Carrying a shovel.

[CatWoman]

Pics of a Nytro dug out this past Sunday.

 

[Slick]

Well thanks for your input 'Slick'. You disagreeing with my methodology, and the pile of crap my dog just laid in the dogrun have about the same value in my book!

I've been in every scenario you listed there hoss except for the avy, and had no problems getting to my shovel. I avoid avy zones and pay attention to the reports, so not too concerned about that scenario either.

I think you're using the pile of dog crap in your helmet to think with there sporty. Genuine stupidity like you display is forgivable, arrogance is not. Of course I've been told you wern't the smartest puppy in your litter, so..... Good luck.

 

[Flange]

I carry a shovel and probe in my pack, and also carry a shovel on my sled. This isn't easy to explain so hopefully the picture helps. I hose clamped a plastic tube to my gas rack. When I slide the shovel handle into the tube, its just the right length where the two spring-loaded buttons that hold the shovel on to the handle, pop out, which prevents the handle from sliding back out. The inside diameter of the tube is just large enough to keep the other spring-loaded button used to extend the handle, from pressing in and having the handle separate. The end of the plastic tube actually tapers down to where the end of the handle just fits in to it. This keeps the handle nice and snug. I found the tube in the plumbing section of a hardware store. I keep the scoop part of the shovel in the shovel bag on my Boss seat. Access is quick and easy.

 

[TIM]

I have seen alot of shovels attatched to the tunnel ext. the sky is the limit on how to attatch. You could rivet some velcro on the tunnel, etc, etc.

 

[FriscoProx]

Shovel and probe always stay in my pack. I also carry a fold up wood saw and keep a long candle and one of those reflective foil safety blankets in the shaft of my shovel.

 

[Flakey]

You just described the best reason to carry a pack...what if you and your buddy are riding together and trigger an avy...both sleds burried, and so is your buddy. What then? Your buddy dies because you dont want to ride with 20 lbs on your back?

I know you were asking about getting unstuck, but several others have posted about how they will not wear a pack. Hope they never need em when it counts.

modsledr

Avys are not the only dangers to deal with---meadow riding out west can be an extremely dangerous place. In white out conditions you can easily find a hot spring/creek that can become a nightmare if you crash in--many times damaging your hood making it impossible to retrieve you shovel. We even have had small avys come accross a groomed trail.

But for those that don't wear a BP, do you keep your probe on your sled as well? Without a probe, you beacon is almost worthless.

There are snowboard BPs available that can house your shovel and removable handle and probe completey inside the pack--no shovel handle protruding--and with a well padded back that won't jab you---less than $40.

Got a link for that $40 pack?

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

but I feel I'm more at risk at getting a back or neck injury with a shovel in my back pack right behind my ol' neck

if you have a decent bag, which like mentioned above allow you to keep the shovel tucked away with the head strapped to the opposite side as your head and the handle in a sleeve on the side, it is impossible* to hurt your neck with the shovel.

*nothing is really impossible.


!!!!!Flakey, i got mine for $50 shipped

 

[montanasledder]

Ive finally convinced most of my group to use a pack this year, They said they did'nt even notice it the first 8 rides this year. I have mine loaded with shovel,probe, extra goggles,camera,extra gloves,socks, first aid stuff,lighters and firestartes. Might weigh 20 lbs. loaded and dont even notice it all day. Never take it off unless i have to retrieve something out of it. Give it a try bet it would be no big deal.
I even wear them on my dirtbike and its fine there also

 

[BackCountryBob]

Flakey, Burton Day and Hiker 12L List price $49.00 for sale $39.95 at Sports Authority in Denver www.store.burton.com/AllBags/Packs?PRD-70115/Burton+Day+Hiker+12L.jsp?bmUDI=1198819969920

You can hang skis or a board or snow shoes off the back's heavy duty velco
straps. I compartmentalize all my survival stuff in individual waterproof zip lock bags so I can pick what I need without dumping stuff out.

 

[Flakey]

Well hey! Maybe I will get a pack. It wold be nice having some extra storage and from what I see on that link I could get a pack cheaper than a tunnel bag. And I can have a shovel and prob in there. Which I should probly get a probe anyway.

