 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi folks,
I am seeking to upgrade to an ABS-type safety bag but 'am after several things with the bag that I was hoping you guys could maybe help me out with.
Firstly, of course safety and effectiveness is paramount. I want a trusted air bag system, it doesn't necessarily have to be the ABS brand. Also, it must be practical for probe and shovel (inside or out).
When I ski I like to have water on me, so a bag with a hydration system/bladder would be great. I'm unsure if you can still do this with these bags or not?
Also, I would require a compartment in the bag that I can store my SLR and video camera, among the other bits and bobs we often carry, like an extra layer.
I had been looking so far at the ABS Airbag and the Snowpulse models (both the Extrem and Prorider), but 'am open to any suggestions.
Also, the other thing I wondered about was taking these bags overseas. I see Brits skiing with them all the time in both Europe and North America but wonder about policy of packing in luggage. Any ideas here?
Cheers
Ryan
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Refer to the sticky at the top of this section for starters on flying - very comprehensive advice and experience there particularly from livetoski who has outlining excatly what you need to do to fly with a Snowpulse. Otherwise you'll get more features on the higher priced models generally.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I don't think it's possible to use a bladder system with a Snowpulse as the airbag is contained in the shoulder straps, so no way of routing the tube so you can access it via a shoulder strap.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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that's the one I was looking at. What'sit like for the other functions required? I'm guessing you fly with that just fine?
Thanks for t;he heads up, I'll check the sticky now
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I use the pro rider 15l from snowpulse and as said its rigged to take a hydration system.However once you have a shovel,probe,very,very light fleece and sandwich in it I think you will struggle to get your camera gear in.
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What about the larger Snowpulse Extreme then?
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External tube means its much more likely to freeze. Does Snowpulse re immense routing a water tube over the top of the shoulder straps?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| rob@rar wrote: |
| External tube means its much more likely to freeze. Does Snowpulse re immense routing a water tube over the top of the shoulder straps? |
From memory it routes out behind the neck....I just blow the water back into the bag, so the tube is empty of water and doesn't freeze!
What does
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| Does Snowpulse re immense |
mean??
Cheers,
greg
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Does anyone know whether the shoulder straps on the new Scott and Mammut R.A.S. packs are just like those on the Snowpulse?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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shenryo,
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I had been looking so far at the ABS Airbag and the Snowpulse models (both the Extrem and Prorider), but 'am open to any suggestions.
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OK the Snowpulse Prorider and other bags are hydration compatible, however the Extrem is not a true Snowpulse bag its the newer RAS system so the airbag is not in the shoulder straps and does not offer the same protection level as the other integrated Snowpulse airbags.
There is a new Snowpulse for next season the Heli 22 which is a larger Prorider, if you are using with camera, avi gear extra layers and extra top as well as hydration this maybe a better choice. Or the Snowpulse 30L Guide offers extra space, which if not need has compression straps to thin down so lift based off piste is OK.
juliad, No they are not the RAS system is only in the backpack and not the shoulder straps.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Which are regarded as the best?
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shenryo, It's a personal choice.
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You know it makes sense.
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I have a snowpluse 22l. It has a hydration option, don't know about an slr but takes jacket and picnic plus avi safety kit. It's ok for day tours but not big enought for a rope and crampons. The straps are bulky but surprisingly comfortable and seem to "bed in" with use. My one reservation and it's not a snowpluse issue, is if it might create inappropriate courage.
This is a photo of the Scott (pre production) next to a snowpluse. The snowpluse has much thicker straps. The SP looks a lot smaller in the photo but this is not so.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54556967@N00/6944230939
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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kitenski, +1 from me
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Poster: A snowHead
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jbob, the sp in the photo looks like the fwt 22 bag which is next season's heli 22
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I looked at bags and ended up going with the ABS vario size small back length. I like the ability to swap between the lighter 15lt bag and the 25lt bag, although to be honest I haven't needed the larger unit yet. As most of my skiing is in Europe I have no trouble flying with the system and just use the rucksack part as hand baggage.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thanks livetoski. Put off buying an airbag pack until now because I haven't found one that has fitted comfortably. I'm only small and most are too long in the back and having (there's no other way to put this) a bust, I found the Snowpulse straps a really bizarre fit. OH has the BCA 36 Float and I quite like it apart from being a bit too long. I've tried the other packs in the smaller size. ABS wasn't too bad a fit but quite like the idea of the head and neck protection. Need a minimum of 30L but possibly consider a 35L. Would sacrifice weight for comfort. Is there anything else you would suggest?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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More brands are offering airbags next season I think dakine and northface were mentioned .
Probably on those ISPO 2013 trade show photos If you wanted to do a search .
So it looks like more choice is on the way.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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livetoski, Well spotted.
juliad, The expert here is livetoski,
In the photo one of the people wearing the Scott is my daughter who is small.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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The BCA Flat 30 is also compatible with a hydration pack and has an insulated sleeve on the left shoulder strap with a zip enclosure to keep it out the way.
I got mine from the SportPursuit deal but haven't tested it out yet. It came with the cylinder at 90% of the recommended pressure which I think is to encourage you to give it a shot before using it in anger as you'd not want to take it out low on pressure.
