items that don't fit in it will fit in my tunnel bag.
I currently have the BCA Float 22 Throttle and have had the Float 30 as well. The 30 was a little big for me and the 22 just fits what I need. The 22 is a little lighter and basically just fits what I need, but I only put the essentials on my back as I don't want a heavy pack.
The new Float 25 Turbo looks kinda interesting but haven't seen one in person yet.
My thoughts are, most of us don't blink an eye to spend money on the sled, trailer or truck so...........it only makes sense to purchase and use an airbag, if your going to ride the back country. It's cheap insurance, and an added piece of mind!!!!
The new Float 25 Turbo looks kinda interesting but haven't seen one in person yet.
My thoughts are, most of us don't blink an eye to spend money on the sled, trailer or truck so...........it only makes sense to purchase and use an airbag, if your going to ride the back country. It's cheap insurance, and an added piece of mind!!!!
I got the ABS Vario base in size large and my wife has the ABS Powder base. We both have the Snowmobile specific 15 liter zip on bags which, by the way, are a bit different between the two lines. For example, mine only has one vertical external sleeve which is for the probe and so unless you want your shovel handle to be inside your bag, you must leave it attached to the shovel blade and let it stick up. Hers has two vertical sleeves so one for probe and one for shovel handle. Hers also has a hole to get your drink tube through where mine has to run out through the zipper. We only keep rescue equipment, electronics, water and a bit of food or things we don't want crushed or banged around in the backpacks. All other gear is in tunnel bags on the snowbike or sled so we are not carrying the weight on our backs.
As for choosing the brand or the line within a brand, you really should try them on or at least pay attention to the sizing charts and fit recommendations of the manufacturer. For example, the ABS Powder base is very small and didn't fit my long torso well, especially over my tekvest, and the Powder model only comes in one size. The vario base comes in two sizes and the large fit my torso way better than the small vario or the powder base. That bummed me out a bit because I preferred the Powder zip on bag layout better, but the vario bag works well enough. Look for snowmobile specifc zip ons because the ski ones are usually smooth, with probes, shovels, etc stored inside so there is nothing to hook on chairlifts or helicopters when skiiing.
Snowmobile specific zip ons have external pockets because we use our shovels a lot. But, better yet, have your good shovel in your pack for avy rescue and get a cheapo or older beat up shovel to strap to your snowbike or sled and use that for digouts. That way you won't have to take your pack off to get your shovel all the time. If you do that, just be sure to use your good shovel enough to stay familiar with it if it differs from your digout shovel.
Any bag is better than none, but after my research, I preferred the ABS brand a bit more due to the nitrogen canister, the charge trigger mechanism vs the cable, and the layout of the bags and that there are two instead of one. Nitrogen is a pain to get filled, but so are the others since any pressurized canisters have to pay a hazmat fee if shipped. The oxygen filled are more likely to be able to be filled locally, though. And nitrogen ones can't be refilled, but need to be exchanged. Same with the charging handle since it's a little gunpowder charge that is a one time use thing. Hope that helps a bit.
As for choosing the brand or the line within a brand, you really should try them on or at least pay attention to the sizing charts and fit recommendations of the manufacturer. For example, the ABS Powder base is very small and didn't fit my long torso well, especially over my tekvest, and the Powder model only comes in one size. The vario base comes in two sizes and the large fit my torso way better than the small vario or the powder base. That bummed me out a bit because I preferred the Powder zip on bag layout better, but the vario bag works well enough. Look for snowmobile specifc zip ons because the ski ones are usually smooth, with probes, shovels, etc stored inside so there is nothing to hook on chairlifts or helicopters when skiiing.
Snowmobile specific zip ons have external pockets because we use our shovels a lot. But, better yet, have your good shovel in your pack for avy rescue and get a cheapo or older beat up shovel to strap to your snowbike or sled and use that for digouts. That way you won't have to take your pack off to get your shovel all the time. If you do that, just be sure to use your good shovel enough to stay familiar with it if it differs from your digout shovel.
Any bag is better than none, but after my research, I preferred the ABS brand a bit more due to the nitrogen canister, the charge trigger mechanism vs the cable, and the layout of the bags and that there are two instead of one. Nitrogen is a pain to get filled, but so are the others since any pressurized canisters have to pay a hazmat fee if shipped. The oxygen filled are more likely to be able to be filled locally, though. And nitrogen ones can't be refilled, but need to be exchanged. Same with the charging handle since it's a little gunpowder charge that is a one time use thing. Hope that helps a bit.
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I have one of the original BCA Float 32 packs. I love it and recently purchased the Float 22 Throttle pack for my girlfriend. I was somewhat disappointed after receiving it, however.
One thing I noticed with this newer/smaller BCA pack is that there is no designated space specifically designed for your shovel, probe, or hydration. You are pretty much stuffing everything into it's primary compartment. Her probes barely fit with the zipper closed. There is also no access from the backpack into the shoulder strap to run a hydration line or BCA radio. If you are carrying any survival gear or tools, you will need an additional case/compartment to keep them together. There are no pockets or zipper compartments to keep things organized within this newer pack.
I understand the pack is much lighter and smaller, but I feel like they really slacked off on it's design and features from my original BCA Float 32. Whichever pack you decide to go with, take into account the accessibility to your tools (shovel, probe, etc). Other than having the avalanche bag itself, the newer BCA packs don't seem to accommodate snowmobilers anymore than a Spiderman school backpack.
With that said, I haven't seen the new Float Turbo 25 yet. I don't have any experience with any other brand unfortunately. However, ANY bag is better than no bag, so invest wisely and check the product out in person first before ordering.
One thing I noticed with this newer/smaller BCA pack is that there is no designated space specifically designed for your shovel, probe, or hydration. You are pretty much stuffing everything into it's primary compartment. Her probes barely fit with the zipper closed. There is also no access from the backpack into the shoulder strap to run a hydration line or BCA radio. If you are carrying any survival gear or tools, you will need an additional case/compartment to keep them together. There are no pockets or zipper compartments to keep things organized within this newer pack.
I understand the pack is much lighter and smaller, but I feel like they really slacked off on it's design and features from my original BCA Float 32. Whichever pack you decide to go with, take into account the accessibility to your tools (shovel, probe, etc). Other than having the avalanche bag itself, the newer BCA packs don't seem to accommodate snowmobilers anymore than a Spiderman school backpack.
With that said, I haven't seen the new Float Turbo 25 yet. I don't have any experience with any other brand unfortunately. However, ANY bag is better than no bag, so invest wisely and check the product out in person first before ordering.
It seems BCA has listened to your rant.
Loved my float 22, looking forward to the upgrade.
Float 25 Turbo Specs: panel access, zippered tool compartment, lined goggle pocket, hip belt pockets, load lifters, left or right shoulder strap trigger mount, height adjustable trigger, fixed leg strap, daisy chain, hydration sleeve, and compatible with snowboard carry attachment.
I have the Float 22 and I have to admit it's pretty much just an avy bag. After putting in a shovel and probe there's very little room left for anything else. Pretty easy to use though and fits well.
That sounds like some much needed improvements.
My Float 22 has three total compartments. The outside most one is for the shovel, and fits the BCA shovel extremely well... because that was what it was designed for.
The main compartment holds the bottle, and that's where you can place most of your other gear, and then there's another smaller zippered portion inside that, though it is very small.
Your wife bought me one as well, She explained only one of the packs will actually deploy , Jus sayin,,,
Been drinking tonight?
Second time in as many nights that someone has to chime in with some bullsh*t that isn't necessary, and doesn't make a bit of sense either.