Thanks for all the great input everyone!

 

[800poodragon]

Ive finally convinced most of my group to use a pack this year, They said they did'nt even notice it the first 8 rides this year. I have mine loaded with shovel,probe, extra goggles,camera,extra gloves,socks, first aid stuff,lighters and firestartes. Might weigh 20 lbs. loaded and dont even notice it all day. Never take it off unless i have to retrieve something out of it. Give it a try bet it would be no big deal.
I even wear them on my dirtbike and its fine there also

All the guys in our group carry back packs. We carry everything from dehydrated food to shovels, saws, GPS, snowbunje's, flares, fire starters of different types, etc. etc. Like you said you do not even notice the weight. We Have tried a few trial runs by stopping and getting everything set up as if we were stranded. Found out what did not work and what else we did need to make things work. Three of us had shovels withsaws in the handles and as soon as you tried to cut anything of any size they all three broke. Now added a Wyoming saw.

 

[05900]

Yeah what they said. You may not want "all the weight" on your back.!?! It really gets less noticable the more you use it. NOW ...how many times are you seperated from your sled.. ...There goes your shovel etc... What if by some sheety circumstance you have to walk out? Your gear,whatever it is, should stay with you...YOU might need it?



















































'

 

[AKrider]

I carry mine in my pack. I used to keep it under the hood until I got stuck really bad under some big Alders and couldn't open my hood to get my shovel. I didn't carry a saw back then. I ended up walking, more like post holing, for something like 8 hours and didn't end up back at the truck until 10 PM. I actually thought I was going to die in the woods at one point because I was exhausted, dehydrated and soaked. Had it not been realitively warm I would have succumb to hypothermia.

That experience scared the hell out of me and I now have a healthy respect for the outdoors.

 

[Icedog]

Three of us had shovels withsaws in the handles and as soon as you tried to cut anything of any size they all three broke. Now added a Wyoming saw.

Gerber makes a real nice folding saw as well.

 

[Ex-Member]

Gerber makes a real nice folding saw as well.

Gerber makes a lot of really nice stuff. Been using their multi-tools for years now, finally retired my first one of 12 years or so and got a new one

 

[eyeles rmk]

I carry all my survival stuff in my pack. I have a older burton AK from snowboarding years. It is a little bigger than most packs but I don't fill it full. I carry shovel (in two pieces), probe, water, first aid and warm gear, also carry extra batteries for the radios and gps. I know that sounds like alot but I don't even notice it anymore. I have never had a problem with the shovel in the bag. I snowboarded that way for 8 years and have sledded that way for 3 years. I will tell you that the most annoying person to ride with is the one that thinks he can use everybody elses stuff. If you are willing to spend thousands on a sled, then spend a few hundred on safety. I get so tired of riding with guys that aren't prepared and then expect everyone else to bail them out. DON'T BE THAT GUY!!!

 

[winter brew]

I prefer not to wear a pack, but when i am going to an area prone to slide, or when danger is higher I wear it anyway...with a shovel. When i ride my familiar areas I keep it in a tunnelbag.

 

[johndeere8420]

I run with one on the sled and one in my pack.

I have been in a few avy's and the sled is usually buried

You better SERIOUSLY re-think where you are riding with that little devil in your avitar pict..........

 

[Polar Express]

I'm with Icedog... you WEAR your shovel to be best able to help OTHERS. Only carrying one on your sled is selfish.

When I started this hobby, my FRIENDS said they wouldn't ride with me until i had, and wore all three.

Please... for your riding buddies' sake, wear a shovel, probe, and a beacon!

 

[Coxy]

Well put Polar Express. I carry a pack, with shovel, probe, hydration thing full of water, gatorade, extra gloves, socks the liner for my jacket, leatherman, flashlight, and extra goggle lenses. I forgot about fire starters, and some first aid supplies, so ill get that going this week. I dont normally carry much for grub, but definitly should start. I carry a 12' nylon sling/carrabeaner, folding saw, and tools, bungie cords, zip ties and tape on the sled, for other sled related issues. And lets not forget the tracker DTS straped to my chest (under the outer layer of clothes)