Wyoming first ride questions

[gotthefever]

I am heading out to the big horns in a few weeks for the first time. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with gear I will need so that I don't forget anything. Most importantly where to get a beacon and probe for a good price and which shovel everyone likes? I was looking for a shovel with a saw in it also.

I will be wearing a back pack with hydration in it. What do you usually put in yours? Here is what I was planning:
Beacon/Probe
Shovel
Hydration
Food
Extra goggles
Extra gloves

Also, has anyone stayed at the snoshoe lodge, and if so how did you like it?

I am just a newbie riding in the mountains and want as much advice as I can get.

Thanks

 

[RX1Guy]

I have a Fly Racing Backpack. Has a water pack in the back pocket. Then it has another pocket thats the size of the pack (top to bottom) that i store survival tools in. Front part of the pack has a bunch of smaller pockets in it for stuff like knives, zip ties, etc.
Also on the front of the pack is a spot where a shovel mounts. The blade of the shovel (plastic) locks in the front and then the handle, which is extendable, mounts on the side of the pack. Also has a saw in the shovel handle.

On the opposite side of the pack where the shovel handle mounts, i put my Avy probe.

this is what my pack looks like, but its blue
http://www.flyracing.com/product/luggage/backcountry.htm

 

[gotthefever]

I have a Fly Racing Backpack. Has a water pack in the back pocket. Then it has another pocket thats the size of the pack (top to bottom) that i store survival tools in. Front part of the pack has a bunch of smaller pockets in it for stuff like knives, zip ties, etc.
Also on the front of the pack is a spot where a shovel mounts. The blade of the shovel (plastic) locks in the front and then the handle, which is extendable, mounts on the side of the pack. Also has a saw in the shovel handle.

On the opposite side of the pack where the shovel handle mounts, i put my Avy probe.

this is what my pack looks like, but its blue
http://www.flyracing.com/product/luggage/backcountry.htm

Thanks for the reply, but I have a sweet bag already(OGIO) that has a holder for a shovel, probe, tools and fleece for extra goggles. My main questions were what does everyone put in there bag, where to get equipment(beacon, probe, shovel), and which brands people like?

 

[vertical700]

snowshoe

Stayed @ snowshoe a couple of years ago. Great place with sauna & outdoor hot tub. Ranch style meals were great or you can bring some of your own & Barbeque. Small fridge in each of the cabins. Lots of privacy & no nightlife what so ever.

Heated shop if you need to fix or change anything on your sled. Only downfall is that the cabin rate went up from $150 to current rates of $250 per night and no meals included. I am considering a trip to the Horns again, but reports are low snow around snowshoe area.

pm me for any more info or questions.

 

[ndmtnsledder]

snowbigdeals on the site here seems to have some good deals on beacons, shovels, ect and does packages. I'd also suggest carrying in your pack rope, matches and or lighter, space blanket, thoose handwarmer packs, ducktape, zipties, multitool. I know I have more in my pack but can't think of what else at the moment.

 

[snwmksmehrny]

Also can add empty soup can and chicken broth cubes to melt in soup can filled with water for something hot to drink as soup.

 

[gotthefever]

Thanks for all of the replies! They are helping a lot and I would have never thought of some of those things. Thanks!

 

[CAT TRACKS]

$250 a night!!!!!!!!!!
wow i need to start rentin out my own bed

 

[Snowholic]

GPS, compass, cheep flip open saw for $15, matches and a lighter, hydration, granola bars, two pairs of googles, multi tool, duct tape, rope comes in handy alot, tow straps. just some of the stuff i carry and i think i have used all of it at some point!

 

[snengineer]

This is a good site.

http://www.snowbigdeal.com/servlet/StoreFront

 

[Aug]

I wouldn't stay at snowshoe, the snow there isn't as good as up top.

As far as shovels, I have an SOS which is a nice shovel has a saw built into the handle.

Water I always cary in the pack in bottles, I always thought the line would freeze but that is just me.

Food, candy bars chex mix maybe a sandwich.

One thing with the gloves, I always wear the pair you have on for the whole day then use the dry pair on the way out. The way out will freeze your fingers stiff unless you have some dry gloves.

Rope, a few tools and duck tape

Ask around, maybe you can find someone who will show you around a day or two.

Camera is always a good thing!

 

[neverenoughsnow]

what to pack

nobody mentioned the kitchen sink, just kidding. seriously nobody mentioned a first aid kit, a must have. flashlights, emergency blankets, sleeping bags i think the last two would save your life in an overnighter, and they are very small. whistle, compass, toilet paper, multiple sources to start a fire, snobunje. after last year i have a complete sled rescue kit that we keep in truck, so we can get my friends out of a ravine in a hour instead of four.

 

[Tatman]

Hidden Mine Field

We have been on the horns 3 times so far this year and the snow level is as bad as its been in all the years we've been going. My advice to you is not to boondock any faster than your willing to fly through the air over your windshield. But if you look you can find spots where the snow has blown in and covered the rocks.

 

[gotthefever]

Thanks for all the updates guys. I am thinking about changing my mind on going to the horns this year. Maybe I will just get all the gear and plan for a different location or hope that there is better snow next year! We will see though.

 

[TREEKILLER]

first off your beacon goes under your jacket never in your backpack ! if its your first time you should get a guide ! your shovel should be metal not plastic in your pack with the probe not tied to your sled ! if you up over 8000 ft you need water at least a gallon or more a day ,and you might think about how much oxygen your body needs. a good hydropack wont freeze. bring food . if your with a guide they'll have safety stuff. if not bring the kitchen sink& a satellite phone. take an avalanche awareness class. oh by the way have fun