? for Chris Burant

[Yamadoo04]

I thought I should chime in before I can't read any more of this thread
So I don’t understand taking off the backpack for more comfort. If it fits properly it should be just as comfortable as without one. Also I feel uncomfortable without my pack on even if I am just going two miles down a meadow to the truck from our cabin. I feel more secure with my pack on all the time not just in the dangerous areas. You never know when you will be separated from your group or sled. I do carry a shovel on my sled and in my pack. Just makes it so much easier to dig myself out when I am stuck without having to get into my pack. Also if I am on a steep hill that is AVY prone I don’t want to have to take my pack off to get to my shovel.

It seems to me that the more experience you have on a sled in the back country the more likely you are to wear a pack and take the right gear. Those that are fairly new to the sport or the backcountry take less stuff and don’t like the packs. Once you really see what can actually happen your mind opens up to the fact that crap can and will happen anywhere, not just on the AVY prone hills. Just think of all the AVY Run outs that you cross on the trails getting to the bigger hills to climb. I can’t count the number of times I have used, duct tape, straps, first aid kits, etc in the meadows and on the trails. Just doesn’t make sense not to wear my pack on every ride even if it is only a couple miles down the road.

 

[900KingKatRider]

Chris burandt at jackson hill climb...

I got "THE" question for chris..are you gonna do worth a crap in jackson this year or what...??? i remember a couple years ago...you came back a tumblin down..pieces of your sled flyin off... now like i said that was a couple years ago..

 

[MTdream]

Whatever, I've seen on his videos and photos submitted by other how many people are with him. There are plenty of people there. Another thing is with his riding, mostly boondocking the danger is far less. You'll notice when he does his big runs up hills they are far away shots. When he is going through the trees you see him blasting past the camera guy.

I already stated, and concur that he is riding in the trees which is what I pointed out above...you chose to focus and argue about how many people are with him...which is part of the point but no where near the core top 5 issues...


However, i refer my learned counsel to the answer I have previously provided...If you think tree riding is safe...

watch this...

Link to video---


I have personally lost entirely too many friends, and carried too many body bags off the hill to not be passionate about this issue...

I dont care about what Chris Burandt does...However, when you take a position as guiding others...you are accepting responsibility to lead them, and to watch out for them...that issue, I take great issue with...

And we have heard from people whom have gone on his trips, and have stated that he did not have a beacon on, nor did he wear a backpack and have the gear...and in those cases, I do not recall if they stated they were filming or not...

 

[BossRev]

I think you are a very skilled and talented backcountry rider but my serious question to you is Why in every picture or video clip I see of you riding your NOT WEARING A BACKPACK? I just dont think is a very good message your sending to all mountain/backcountry riders out there.

Not to raise any conflict but just curious

Thanks for any reply
Anthony

Polaris must of read your thread.......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGvxzxU5QRY

 

[brahm]

I thought I should chime in before I can't read any more of this thread
So I don’t understand taking off the backpack for more comfort. If it fits properly it should be just as comfortable as without one. Also I feel uncomfortable without my pack on even if I am just going two miles down a meadow to the truck from our cabin. I feel more secure with my pack on all the time not just in the dangerous areas. You never know when you will be separated from your group or sled. I do carry a shovel on my sled and in my pack. Just makes it so much easier to dig myself out when I am stuck without having to get into my pack. Also if I am on a steep hill that is AVY prone I don’t want to have to take my pack off to get to my shovel.

It seems to me that the more experience you have on a sled in the back country the more likely you are to wear a pack and take the right gear. Those that are fairly new to the sport or the backcountry take less stuff and don’t like the packs. Once you really see what can actually happen your mind opens up to the fact that crap can and will happen anywhere, not just on the AVY prone hills. Just think of all the AVY Run outs that you cross on the trails getting to the bigger hills to climb. I can’t count the number of times I have used, duct tape, straps, first aid kits, etc in the meadows and on the trails. Just doesn’t make sense not to wear my pack on every ride even if it is only a couple miles down the road.

