Question?

[Steelman]

I will be making my first trip west this year. Took my avy class last year. Got my BCA tracker2, BCA shovel, BCA SR3 probe, Klim backpack and starting to get my survival and emergency kit together. Dumb questions, but I'm wondering how the rest of you pack your probe. Here is a pic of my setup.

 

[EagleRiverDee]

My probe and shovel go inside my backpack. The logic behind that is that while it may be faster to have your gear on the outside of your backpack, if you are caught up with others in an avy and your gear is ripped off your pack (or simply lost while riding) then you can't help others that are caught in an avy. I have seen more than one person post up that they lost their shovel handle or probe just riding. The extra few seconds it will take you to unzip your bag and get your shovel and probe out are probably worth it when compared to the devastating effect the loss of your gear could have.

 

[Steelman]

Thanks for the help. The handle seems very secure. I can shake the pack and does not give. I think the probe looks dumb, so it will probably get put inside.

 

[christopher]

Dumb questions, but I'm wondering how the rest of you pack your probe. .

Probe is Bagged and in the pocket.

Shovel in strap mounts

Head is tucked in nice and tight at the bottom.

 

[Steelman]

Thanks Chris. Looks good. That shovel is huge. I got the BCA A-1 EXT and it is alot smaller then that. Hope its not to small.

 

[KSH]

My probe and shovel go inside my backpack. The logic behind that is that while it may be faster to have your gear on the outside of your backpack, if you are caught up with others in an avy and your gear is ripped off your pack (or simply lost while riding) then you can't help others that are caught in an avy. I have seen more than one person post up that they lost their shovel handle or probe just riding. The extra few seconds it will take you to unzip your bag and get your shovel and probe out are probably worth it when compared to the devastating effect the loss of your gear could have.

I do the same thing, I like playing in the trees and the branches seem to pull everything out if it's not inside.

 

[Norona]

Definitely some packs work with the gear on the out side but I have found a number of probes and shovel handles on the trails from them falling off people packs...when looking for a pack is always a good idea to pack it with all you will think you need then see if it all works...as I hate having a tota stuffed pack, rather have a bit bigger pack than one that is stuffed, great to see all your gear and that you have prepared well, have a wicked trip!

 

[Steelman]

It comes from 10+ years on the Vol. fire dept. When I was on, safety gets drilled in your head. I would rather have to much and not need it then have something happen to my group or come up on something and cannot help. Would be very hard for me to live with that after so many years helping people.

 

[Steelman]

Thanks Everyone!!!!