Packs without a "avalanche pocket"... What do you do?

**TheDon** · 01-31-2013, 11:03 PM

So I recently acquired an avalanche pack, and to my dismay, it only has one duffel style main compartment.

What are you guys doing with packs like this? My concern is that if I have a bro go down in a slide and I throw open the bag, all my living shit will become strewn across the hill. I'm thinking a sleeve like a compression sack or something.

Without an avey sleeve I just think it would be quickest to get to the important gear (shovel, probe etc.) quickly if its in one place.

Anyone have an idea for this dilemma?

**rod9301** · 01-31-2013, 11:14 PM

Whats an avalanche pack?
If it's at backpack for skiing, no big deal to pull out the two items you need, probe and shovel.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using TGR Forums

**MakersTeleMark** · 01-31-2013, 11:27 PM

Can you fit a poodle in it, because that would be my recommendation.

**LeeLau** · 01-31-2013, 11:34 PM

Practise being competent and not panicking? Or is that too controversial a suggestion?

**jamesp** · 01-31-2013, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by TheDon

Anyone have an idea for this dilemma?

ha schoolboy error, I guess they didn't tell you that those style packs only work north of the US border. Just send the pack to me since it doesn't work down your way. Next time remember to buy an avalanche pack with the pocket.

Hugh Conway · 01-31-2013, 11:43 PM

Kiss you ass and you die!

LC · 02-01-2013, 03:27 AM

If I ever need to dig a buddy out then losing my sandwich, spare layer and skins in the process isn't going to be my main concern. Just saying.

**Sirshredalot** · 02-01-2013, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by LC

If I ever need to dig a buddy out then losing my sandwich, spare layer and skins in the process isn't going to be my main concern. Just saying.

Well, keep that shit in your pack anyway and just pull out your shovel and probe. You don't want to lose extra gear and sammiches (or gloves that you pull off as you go for your beacon) on the slide path because those may look like clues to anyone else who aids in the search, costing the rescue effort time that may be critical.

**neck beard** · 02-01-2013, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by TheDon

My concern is that if I have a bro go down in a slide and I throw open the bag, all my living shit will become strewn across the hill.

Do you only take out your shovel and probe on those occasions [which I assume is never]?

If that's the case I'd be more worried if I were one of your bros and I was buried in the future, than you should be about losing your sandwich and lipgloss

**slashy** · 02-01-2013, 07:05 AM

Ortovox has something that meets your need. however good luck finding it. A buddy of mine has it and it does what you want. It allows him also to switch to another backpack easily (just pull the plate will all the stuff connected to it out and put it in the other bag)

http://www.bjergkaeden.dk/ortovox-safety-plate.aspx

**I've seen black diamonds!** · 02-01-2013, 07:07 AM

If I had no shovel pocket, I'd probably have to go and join one of these trips:

http://gawker.com/5980261/artisanal-...?post=56866719

**GeezerSteve** · 02-01-2013, 09:01 AM

I can set up my pack with or without a kangaroo pouch. Getting the shovel and probe out is pretty much the same with or without. Not a problem.

**Rob Stokes** · 02-01-2013, 11:09 AM

Jesus Christ.

What are we doing? Seriously?

Are you trolling?

Just put your shovel in your pack and go fucking skiing.

**1080Rider** · 02-01-2013, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by TheDon

So I recently acquired an avalanche pack, and to my dismay, it only has one duffel style main compartment.

What are you guys doing with packs like this? My concern is that if I have a bro go down in a slide and I throw open the bag, all my living shit will become strewn across the hill. I'm thinking a sleeve like a compression sack or something.

Without an avey sleeve I just think it would be quickest to get to the important gear (shovel, probe etc.) quickly if its in one place.

Anyone have an idea for this dilemma?

If you are really concerned, why don't you buy a new pack. Maybe craigslist your current pack for $20 and find one for $30, then you're not out too much $$$ but you can sleep at night knowing you won't lose your sandwich when the shit hits the fan...

**retirwntm** · 02-01-2013, 03:07 PM

Cilogear has a pretty nice avy pocket addition for their packs. It's designed to strap on to the outside (of Cilogear packs) but I just throw mine on the inside with Shovel and probe. It's a bit more work to get at them but they are well organized, can be used standalone for quick laps and can be accessed pretty easily in the pack. Only certain shovel blades fit. The BD transport is designed to fit directly inside.

**farmer** · 02-01-2013, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by mtnwriter

Cilogear has a pretty nice avy pocket addition for their packs. It's designed to strap on to the outside (of Cilogear packs) but I just throw mine on the inside with Shovel and probe. It's a bit more work to get at them but they are well organized, can be used standalone for quick laps and can be accessed pretty easily in the pack. Only certain pathetically small and feeble shovels will fit in it, and in that case your partner will probably give you their man sized shovel to carry since you don't give two shits about them.

FYP

123

**Cosmic Suncloud** · 02-01-2013, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by TheDon

Anyone have an idea for this dilemma?

send you first?

**splat** · 02-01-2013, 11:34 PM

I'm doing the airbag out of my steering column held in place by my shovel which I strap to my back using bungee cords.
Problem is, I gotta hit something solid, going in excess of 35 mph, while skiing switch.

**Shaggy** · 02-02-2013, 12:03 AM

That Ortovox safety plate actually exists? This thread just became square squared.

**retirwntm** · 02-02-2013, 03:45 AM

Originally Posted by farmer

FYP

123

That's not far from true. I'd pick my touring partners based on how much and well they would shovel over the shovel though

**MarcusBrody** · 02-02-2013, 09:14 AM

Can't you just stick your non-avi gear in a sleeve/separate inside bag if you're worried? It seems easier than trying to put the shovel in some sort of sleeve

ii us the Stoic dry bags with the little valves at the bottom when packing suitcases for trips, I imagine layers/lunch could go in one of these and it would just slide into your pack leaving your shovel in the main pocket and easier to slide free without sending stuff everywhere. Plus, as it's waterproof, you wouldn't have to worry about snow melt dampening your layers if you dug a pit with your shovel then put it back in. And I don't know how general this is on similar bags, but mine have reinforced slots where I can hook on a strap. If you're really worried about the whole bag flying out with the shovel and leaving a false trail, you could make a leash with parachord, though this seems like it would be overkill.

**Meadow Skipper** · 02-02-2013, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by splat

I'm doing the airbag out of my steering column held in place by my shovel which I strap to my back using bungee cords.
Problem is, I gotta hit something solid, going in excess of 35 mph, while skiing switch.

Two drops.

**TheDon** · 02-02-2013, 07:18 PM

Ok ok after touring this afternoon this tech talk idea is lame, with or without the sleeve is almost sixes.

Sorry for cunting up the feed.

It was submitted in a moment of weakness I swear...

I will not be bumping this shit again.