I find it makes a huge difference in how I can move, how I fast I get tired ect. This could be compounded as the result of me breaking my back. I haven't been to utah so I'm not sure how different the terrain is, but here in Mammoth there are only a few spots where you can legally go, or cross that have avy potential. As I said before depending on the ride I may or may not bring a pack. Otherwise I strap a shovel to my tunnel, and a carry a few things in my pocket and go. Where we ride there is a clear separation between the availability to get into avy potential terrain and not, you literally have to reload back up and leave from a different place as there is no (legal) way to connect the two.

 

[Dhelihiker]

I come from a backcountry skiing background and I have to say that the snowmobile/avalanche culture is pretty bizarre at times. Ive had several sledders say "wow, you got a beacon and stuff!"

If Chris Burant is in a movie there is a good chance he has people keeping an eye on him. Pro skiers never have packs on in movies, but you better believe the guides do.

For the rest of us, Shovel probe and beacon on your person 110% of the time.

Beacon goes under your outermost layer, no more no less.

The rest goes in your backpack, which will not be ripped off, its undebatable. Some time have a buddy go hide his beacon, start a timer and you go find it and dig a 5' deep hole. If it takes over 5 minutes your buddy is going to have brain damage, 7-10 min he's dead. That why my shovel is assembled sticking out of my pack always.

ABS packs and avalungs are not so you can go get in an avalanche and be OK. These thing are a last resort and buy them to hopefully never use them.


Im not trying to preach, in fact I hate talking about this stuff, but some of these comments

 

[brahm]

I come from a backcountry skiing background and I have to say that the snowmobile/avalanche culture is pretty bizarre at times. Ive had several sledders say "wow, you got a beacon and stuff!"

If Chris Burant is in a movie there is a good chance he has people keeping an eye on him. Pro skiers never have packs on in movies, but you better believe the guides do.

For the rest of us, Shovel probe and beacon on your person 110% of the time.

Beacon goes under your outermost layer, no more no less.

The rest goes in your backpack, which will not be ripped off, its undebatable. Some time have a buddy go hide his beacon, start a timer and you go find it and dig a 5' deep hole. If it takes over 5 minutes your buddy is going to have brain damage, 7-10 min he's dead. That why my shovel is assembled sticking out of my pack always.

ABS packs and avalungs are not so you can go get in an avalanche and be OK. These thing are a last resort and buy them to hopefully never use them.


Im not trying to preach, in fact I hate talking about this stuff, but some of these comments

meh I just find it hilarious how anal some people get about this stuff.. look if everybody here was only himarking, and climbing fine.. but look @ chris videos the guy is boondocking and plopping around in the trees on small hills and slopes, when he does go to bigger stuff he wears packs. Do I really need a whole pack to ride in this terrain.. probably not (note I do have a pack though in some of the pics though)

If I fall in a treewell, what good is a beacon going to do me unless my buddy sees me fall, and even then it's not like i'm getting moved. Don't get me wrong I'm all for wearing and using the correct gear when it's called for.. BC skiing, going into areas that do have a possibility of sliding (or even close ie 30+). Hey great wear my gear! Playing in meadows, trees, small hills and stuff under 25 I only bring what I need to get me unstuck and call for help if I break down. Come on guys.. this whole wear a beacon even if you trail riding thing..don't you think it's a little over the top? It' boils down to using common sense, being aware of your surroundings and the situations you can possibly be getting your self into.

 

[JustinB]

This is the first year I started riding with a pack. I have noticed the extra weight and sometimes it make it hard to maneuver but I can take that. When I bought all my avy gear my dad (who taught me always be prepared) Gave me allot of guff. Like you don't ride anywhere you need it or you don't climb big enough hills. My theory is I might need it some day but even worse is pulling up on an avy that I couldn't help get someone out! My #1 rule is always be prepared no matter if you need the equipment or not! I still know allot of guys who keep their shovels and probes in their seats!

