What do i Need?

[jay007]

All this stuff will be at the snowmobile show, might even be able to get a deal on some at the show. Some companies even offer a package deal that includes the shovel, beacon, probe, and pack for a price less than buying all individually.

Make sure the shovel you buy is not one of the plastic POS models, I bought one with a saw inside, although would probably go to one without and buy a saw seperate if I buy a new one. I prefer a shovel with an extendable handle or blade that flips up to shorten the overal length.
As well I have in the past bought a pack that the shovel blade goes inside the pack andthe handle on the outside strapped on, I would not do this again, I would go with a pack that allows both blade and handle to be attached to the outside of the pack so you don't have to mess with everything else inside the pack to put it away.(I ride a rev with about 3 square inches of storage)

There should be a good variety of this stuff at the sled show, you can look through at the different price ranges, what you can afford and what you like. There will be knowladgeable guys there to help you pick out a beacon in any price range.

Also, I don'tthink anyone else has mentioned, do NOT keep your shovel on your sled, keep it on your pack, I know people who keep it on the sled but If you get separated from your sled in a slide at least you will still hae your shovel on yourself.

Just my opinions, maybe it will help.:d

 

[dirtbiker77]

Thanks you and all of ya i know what im looking for now. deff will have the gear for this year. Also one question. packs with the hydration pack? is that a good idea or is that just odd weight.


and Jay why didnt you like saw in the shovel?

All this stuff will be at the snowmobile show, might even be able to get a deal on some at the show. Some companies even offer a package deal that includes the shovel, beacon, probe, and pack for a price less than buying all individually.

Make sure the shovel you buy is not one of the plastic POS models, I bought one with a saw inside, although would probably go to one without and buy a saw seperate if I buy a new one. I prefer a shovel with an extendable handle or blade that flips up to shorten the overal length.
As well I have in the past bought a pack that the shovel blade goes inside the pack andthe handle on the outside strapped on, I would not do this again, I would go with a pack that allows both blade and handle to be attached to the outside of the pack so you don't have to mess with everything else inside the pack to put it away.(I ride a rev with about 3 square inches of storage)

There should be a good variety of this stuff at the sled show, you can look through at the different price ranges, what you can afford and what you like. There will be knowladgeable guys there to help you pick out a beacon in any price range.

Also, I don'tthink anyone else has mentioned, do NOT keep your shovel on your sled, keep it on your pack, I know people who keep it on the sled but If you get separated from your sled in a slide at least you will still hae your shovel on yourself.

Just my opinions, maybe it will help.:d

 

[jay007]

and Jay why didnt you like saw in the shovel?

Mainly because it was a bit on the flimsy side, there might be sturdier one available now, I have used it and it worked but worried about bending it.

Right now I ride with a pack with a hydration pack, I like it, the only problem I had is that on cold days the nozzle will freeze up, but on my pack the nozzle and hose fit into the shoulder strap of my pack, i just throw a hot-pack in there in the morning and its good to go.

 

[dirtbiker77]

y the freezing was what i feared. theres an awesome HMK bag i saw for sale a while back and it had hydration and i didnt buy it, might go back for it now

 

[Bernoff]

The ast1 course, is it a avalanche course? How does a person get into these courses? What is the cost? I,m thinking it is kind of important to get enrolled in one.Thanks

 

[takethebounce]

Avy courses - AST level 1 minimum to start - Hangfire HangFire Training | Avalanche Training For Sledders | Golden BC or Zac's ZacsTracs (for sledders, by sledders)

Anyhow, so lets say you have a shovel, avy transceiver(beacon), probe and the training to use all of them, maybe an Avy pack, full of gear incase you ever need it, now what?

Before you ride, be it with friends or new people, find out where you are riding and let someone know where you will be. Leave your Vehicle license plate, a description of your sled and possibly your groups vehicles with someone and some emergency contact #'s. You always have to expect the unexpected.

Set time frames for your family/friends very loosely. If you plan on riding till 4pm, plan on 5, then plan on the loading of your vehicles and the drive out, plan on break downs and coming out in the dark and it saves S&R getting calls because you weren't home for dinner.

Brings me to my next suggestion - the SPOT (yuppy 911) The SPOT can be a valuable tool for sending a positive message. You don't need it for emergency's only. Its another great tool for your kit though.

What about a GPS? I would consider myself new to the mountains going into my 4th mountain season. Grew up sledding out East, completely different now. A storm rolls in, or you get fogged in the clouds, down in a valley you can't get out of, a GPS could help you get home. Plus you can mark those super sweet spots that you have never found before. All the cabins in the areas we ride are marked on my GPS so even if we had to walk it, we have a chance to find it.

Then what about spare cash for break downs? Got enough room on your credit card to have your sled helli'd out? Plan on $1000-1200 depending where you ride. You will be lucky to be able to tow it out with a good tow rope in most places. And what about spare parts for your sled. A spare belt at a minimum. Smack an A-arm? Have the local dealer on speed dial so they can hold one for you so you don't lose any days riding!

Above all, have fun and ride safe!

 

[Modman]

Here is a thread we started for newbie mountain riders - some great points. Making sure you can get out of an area you drop into will help avoid a $1200 heli bill.

https://www.snowandmud.com/forum/14/newbie-mountain-riders-learning-thread-21048-2.html

Also, the tampon trick for survival - Yes - here is a vid I made of just how easy cotton with a little bit of fuel will ignite and can be used in a survival situation. Tampon is just the same. Get yourself some tampons or cotton in a plastic bag and keep them in your pocket with a flint stick.

https://www.snowandmud.com/forum/f14/cotton-trick-video-25263.html


And here are two more thread links on what to carry and another one with a ton of great tips on backcountry travel and skills you should practice/learn.
https://www.snowandmud.com/forum/f14/how-does-one-classify-themselves-experienced-16275.html
https://www.snowandmud.com/forum/14/what-carry-backcountry-120-2.html
Hope this helps.

 

[EMANAARON]

Thnaks guys. ya i dont think ill be going many places in harms way. ill ride where im told to ride for this year hands down. maybe the avy pack will be on the top of the xmas list. so on the look for some avy gear.

-shovel -probe -saw - beacon - teck vest?? - avy pack for future.

All this kinda stuff at the snowmobile show??

Hahaha thats what we all say, it just sucks you in to places you maybe shouldnt go.

Especially when the snow looks good.

 

[EMANAARON]

$350 for a pieps beacon, is that including delivery? I think I paid $400 for it to be bussed to Red Deer last year.

I somewhat regret buying my ABS pack, as i'm just getting into the mountain scene I won't be "Showtiming" till I get some experience/knowledge under my belt. If you are going to get an abs pack get the 30L instead of the 15L.

Sure was. Shipped out of the states

 

[dirtbiker77]

Thanks guys. i got some reading to do and some shopping.