Looking for pack and gear advise.

[N49ATV]

Well I'm a new rider. I've had my sled 3 seasons now. But have only gotten to ride 2 seasons. 8 times. Got it off a friend who never rode it either. 2000 700 RMK, ~800mi on her. Anyway. I'm gonna head to the mountains for the first time this year. Just to play I'm the foothills. I don't see the 136" or my skills cresting any peaks.

I'm in the hunt for gear. I'm looking for a pack with airbag, and a spot for shovel/probe built on. What are my options?

Also will need a transiever. Is there one like a spot that can do GPS tracking back home? But still works well in a locate situation?

What features are really needed in a shovel and probe. To be honest the shovel will be used exclusively for digging myself out constantly lol.

Thanks everyone

 

[SnowBigDeal]

There are several airbags to choose from. You can find a good list of airbags to choose from that are designed for snowmobilers on our website at:
http://www.snowbigdeal.com/avalanche-airbags/snowmobiling-avalanche-airbags.html

As far as beacons go, there isn't one that is also a spot messenger. If you want both, you will need to get two different units.

As far as a shovel & probe go, get a shovel that stows away nicely in your pack and is aluminum (not the plastic ones). Also, a probe should be a good diameter and I recommend at least 8 feet long (at a minimum).

 

[snowww1]

http://www.firstplaceparts.com/avalanche-backcountry-skills-dvd.html

http://www.snowbigdeal.com/avalanche-backcountry-skills-dvd.html

 

[kevinm7]

There is a lot of good information floating around on this site as well as from several of our supporting vendors and members (as you can see from the two above posts). Do some searching. If possible, try on the packs and see which one fits you best. The best pack out there is the one that works and fits you comfortably. There are many great options available.

You must get a beacon. DO NOT ride without one. You don't have to get the newest, latest, greatest version, but I would recommend getting one that was made in the last few years so that you have some of the latest technology available. There are a lot of "affordable" older beacons out there, but the technology is severely behind the times. Again, do your research and get what you can afford.

 

[kevinm7]

Another thing to consider is getting some training with your new gear. I have seen people make the mistake of getting this new gear and just throwing it on there person and going for broke. You MUST be familiar with your gear and know how to use it. Practice, practice and practice some more with your beacon. This means finding someone else who has a beacon to practice with.

 

[N49ATV]

I've looked through the av gear pages. Also searched a few other forums. Lots of info on packs, but having issues finding info on pocket config etc. if like to store the shovel on the outside of the pack. Because, well I'm a terrible rider and get stuck lots. Do the snowmobile packs have a tie down/mount for this? Or do you just use one of the ski straps? I do see some brands suggested to stay away from, due to green movement, which doesn't directly effect me yet in canada. But I'll support the cause. I'll swing into the local sled shops to look at packs, but it's very push for sale here. Why id rather get educated, and order online if I want something specific, then buy what they need to get off the shelf.

I'll look into courses here, and will most likely go with a tracker II or similar.

 

[Rev Kev]

For Avy Gear, Can't Go wrong with anything From BCA.

Avy Packs, the BCA Float 22 and larger 32 are nice. As for a Regular Pack, I like the Klim Nac Pack and the Larger Crew Pack, they both have external shovel storage. I also had, and liked the Lightning Pack from True Adventure. Just stay away from anything from The North Face, as they are large supporters of the Greenies.
http://tagear.us/store.php?crn=222
http://www.klim.com/Snow/Nac-Pak.html
http://www.backcountryaccess.com/

 

[motodad383]

X2 on BCA as Rev Kev said. As for the shovel, look for one that has the "neck" integrated into the blade(not sticking up above the blade), as these are much stronger. Also an oval shaft that saves time in an emergency, as the locks will line up during assembly. I personally carry one shovel in my airbag and one shovel on my sled for getting unstuck. BCA Tracker2 is excellent beacon and reasonably priced. Good Luck and be safe!

 

[TUFFPOLARIS]

I have the BCA Float 32 Airbag. Its big and bulky and heavy. I would recommend the smaller 22L, and just use a tunnel bag if you run out of room in the pack. Remember that you gotta haul that thing around on your back all day. I would rather have my sled carry some the weight instead of throwing everything on my back. Just my opinion.

 

[snowww1]

This may help answer some of your questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cncyoizAkmg

 

[OEUnlimited]

BCA packs (22, 32, Throttle) all have a built in shovel/probe pocket, separate from the main compartment. It's on the inside, but provides a nice set of sleeves to slide the probe and shovel shaft/handle into.