Wife says "You're getting an ABS bag" - Which one to buy?

[Blk88GT]

With all the recent activity, my wife has layed her foot down and wants me wearing one.

I currently ride with a Dakine Heli Pro and love the pack. It holds everything I need.

- Shovel
- Probe
- Wyoming saw
- LED strobe
- Fire starting supplies
- Maps
- Rope
- Tow strap
- Extra gloves
- Extra goggles
- Knives, camera, batteries for GPS, etc
- Misc food/drink etc

I don't know what brand/size I should be looking at. I don't want a big huge pack that keeps me from having movement.

Any suggestions? I was looking at the ABS Freeride and the 15L Vario but without seeing one in person and trying it on, it's rather difficult to pick one.

Or is there a shop in the Denver/Kremmling or West Yellowstone areas I could see one in person and try on before I buy?

 

[sled-fiend]

Vario and 22L pack

I got the Vario this year w/ 2 attachments. The 22L and the 30L for when I want a little more. Sounds like the 22L from Rocky Mountain Xtreme would be perfect for you.

http://www.rockymountainxtreme.com/rmx_main.htm

 

[pura vida]

i have a 15L abs and love it. you should be able to get everything you want in it but might be a little tight. the freeride would be to small. a 30L would have way more than enough space but starts to get to be pretty big. the 22L might not be too bad but i've never see or had any experience with one. good luck

pv

 

[SnowBigDeal]

I'd recommend the Vario. That way you will have the flexibility to have different size packs without the cost of multiple airbags. The 18L freeride attachment is a great size pack.

 

[tudizzle]

I like the size and feel of the 30L. I couldn't imagine ramming all my gear into anything smaller?


SnowbigDeal has great deals and A+ customer service!

 

[ragincajun]

my parents made me get one after watching one in action.

 

[SylvanLaker]

I really want one too, but just don't have enough money to buy one.. If the price came down or if I got a good deal I'd buy one for sure..

 

[skibreeze]

I really want one too, but just don't have enough money to buy one.. If the price came down or if I got a good deal I'd buy one for sure..

Just do it! I don't see prices moving much. I like the 30L.

 

[likkerpig]

Group buy with volume discount would be nice. It will be in the budget for next year, unfortunately this year's is shot. Wish I would have prioritized differently. Hindsight is always 20/20...

 

[Insaneboltrounder/sjohns]

vario... nutin else. sj

 

[Scott]

Vario website?

 

[Summitseeker]

If someone wanted to organize a group buy to get the price down, I would be interested. With 14 bodies in the last week in BC and Washington, it has really made me think that $1000.00 is worth my life.

I did see them at the Puyallup snow show for $799.00 and if I had my time back I would have bought one.

 

[Insaneboltrounder/sjohns]

Vario website?

vario is a model of ABS bags.

http://www.abs-airbag.com/home.php?chid=1&lang=uk&m=17

http://www.rockymountainxtreme.com/?gclid=CPzu1IX865cCFRg6awodjBJWCw

 

[Insaneboltrounder/sjohns]

there is always bags for sale in here , never a good reason not to get one.

http://snowest.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=98

 

[hatchers]

I have an ABS 15L, fits great, but the shovel pouch is a bit silly and not friendly at all

stuff i pack inside:
- huge digital SLR camera
- two pairs of gloves
- 4 water bottles
- spare goggles


everything else goes in the boss seat

 

[mitty26]

I have the freeride and love it , its nice and light but doesn't hold much.

 

[sledhed88]

Can the airbag system from the freeride be changed out to another bag? Like the vario or no?

 

[Coxy]

Subscribing. Mama gave me the same talkin to.

 

[SnowBigDeal]

Can the airbag system from the freeride be changed out to another bag? Like the vario or no?

The freeride system uses 150L of airbag flotation volume, whereas the Vario is 170L volume. The triggering mechanism is the same on both packs.
Not sure why you would want to change out the system. PM me for more questions and I may be able to help you out if you need to send it to a service center.

 

[likkerpig]

^^^ Would you guys be intersted in being the "premier supplier" for a SnoWest group buy? Just throwing that out there........