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Yet another Avalanche Air Bag Thread

S

Snappy Sledder

Well-known member
I know there are plenty of other threads out there about air bags but have a few questions of my own that aren't answered in them.

1. Are there any avalanche bags that allow the shovel, handle, and probe to be on the outside anymore?

2. In reality, how big of a bag do you need?
Normally have a couple bottles of water, couple sandwiches, 2 extra goggles, couple extra gloves, socks, survival kit, first aid kit, saw, camera, phone, wallet, etc.

3. Recharging bottles???
I know on BCA you can recharge them yourself, but is it just as easy to order/send in yours to ABS? Also, I read that ABS also has to have a new handle put on with the canister after firing?


Any advice/answers would be good. Been looking for awhile and might be purchasing next season (money prety tight this year. Hopefully we get beacons)

Thanks.
 
I have the ABS Vario SB15. It does have the shovel pocket on the outside and is not huge it would fit all the thinks you mentioned. Yes the handle has a charge in it that fires the bottle. So it needs replaced too. Not a big deal as that is included with the new bottle. About $30-35. I believe this is definatly the most reliable firing system out there.
I also have a Snowpulse Highmark 30. It also has a shovel pocket on the outside. While it is true that you can get them filled at most dive shops for $5....there are none in my area. So ease of filling is no better for me. I know that is different for most people. I think both are great bags and both will work...just find the one you are the most comfortable with. Lots of opinions out there about the bag type and placement too....head vs. back, nitrogen vs. air etc...so look at those and take your pick
 
I have the snowpulse high mark 30 I really like it shovel and handle on outside, I find the air setup is better dealers are getting set up for refilling bottles and I'm looking into getting the adapters cause the local volunteer fire dept. has the equipment to do it as well. Also any paintball place that fills the hpa tank can do it with the right fittings

I'm looking at switching to the new highmark 22, 30l is a tad big and heavy and 15 is too small, plus the highmark 22 has snowboard/ski straps
 
First off, GET BEACONS BEFORE AN AIRBAG.

Next, I purchased an ABS Freeride 4L at haydays. I tried on the bigger bags and liked the fit and feel of the smaller/lighter freeride much better. I also chose the smaller bag because last year I found my Klim Crew pack weighing a ridiculous amount, I had way more in there than I needed, the exta weight really wore me out and was hard on the back and neck. With the smaller bag I only plan on carrying survival essentials in the pack, and storing everything else on my sled. Probe and shovel storage are on the outside of the bag. Good luck.
 
I just bout an abs vario sb15 and looks like exactly what your wanting. I had the escape 15 for two seasons and I can tell this is going
To be a much better pack.
 
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