Breakdowns in the backcountry?

[Backcountrypro]

This thread turned out way better than I thought and no one told me to buy a different brand if I was worried about breaking down! I have a lot of respect for you guys. I have learned a lot and I even had a few PM's from other riders who have experienced the same anxiety in the backcountry. Thanks again!

 

[rharvie]

we devolope skills and confidence by doing.in our sport its only a matter of time.i go out and camp and snowshoe all the time with my sled.probably step 1 is buy a good book on basic wilderness survival and skills.i recommend rich johnsons"wilderness survival".carry a complete change of base layer and a good down mid layer(very compact),socks.stay dry and you will survive with just a fire for a long time.get the book and read the sucker.i to have been broke down numerous times and just flat stuck in a draw and couldnt get out.no biggy.

 

[CANNONMAN]

As a guy who has hunted and sledded his whole life and spent countless nights in the backcountry, just be prepared and have the right equipment. Having good riding partners is the single most important thing you can have. Survival gear is second but very close to number one.
I can't tell you how many sleds I have pulled out or fixed over the years and having the right people along is paramount. I have taken out injured people, been hauled myself injured, that part usually sucks as you will feel every bump, but I knew who I was with and knew they would do whatever was needed to get me taken care of. Tons of piece of mind there.
I was with a guy on a hunting trip who broke his leg bad and we spent 20 hours before he was airlifted. The spot system worked perfect but weather had us shut down for that long. Having the right gear along and guys that did not freak out made for a great fire, food, water, and everything we needed.
Staying out may be slightly uncomfortable but is very doable with the right people and gear. Ride in your ability, take a second to think about what you are doing and don't worry about what is going to happen. Have fun, just be prepared and all will be good.

 

[Mtn-Track]

lol... i ride a sled that lets just say, has its fair share of issues come up now and again. i only ride with a group that I am VERY comfortable with. i have enough tools in my pack to dissasemble my entire sled(motor included), rope, saw, etc etc, you can almost always hobble something together besides major motor failure. and even then, i dont worry to much, i know the people im with and to be honest, even if i had to leave my sled, i know i have a group that would come back asap with me to fix or drag the sled out if the day was running short and i couldnt be done with one.

I honestly wouldnt ride a sled that has so much goofy **** going on and is so likely to break if i wasnt with a group i trusted.

I'd say if you're riding with the right gear and some people you trust, OTHER than "Ski-Dooin it", you should just try to relax and have fun!

 

[EagleRiverDee]

I'll toss in one more recommendation, in the case you don't already have one: consider getting a SPOT or a PLB so you can signal for SAR in case of a major emergency. I carry a PLB whenever I go out (my pick was a McMurdo FastFind) and it gives me peace of mind to know that if the crap *really* hits the fan I can call for help right now regardless of whether I'm in cell range. My plan is never to use it- I always plan my trips and gear as though there will be no help- but it does make me feel better knowing I have it just in case. A SPOT and a PLB have some similarities but some significant differences- I'd check them both out and see which one best matches your needs.

 

[The Fourth Wolf]

Backcountrypro,

Nobody knows you better than you. Accept your fears and then break them down. Look at your riding as a series of possible outcomes instead of one big event.

Confidence erases fear and preparation builds confidence.

If your machine is well maintained that should give you confidence. If you've identified the "what ifs" with the highest probability and prepared for them with spare parts, tools and the knowledge to use them that should give you more confidence.

If your riding partners are knowledgable, capable and reliable people that should give you lots of confidence and the motivation to be as good as they are. If they're not those things then it's time to find a new crew.

If your fears are rooted in your own survival then that's the easiest fear of all to fix. Building a fire is a relatively easy skill to master, inexpensive to prepare for and fun to learn. It's also about 80% of winter survival 80% of the time. Knowing how to build a fire tends to give a guy that "the-cold-can-kiss-my-azz", chest thumping, caveman sort of confidence. Throw in some sheltercraft for the trees and barren-ground and you can make Bear Grylls fetch your water.

A good sled, a few tools, some skills, and a full pack and you're there. Go rage.

 

[nosledyetwyo]

and dont talk crap about someone elses sled or what brand they ride, cause when you do, you know your sled is gonna break down. I had one friend that was talking crap about how heavy my m7 is compared to his d6, and what do you know, his sled ended up running on one cylinder that day!! ended up headed back to the trailer while i kept riding my heavy ol' sled all day

 

[DaddylikeshisM8]

I know I'm late to the party, and it was mentioned once, but take a look at this website www.buddytow.com It can save you a LOT of headaches if you do go down in the back country. It's a small price to pay and it will give you some peace of mind.