What size avalanche bag?

[Tahoe54]

With most manufacturers offering different size avy bags what is everyone going with? I'm thinking the smaller bag is the way to go and just carry shovel, probe, and a granola bar or something. Then put the rest of my gear in my tunnel bag. Sounds good in theory, keep the weight off me, at least with my gear anyway

 

[kevinm7]

The bag I carry is big enough to hold my shovel, probe, first aid equipment, small food and drink items and fire starting equipment. I don't remember the exact size, but it's a BCA Throttle. Works great for me. I look at it this way, if I need something for ME, then it goes on my person. If it's for the sled, it goes in the sled. And if I carry anything extra, it goes where ever I have room.

 

[Pro-8250]

Yes, I agree. We also have the same avy pack.

 

[frntflp]

....... I look at it this way, if I need something for ME, then it goes on my person. If it's for the sled, it goes in the sled.

Well stated !! And to take this a little further, I can't tell you how many times I find people with avy packs (Float, ABS, or others) that tell me about a shovel and probe in said pack. ]Great start ! ] But when I ask what happens to the pack when they need to get out a shovel to dig out ...... [the pack comes off to get the shovel and is set aside ..... ] ....... then they start to figure out that if the pack is on the ground, it doesn't help when the slide comes. Thus, one in the pack, and one in the sled.

 

[Norona]

some great tips, it is also the advantage of the abs is that there are over 30 zip ins available from ABS and other manufactures so you can go 5 litre all the way up to 50 litres while using the same pack, as well as choose packs from Evoc, dynafit, dikine, osprey etc. this allows you to use the same pack for every sport from skiing, to snowboarding, touring and sledding in spring or full on winter as a guide or just someone who wants light...I find for sledding I use the 18 litre zip in which works the best. Guiding I go with the 30 litre

 

[cerhai]

I have the pieps 10L just enough room for shovel, probe, sandwich, water bottle, and spare gloves.

 

[Dirty Steve]

I have the ABS Powder 15 SB.

I carry shovel and probe in the pack of course. (Stuck shovel on tunnel bag)

I also like anything that I may need for survival to be in my bag and not on my sled.

I carry a canteen with canteen cup, first aid kit, Leatherman,a small amount of food, I have a water proof bag that has a bivvy sack, fire starting kit,warm hat, extra socks, midlayer, GPS, Spot Device and extra gloves in it.

It is very full but it all fits in there. The extra clothes are most of the bulk, not much weight.

I think the 22l bag would be the best size.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Blk88GT]

I use the Float 18. Liquids/tools in the sled, the rest in my pack. I don't like having a ton of weight on my back all day.

 

[WhiskeyTee]

I have the ABS Powder 15 SB.

I carry shovel and probe in the pack of course. (Stuck shovel on tunnel bag)

I also like anything that I may need for survival to be in my bag and not on my sled.

I carry a canteen with canteen cup, first aid kit, Leatherman,a small amount of food, I have a water proof bag that has a bivvy sack, fire starting kit,warm hat, extra socks, midlayer, GPS, Spot Device and extra gloves in it.

It is very full but it all fits in there. The extra clothes are most of the bulk, not much weight.

I have this same bag, I find that it holds all the essentials just great. It is full though.

 

[Pol600]

Any recommendations for a packs with built in vest for protection? Tek vest style

Thanks

 

[cerhai]

the new bca mt pro vest, is probably the best one out there, wary had good ones also, but they went out of business recently, the only issue I had with vest is I couldn't find layering that worked I got way to hot and sweaty, went to a snow show this year with one goal, try as many packs on as possible and bca was the best fitting, they are designed by snowmobilers for snowmobilers

 

[Skadi]

Pack size is SOOOO individual. Some people don't like the bigger packs because they tend to fill them up even if they don't need to and then their backs get sore... Are you that kinda person, maybe you should limit your pack size then... Or do you like options? the 22 on up from ABS has the ability to suck them in with a strap so that they expand and allow you to carry more, or sucked in keep the the load close to your back so it doesn't feel like you have a small baby back there!)

The fit of the ABS back can't be beat in my mind (but again, obviously this is individual as well since I see some people think the BCA has a better fit. I myself couldn't wait to get the BCA off my back and both my husband and I chose NOT wearing one over the safety it offered when we were on a long trip with multiple days riding with one of those). We've been ABS ever since and have tried just about every combo of zip on and pack size out there!! I'm a Vario short, he's a Vario long and our riding buddy prefers the Powder frame. Then for zip ons he's an SB 22. I hate the external shovel and prefer the 18L and our other buddy runs the SB15! (the ability to change your mind and have access to a cheap zip on when you change your mind is PRICELESS though!!)

But I would try on the Vario long, short and powder frames if you can to make sure you get the ones that fit you right!

 

[turboless terry]

Get the absolute smallest pack you can get. You need a shovel and probe in it. Let your sled pack the rest of it. Why run around all day with 30 pounds hanging on your shoulders? Each to their own.