 

[xrated]

so brahm, is it safe to assume you never take a trail that crosses Avy terrain? Or as the last post said, what if you came up on a slide that just happened on your way to a safe area....or you are a ridge over in a safe spot and somehow you hear calls for help on the radio or a guy comes over looking for help....

 

[brahm]

so brahm, is it safe to assume you never take a trail that crosses Avy terrain? Or as the last post said, what if you came up on a slide that just happened on your way to a safe area....or you are a ridge over in a safe spot and somehow you hear calls for help on the radio or a guy comes over looking for help....

Correct, the way the terrain is laid out you do not cross any potential avy areas unless you specifically intend to ride in the areas where you will be exposed to them ie on the south side of the range in which case you are planning on riding that type of terrain and there for will bring the appropriate gear. Our mountain range is separated by a ton of wilderness, a town, a ski resort and a freeway. Any accessible terrain with a slope angle that has the potential to slide is isolated and vice versa. So unless I am going to say ride the areas where there is a (legal) ridge line, or slide-able areas there is no way for me to come in contact with them. "The ridge" we all ride which is probably the steepest of the "north" of town terrain and even that is not 30 degrees, where it's legal to ride, the parts of the ridge that are illegal to ride due to wilderness boundaries are shear cliffs and a few avy chutes that run out into dense trees. Nobody rides those on sleds as you can't ride out, the only time we go in them is on skis in which case we bring all of our gear.

Because we are already ontop of a mountain (we start riding @ 8000') the majority of the terrain is smaller hills, valleys, trees, ect. The few peaks that go upward of 10,000' are isolated, and mostly in wilderness areas. Don't get me wrong we are just a stones throw from Sonora, and some really great terrain, on the south and east side of the town / freeway..but my point is you need to be prepared for the potential situations you may be getting yourself into. It's about common sense. Knowing the terrain you are going to ride, the people you are riding with, the conditions out, and your equipment. There is no point in brining a full arsenal of gear if your not going to be exposed to the type of terrain and conditions that warrant it.
http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm...7.7216206511&longitude=-119.057263762&zoom=12

Either way, I can only see up to 70 so the next post will be the last I can see. I'm not saying don't have a beacon, shovel, probe, pack. I'm not saying don't be safe, but a little common sense will go a long way. There is really no reason to rip on somebody for not gearing up to the teeth when the terrain doesn't warrant it. Would I go to sonora without my gear of course not, would I ride the sherwins, mcgee, or any unfamiliar terrain without my full pack no way... but do I need it when I'm dicking around in the trees on the north side of town of course not what good will it do me, there is no potential for slides there, and if I hit a tree and wreck either my friends say me, or they didn't. A probe isn't going to help..and if you watch most of the parts in chris's vids, he is doing the same thing. Playing on small hills, and in the trees. Low angle, with little slide potential. When he does do bigger stuff he wears a pack from what i've seen.

 

[Yamadoo04]

I find it makes a huge difference in how I can move, how I fast I get tired ect. This could be compounded as the result of me breaking my back. I haven't been to utah so I'm not sure how different the terrain is, but here in Mammoth there are only a few spots where you can legally go, or cross that have avy potential. As I said before depending on the ride I may or may not bring a pack. Otherwise I strap a shovel to my tunnel, and a carry a few things in my pocket and go. Where we ride there is a clear separation between the availability to get into avy potential terrain and not, you literally have to reload back up and leave from a different place as there is no (legal) way to connect the two.

Yes we cross Avy paths all the time on most trails that go anywhere. Yes there are many meadows you can stay in but there are also hills all around you and if you are in the trees you might just come out right on a big hill and didn’t intend to be there. Also What if you need to spend the night? I know it is not very likely but the possibility is always there so where would you keep your emergency blanket? I know everyone has their own opinion but I would rather be prepared for the worst and never use it than loose somebody because I thought I wouldn’t need to carry that stuff just so I can maneuver the sled a little better. Like I said before, if you have the right pack it shouldn’t restrict your movements.

