Best avi bag for day trips and GPS?

[Einar74]

I have been looking into getting a avalanche bag and a new GPS. I only do day trips, and want to travel lite and only have a portable gps that runs on batteries. I live in Iceland, but took a trip to the states last winter to ride. I rode with some experienced guys and they all had a hand held gps that they stored in there steering bag and the gps also had a two-way radio in it. I didn´t ask about what type they where using, but would expect something from the Garmin Rhino series.

what type of gps to you guys prefer and if Garmin Rhino is the 650 worth the extra cash over the 610?

Regarding avi bags I have been looking at something that will do the job but doesn´t brake the bank. I have been mostly thinking about BCA float 18 or 22. I have been looking closely at the float 18 because it looks light and compact and has the airbag handle on the right side, I am left handed and I think I would prefer to have the handle on the right rather then on the left.

Also isn´t the compressed air system a much easier system to get refilled or is there any benefit regarding reaction time when deployed with the nitrogen.

thanks

 

[03RMK800]

The GPS/radio combo was a Garmin Rhino. Pretty slick.
Can't help on the avi bag questions, other than to agree its easier to get the compressed air one filled (scuba shop, usually). You do have to have the correct threads to match up. I think there is a refill kit that needs to be used when refilling--new Oring, other parts.
Other factor for trigger on your right shoulder-- you need your right hand to run the throttle if you are trying to both run with the slide and to be protected by your bag.

 

[carlc]

I have the rino 610 and the float 18. I would get the 610 again, really the only difference between te 610 and 650 is that the 650 takes photos and has a memory card adapter, but it's really easy to download maps from your computer. The float 18 is awesome. There isn't a ton of storage but it has plenty for a day with shovel probe gloves goggles and survival gear.


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[WFOWA]

Find a used ABS pack.

 

[carlc]

I replaced my abs with the float. I like the float much better. About the only downside I can see is the one chamber vs two. Other than that it's lighter, straps and waist belt are better, storage compartments are better, cheaper/ much easier to refill at a sledding destination.


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[JedInUtah]

Rino is the best radio/gps combo for sledding. Helps find your buddies in the trees too.

For day trips I would really consider a vest. Wary just redesigned their vest for 2013 and it is awesome. They are on sale through Christmas eve for just $649 including the cylinder.
www.teddunlimited.com
www.thewary.com

 

[Braap Wraps]

I use cheap radios from amazon, Garmin Etrex 20 GPS.

That was given to me as gifts over the years

I would recommend the ABS it can be customized to any rideres needs with the zip on pack or no pack at and just a probe and shovel. Diz did a great review of the power pack a couple weeks ago.

[Yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6I7xSeJwd8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUDfyN7Nv5G88JHI4jxJJttA[/Yt]

 

[sledrider]

If you are torn between the BCA 18 or 22 go with the 22. Larger and a .5lb lighter than the 18.

 

[clatla]

If you are buying a Rino get the 650 over the 610. The main difference is in the radio. The 610 is 1 watt. The 650 is 5 watt. Considerably more range with the 650. The 655 has a camera (most say its not a very good camera) and a couple of gadgets you probably wont ever use so not worth the up-charge. You can't go wrong with any of them but sometimes it's worth spending a little extra coin.

Cabelas has the 650 on sale for $349.99 http://www.cabelas.com/product/Garm...cts&Ntt=rino&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

 

[Blown Motor]

Coming from a company that retails all the avi bags and vests, we get to hear real life experiences daily. We also get to use products year round to test and try out and form our own experiences. All the companies come very highly regarded, and have great usage testimonials. With that said, the fit and size is what generally determines the users choice. Then it comes down to price, and the availability to get replacement cylinders, get cylinders filled etc. For a good day pack, we would assume that a smaller pack would be more than acceptable. Something to keep the essentials, but not a ton of extras. For that we would recommend going to something like WARY Avi-Vest or a smaller BCA Float pack. Both affordable and awesome for a day trip!