Ortovox Freerider 26? -Shovel Storage?

[GoBigParts]

I am looking at getting a Free rider 26. I am wondering where would store my shovel with this pack. I have a Viole t-wood mini that they handle detaches and is telescoping. Do these packs have a pocket to put the shovel in or do shovels fit well with these?

I was thinking of this pack because it is slight bigger than the 24 and has the ABS system. The ABS seems to have some advantages like its triggering system, visibility when deployed and 2 bag system.

Or do you think the Freerider 24 would allow enough room for day trips, shovels goggles, gloves, socks, safety gear, food and misc.?

 

[kidwoo]

Both fit a shovel and probe and goggles food. I have the 26 and the 32+. They're kind of weird packs. Yes you have to work around the ABS system for storage but all the pockets outside of that overlap each other and don't mesh with the abs system that well IMO. The two outer compartments kind of funnel down at the bottom into a point which is completely unnecessary and helps give the whole bag a 'packed to the gills' feel without really having all that much in it. Everything that's not tiny gets kind of held at the top of the pack in those pockets because of that pointed bottom end.

The 26 is plenty for day trips, I just think it could have been laid out a little better with pockets working around the ABS system a little more efficiently.

Your shovel blade, probe, and shovel handle all go right on the outside of the ABS compartment. A camelback/bladder fits over the cylinder and between the packed twin bags. There's a spot made for all that. That's the part that actually does fit well. It's everything else that's a little weird.

It's very euro styled with that upside down teardrop shape. I think they could have made a better pack if they'd have let that go.

The twin ABS is something I wanted too. I'd have a look at the vario system with all the other brands outer covers, or the self contained dakine one too.