 

[sledneck_03]

i just wore a snow pulse avy pack with 3 liters of water in it for 4 days straight. it had a shovel, saw and probe in it as well. i have never road with a pack being it was the first time in the mountains. i never noticed the pack at all....i more noticed the tracker beacon on my hip pulling on my one shoulder all the time and i needed to adjust it 3 times a day........

one guy we road with didnt wear a pack, and i quote" what do you need a shovel for, just roll it" haha........

im sure some one as experienced as chris burandt knows when and when not to wear a pack. the people making a big deal out of this seem like the type that make a big deal out of wearing white suits incase of a avy, or loosing their **** when some one has their fog lights on and its not foggy on the highway

 

[wyodragon]

Keep your backpack on your back

I recently witnessed an avalanche and one of our party was buried right up to his goggles. The rest of our party of 13 were at the trail at the base of the hill. I ran for my sled to head up to the avalanche as soon as it broke loose.I grabbed the pull rope and fired up and realized...NO BACKPACK!!!!! We were all having a bite to eat and having a drink and I had taken my pack off. I had also taken a few runs up the hill without it. I had to run to my wifes sled and grab my pack and then back to my sled to go help.Everything worked out but consider if you were being crushed under the snow how many seconds would you want your friends to be looking for their backpacks. It can get very serious in a hurry friends. In just a few seconds it goes from fun to terror.I learned a lesson and I keep my backpack on now unless we are stopped and nobody is running and we are on flat terrain.Hopefully someone else can benifit from a few words of experiance.Keep your backpack on.My buddy had his shovel on his back and he helped us dig his sled out which was buried underneath him.We were very fortunate he was not injured. Made me a believer in the airbag. I hate my backpack but I sure like all of the stuff in it when I need it.

 

[MTdream]

i just wore a snow pulse avy pack with 3 liters of water in it for 4 days straight. it had a shovel, saw and probe in it as well. i have never road with a pack being it was the first time in the mountains. i never noticed the pack at all....i more noticed the tracker beacon on my hip pulling on my one shoulder all the time and i needed to adjust it 3 times a day........

one guy we road with didnt wear a pack, and i quote" what do you need a shovel for, just roll it" haha........

im sure some one as experienced as chris burandt knows when and when not to wear a pack. the people making a big deal out of this seem like the type that make a big deal out of wearing white suits incase of a avy, or loosing their **** when some one has their fog lights on and its not foggy on the highway

ignorance is bliss when your an idol worshipper...yeah, It is best not to listen to people who live in the hills and ride them...none of us know anything...and yeah, keep telling yourself that...

However, we will keep the same diligence to go find you and or your friends in the backcountry, when you are playing where you shouldnt, climbing with multiple people on a hill at once...get caught without a beacon...

No worries, the hills dont care if your ignorant, arrogant, an idol,or just stupid...and sadly, in some cases even those who play by all the rules still get caught and killed...

oh well, I am done...stupidity always outweighs wisdom....

 

[priest lake rmk]

I ride with two shovels at all times. 1 on the sled and one in the pack + Beacon,probe and tek vest at all times . Trail ride or not.

 

[JS]

Can someone please tell me where in a 24hr day u people find soo much extra time that u can come on a public snomobile forum and piss and moan on and on like a bunch of olympic protesters, over what chris burandt is doing! why not just worry about ur own safety and the safety of the peeps u ride with!!! And who is chris burandt?

 

[JS]

Can someone please tell me where in a 24hr day u people find soo much extra time that u can come on a public snomobile forum and piss and moan on and on like a bunch of olympic protesters, over what chris burandt is doing! why not just worry about ur own safety and the safety of the peeps u ride with!!! If he does or doesnt where a pack, who fkn cares. And who is chris burandt?