Tool to help when stuck alone
- Thread starter Mattt
- Start date
I know we pay somthing to SAR when we purchase hunting licenses here in CO. If you have a hunting/fishing license, it is my understanding that you are covered. At least that was the way it worked 10+ years ago.
S
sldgy
Guest
Well also, not all of us live in the land of fluffy powder and few trees. If you ever happen to find you sled upside down in a large tree well with another larger than your folding saw tree wedging it in and you and your buddy can't move the faq'er.... don't call me. I'll just tell you how you could easily winch it out with a piece of rope and couple carabiners, if you had them
My, that would suck!
Don't worry, couldn't call you anyway as I don't have a cell phone.
Steam,
I agree with you 100% except on the snowshoes... I've ridden snowboards extensively in the backcountry...snow shoe in and out (no sled).....and have very good snowshoes (MSR DENALI EVOL ASCENT) that were properly sized for my weight with gear on... I can walk 20 miles in a day in Utah pow with a pack in the mountains... If you get a cheap pair, or the oldschool cat-gut and steam-bent beech snowshoes... good luck,
the shoes have come in very handy even for the group "unstuck" when the snow is deep.... Digging and pulling out your sled is just plain easier
The MSR shoes "nest" well together and do not weigh much (less than 4 lbs/pair)
http://www.msrcorp.com/snow/lightning_ascent.asp
http://www.msrcorp.com/snow/denali_evo_ascent.asp
Should you rely on any piece of equipment exclusively... heck no... but being prepared for "alternatives" is a good idea, IMO.
I've seen groups that have lost riders too... a lot of which would have been avoided with a good game plan and a group meeting before riding.
Be safe... Big time AVY conditions in the west and Rockies right now....
I agree with you 100% except on the snowshoes... I've ridden snowboards extensively in the backcountry...snow shoe in and out (no sled).....and have very good snowshoes (MSR DENALI EVOL ASCENT) that were properly sized for my weight with gear on... I can walk 20 miles in a day in Utah pow with a pack in the mountains... If you get a cheap pair, or the oldschool cat-gut and steam-bent beech snowshoes... good luck,
the shoes have come in very handy even for the group "unstuck" when the snow is deep.... Digging and pulling out your sled is just plain easier
The MSR shoes "nest" well together and do not weigh much (less than 4 lbs/pair)
http://www.msrcorp.com/snow/lightning_ascent.asp
http://www.msrcorp.com/snow/denali_evo_ascent.asp
Should you rely on any piece of equipment exclusively... heck no... but being prepared for "alternatives" is a good idea, IMO.
I've seen groups that have lost riders too... a lot of which would have been avoided with a good game plan and a group meeting before riding.
Be safe... Big time AVY conditions in the west and Rockies right now....
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I am good friends with the guy who makes the Jack. I got one of the first ones made and was not a big fan of the idea at first, but after getting the hang of it I wouldn't EVER be without it! Now all my friends carry it on their sleds and we use them every ride. SOOOOO much easier on the back and you are unstuck in half the time. They are only about 7 pounds and when mounted properly you will never know its there. The guy who makes them is named Bill Harmon and lives here in Colorado. Unbeleiveable Guy that is nearly twice the age of most of us sledheads and believe me he can ride circles around most of us too!! Trust me the highlift jack is one of the best investments you will make if you like to play in the steep and deep. My .02.
S
Supplicate
ACCOUNT CLOSED
Mountainhorse,
I would love to see your setup for packing the snowshoes, I've been debating for a while on how to cary mine on my sled. And yes, I saw the thread where there were pics of other peoples setups but none of those looked very easy to use.
I would love to see your setup for packing the snowshoes, I've been debating for a while on how to cary mine on my sled. And yes, I saw the thread where there were pics of other peoples setups but none of those looked very easy to use.
MH, I would also welcome pointers. I'm debating between the EVO Ascent and the Atlas 1030 - 10's. Also, do you value/carry poles?
I'm looking at snowshoes for D and myslef. I was stuck this past weekend on a hill top and there was no reasonable way for her to ride to me. I told her to just wait, I had it, but she walked up there in chest deep snow. I had her ride down after we got the sled out, and then I got to try the walk. Not fun. The Snowshoes are getting ordered.
I have never seen one of these jacks in person, but did watch a video and thought it looked pretty cool. Everyone already laughs at me for the gear I pack....I can hear the groans now! B
I'm looking at snowshoes for D and myslef. I was stuck this past weekend on a hill top and there was no reasonable way for her to ride to me. I told her to just wait, I had it, but she walked up there in chest deep snow. I had her ride down after we got the sled out, and then I got to try the walk. Not fun. The Snowshoes are getting ordered.
