This topic is obviously heavily discussed already, and I only read the first as last page as I already know whats in the middle. BUT thought id speak my mind anyways.
I recently moved to a area where I didnt know anyone so I needed to find people to ride with, the day before I went for a ride I asked the guy if he had all his avy gear, he made it sound like a stupid question since he obviously had all his stuff, LIKE EVERY SINGLE RIDER SHOULD HAVE. Ive only actually met one person in my life that refuses to use a beacon, I dont ride with him.
Another thing, if you choose not to ride with a beacon on, sure, go for it, heck itll suck if you get caught in one and die but it was your choice. BUT, if you even for one second think about riding in an area where OTHER people could get caught in an avalanche then you owe it to them to be prepared so you can save their lives. Most of the people I have met on the mountain have all been really good people, and I expect that they would have my back without me needing to ask, because thats what good people go.
If you can have someone elses death on your conscience and known that you could of done something to help with as little as a one time investment of about $400 for a probe and beacon (you should already have a shovel) then by all means dont wear avy gear, but also announce yourself to anyone you see and make sure they know to stay away from you.
I recently moved to a area where I didnt know anyone so I needed to find people to ride with, the day before I went for a ride I asked the guy if he had all his avy gear, he made it sound like a stupid question since he obviously had all his stuff, LIKE EVERY SINGLE RIDER SHOULD HAVE. Ive only actually met one person in my life that refuses to use a beacon, I dont ride with him.
Another thing, if you choose not to ride with a beacon on, sure, go for it, heck itll suck if you get caught in one and die but it was your choice. BUT, if you even for one second think about riding in an area where OTHER people could get caught in an avalanche then you owe it to them to be prepared so you can save their lives. Most of the people I have met on the mountain have all been really good people, and I expect that they would have my back without me needing to ask, because thats what good people go.
If you can have someone elses death on your conscience and known that you could of done something to help with as little as a one time investment of about $400 for a probe and beacon (you should already have a shovel) then by all means dont wear avy gear, but also announce yourself to anyone you see and make sure they know to stay away from you.
the guy we pulled out of the ice that day was perfectly happy with me being one. 