I have never seen one of these jacks in person, but did watch a video and thought it looked pretty cool. Everyone already laughs at me for the gear I pack....I can hear the groans now! B
Last spring buddies and I were on a ride, about 40-45mi's from the trail head we came across a guy riding alone. He had one of these jacks and swore by them. This man was 55-58yrs. old, and was a throwback to the mountain man era. He rode alone most of the time. I don't think he was stupid. Would I ever do that, no. I do think some people are more capable than others. I've often thought about that day, right, wrong, I don't know. For that guy, might have been the right thing! JMHO
Dave
Dave
Shoe stuff
I chose the Denali Evo Ascent shoes after a bit of research and some rentals of other shoes. The Atlas are nice, but the MSR's got the nod because of the much better serrated grips for ice use without slipping. They are very easy to get on and off as well with any boots.
The Evo's have the ability to add flotation tails to them for more boyancy or leave them off for more maneuverabilty.
I stack them together and strap them together with a couple of snap buckle nylon straps from my local hardware store.
I use nylon straps to lash them, cleats up, and the Black Diamond 3 piece poles to the top of the Watershed Chattooga (with the optional fleece liner) Zip-top drybag and then again using the snobunje stretch web net over the top of everthing.
They also lash easily to the outside of any good backcountry pack.most are set up for snowboard hauling anyway.
I'm waiting for my new billet 24" tunnel-rack from Wildchild and hope this makes things even easier!
I like the Black Diamond poles with the Flick locks for ease of use.
You can get great prices and 1 stop shopping at
http://www.orssnowshoesdirect.com/
http://www.drybags.com/home.html
I chose the Denali Evo Ascent shoes after a bit of research and some rentals of other shoes. The Atlas are nice, but the MSR's got the nod because of the much better serrated grips for ice use without slipping. They are very easy to get on and off as well with any boots.
The Evo's have the ability to add flotation tails to them for more boyancy or leave them off for more maneuverabilty.
I stack them together and strap them together with a couple of snap buckle nylon straps from my local hardware store.
I use nylon straps to lash them, cleats up, and the Black Diamond 3 piece poles to the top of the Watershed Chattooga (with the optional fleece liner) Zip-top drybag and then again using the snobunje stretch web net over the top of everthing.
They also lash easily to the outside of any good backcountry pack.most are set up for snowboard hauling anyway.
I'm waiting for my new billet 24" tunnel-rack from Wildchild and hope this makes things even easier!
I like the Black Diamond poles with the Flick locks for ease of use.
You can get great prices and 1 stop shopping at
http://www.orssnowshoesdirect.com/
http://www.drybags.com/home.html
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i remeber riding with my dad years ago. He had a deal. short piece of rope with two hooks that hooked to the track, and another piece of rope that you hooked to the short rope. You could spin the track slowly and the rope would wind around it and pull you out.
If i remember right it worked great but you had to get the rope unwound after you got out
If i remember right it worked great but you had to get the rope unwound after you got out
I bought a jack this year. It weights 9 pounds. I first saw it in action three years ago but did not think I needed it. If you are in good shape, ride often and are some what frugal then don't bother. If you are a flatlander, on a four day trip at 10K altitude and greater than 50 years like me, then you will welcome the help. You will conserve more energy getting unstuck and enjoy the time on the mountain more.
Steve
Steve
Mountainhorse.
I agree that snow shoes are a good idea. I own a pair of the MSR lightnings myself. Handy to have in a pinch. Most mere mortals would have a difficult time hiking 20 miles in even knee deep snow at altitude. Especially after an exhaustive attempt at digging out a stuck sled. Cold,tired and hopefully carring a backpack would stress most people to the point of extreme fatigue. Most of the time it is far better to dig in and try to keep warm while waiting for help.
I agree that snow shoes are a good idea. I own a pair of the MSR lightnings myself. Handy to have in a pinch. Most mere mortals would have a difficult time hiking 20 miles in even knee deep snow at altitude. Especially after an exhaustive attempt at digging out a stuck sled. Cold,tired and hopefully carring a backpack would stress most people to the point of extreme fatigue. Most of the time it is far better to dig in and try to keep warm while waiting for help.
Word bubba, just not a good idea. Think about other people that will be away from their wife and kids freezing their azz off looking for Terry tough guy that went riding alone!
I carry snoshoes...somebody may be walking out. Been real deep lately. They weigh nothing and sit on a 1/4" rubber matt on XP tunnel...two bungies over the top and into holes drilled under rear bumper on the side. Never know they are there.
Sure...always better to ride with buddies. Fun and help getting unstuck and break downs etc. Riding alone is an adventure, like hunting alone, risks accepted. It's a rush. You choose it. You're prepared. I hope you are prepared and no one will freak if you don't show because you have a sat phone and told them you were fine.
That said, here is an energy saver when riding with buddies. One of you plays tow truck when the other is stuck. Here is a tip we discovered last week going back in the deep: When a buddy sticks...it is usually going up hill right? If he got off in time and track not too deep OR he pounds down the area where the sled will come around so track and front end not too engaged...you come in from the top at an angle and stop where your rear tunnel handle and his downhill front ski loop are. I use a flat strap with two sown handle loops (like seatbelt stuff so folds up in jacket pocket unlike a rope and handle loops easy on hands) and a carbiner in one end. Loop through the ski and strap and hook carbiner on tunnel bar handle and as you decend your buddy hits throttle in synch to "juice" his track so it comes around easy and out he comes. So slick! Make sure you are not less than 90 degrees (inside) so he is an anchor but a more open angle so he will come about. Make sure you sych his throttle and your tug so you can move him and not get stuck yourself going downhill. We got real good at it and saved major energy for what matters...being able to still hang on while carving the deep at 4PM!
By the way...I REALLY like that jack...for lone adventures or when the gang is to far away. I will NEVER lift a sled again. Nothing ruins backs and our ability to ride for life than lifting a stupid sled. Been there and suffering forever for it as have thousands. Never lift them...pull them around. Goose
Sure...always better to ride with buddies. Fun and help getting unstuck and break downs etc. Riding alone is an adventure, like hunting alone, risks accepted. It's a rush. You choose it. You're prepared. I hope you are prepared and no one will freak if you don't show because you have a sat phone and told them you were fine.
That said, here is an energy saver when riding with buddies. One of you plays tow truck when the other is stuck. Here is a tip we discovered last week going back in the deep: When a buddy sticks...it is usually going up hill right? If he got off in time and track not too deep OR he pounds down the area where the sled will come around so track and front end not too engaged...you come in from the top at an angle and stop where your rear tunnel handle and his downhill front ski loop are. I use a flat strap with two sown handle loops (like seatbelt stuff so folds up in jacket pocket unlike a rope and handle loops easy on hands) and a carbiner in one end. Loop through the ski and strap and hook carbiner on tunnel bar handle and as you decend your buddy hits throttle in synch to "juice" his track so it comes around easy and out he comes. So slick! Make sure you are not less than 90 degrees (inside) so he is an anchor but a more open angle so he will come about. Make sure you sych his throttle and your tug so you can move him and not get stuck yourself going downhill. We got real good at it and saved major energy for what matters...being able to still hang on while carving the deep at 4PM!
By the way...I REALLY like that jack...for lone adventures or when the gang is to far away. I will NEVER lift a sled again. Nothing ruins backs and our ability to ride for life than lifting a stupid sled. Been there and suffering forever for it as have thousands. Never lift them...pull them around. Goose
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I think I am going to get one, though 7lbs is alot of weight. But my back cant take it and shoveling for an hour sucks. I ride alone all the time, so bash me all you wish, But I know my limitations. If I die, it will be doing what I like, Though I try not to be retarded when I go up the mountain.
I also ride with friends, but usually when I get stuck, they cant get up to help me anyways. I carry a shovel and small come along, but without a nearby tree the come along does no good, and on the steep shoveling takes forever. Guess If I strip my tail light off and ditch my rear cooler I will save the 7 lbs? I crashed last year with some friends and they rode right by and didnt even see me, I was 15' away. Finally drug myself around and got out.
I tell someone where I am going and when I will be back, if not back, they WILL come looking. Not always smart to go alone, but for me, it's better than not at all.
I also ride with friends, but usually when I get stuck, they cant get up to help me anyways. I carry a shovel and small come along, but without a nearby tree the come along does no good, and on the steep shoveling takes forever. Guess If I strip my tail light off and ditch my rear cooler I will save the 7 lbs? I crashed last year with some friends and they rode right by and didnt even see me, I was 15' away. Finally drug myself around and got out.
I tell someone where I am going and when I will be back, if not back, they WILL come looking. Not always smart to go alone, but for me, it's better than not at all.
Statiisticly speaking I would like one of you so called experts to show how riding alone would raise your chances of needing a rescue? As i said before of the 14 average avy deaths in the west a year of snowmobilers were any riding alone? Every rescue around here of lost or hurt snowmobilers is not a solo rider.So inless you live in a world of what if this or that COULD happen statisticly you are not going to need rescue any more then riding with others. Some poeple are to stupid to know there limitations riding alone or with a group. I think poeple take more chances when with others . I dont ride alone alot but when I have to I am much more careful.
So what is it ALONE OR NOT ALONE? I hope the jack serves you well.
The Harman Hijack was invented by a guy that is crazy as sh!t house rat (no offense Bill), strong as an ox, old as dirt and loves to ride his XP without a seat and a 144in. track ALONE! I see him out with buddy a lot, but he seems to ride alone as much as with others.
My point goes back to the original question. If you are going to ride alone, there are number of percations that should be taken. One of the most important is to be able to get out of sticky situations. The Hijack is the best 9lbs. on anyones sled. "smarter not harder"
My point goes back to the original question. If you are going to ride alone, there are number of percations that should be taken. One of the most important is to be able to get out of sticky situations. The Hijack is the best 9lbs. on anyones sled. "smarter not harder"
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