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The BCA Flat 30 is also compatible with a hydration pack and has an insulated sleeve on the left shoulder strap with a zip enclosure to keep it out the way.
I got mine from the SportPursuit deal but haven't tested it out yet. It came with the cylinder at 90% of the recommended pressure which I think is to encourage you to give it a shot before using it in anger as you'd not want to take it out low on pressure.
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Seems it may be worth while waiting some till I can look at next season's new bags?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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The information below may help.
Essentially there are only three airbag manufactures, the original which is ABS, Snowpulse and then BCA. There will be other airbags around next season from other brands, however these are all using either ABS or Snowpulse components for the airbag part of the backpack.
Mammut bought Snowpulse so are running Snowpulse branded bags which have the airbag in the shoulder straps and a RAS systems where the airbag is removable and sits in the top of the backpack, attached by 4 straps. It is these RAS systems which are being used by other brands such as Head Scott and even TNF !!!!! Other brands such as Arva are making backpacks which fit onto the ABS base unit.
The really interesting thing coming up is the new Ortovox ABS bag, this will be a collaboration between them and looks to be a really interesting development, much more so than other brands who are not specialists in this area. IMHO some other brands are just jumping on the band wagon and I am sure the feedback about these airbags will be an interesting topic for further discussion.
CYLINDERS
I should not say it but there are only really two types of cylinders used by all the brands, the ABS and Snowpulse cylinder which is a 250ml 300psi nitrogen filled cylinder which is not refillable, but you can exchange it, they are the same cylinder but with different fixing system, so they are NOT interchangeable.
The 250ml cylinder meets the IATA regs for flying with your ABS or Snowpulse bags.
The other cylinders available are the ones made for the US market these are 320 ml and 207 psi air filled, they are refillable and have a pressure gauge, these are used by Snowpulse and BCA. They do NOT meet the IATA regs as they currently stand, however these regs may change in Jan 2013.
So this means that the rather good BCA airbags the Float's are not approved to fly with a full cylinder in Europe or worldwide, and officially have to be empty. This is a real pain for BCA and the one reason the regs may change in Jan 2013 to a system which takes into account the volume of compressed gas rather than the size of the cylinder.
I hope this helps to clarify a few points, I am always available on the phone to talk over, phone number on my website.
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On a slightly off-thread, but related topic I have put a For Sale item on here 3-4 weeks ago but had no interest, thought I'd throw it into the mix here............I have a 5L ABS Freeride sack which is only 2 years old which I am prepared to look at offers, its all black. Its a double airbag type, the smallest ABS/ Airbag day sack available and the type where the probe and shovel are carried on the outside, and you can carry a water bladder if required.
My reason for sale is that I'm getting to a point now where I am wanting to carry my DSLR, plus skins and semi-touring freeride kit, plus more water than previous and its just getting too small, my DSLR wont go in. Myself and kitenski had some banter about this 5-6 months ago and he suggested that it was difficult to imagine me carrying all the kit I do in it, but see list below, however now it just is too small going forwards. For clarity it comfortably carries spare layer, silver blanket, 0.5l water bottle (I dont use a bladder, freezes up IME), digital Lumix camera, spare lenses for Oakley goggles, sunglasses, snacks, keys and bits and valuables, plus skins if I ditch the spare layer.
It has ABS guarantee and has been a great sack, however I'm after a 15L going forwards. It has a carbon canister, you dont ever realise you have it on when skiing, super light. My wife skis with the same sack, hers is one season old and she's no problem with it.
On a more general note, I've never had issues flying in Europe, and cant comment on the Snowpulse or other sacks, however would 100% recommend the ABS range, well built, durable and super comfy wear on-lift sack. Let me know if interested and i'll email pics, no daft offers though, I would need decent money for it, as I intend to buy a replacement, as mentioned above.
Cheers
Mark
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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livetoski, What has you so intrigued by the Ortovox ABS combination?
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Markymark29, did you ever take the pic of all that stuff in the 5l sack???? 
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livetoski, I was of the belief that IATA permitted ALL airbag systems as long as they meet the following:
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2012:
TABLE 2.3.A
Provisions for Dangerous Goods Carried by Passengers or Crew
(Subsection 2.3)
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Avalanche rescue backpack, one (1) per person, equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger
mechanism containing less than 200 mg net of Div. 1.4S and less than 250 mL of compressed
gas in Div. 2.2. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally
activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves. |
Permitted in or as carry-on baggage : Yes
Permitted in or as checked baggage Yes
Permitted on one's person : No
The approval of the operator(s) is required : Yes
The pilot-in-command must be informed of the location : No
BCA use 290ml cylinders (not 320ml), so don't comply with IATA regs for use when full, however the line: "The approval of the operator(s) is required : Yes" is rather important as it means the airline could still refuse to carry an IATA compliant system.
Unless you can be 100% the airline will allow them in advance of travelling, then it might be worth discharging them and making sure you can get them refilled at the resort or enroute from the airport.
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You know it makes sense.
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Dublinfella,
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livetoski, What has you so intrigued by the Ortovox ABS combination?
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It promises to be a new system, "ABS Inside System" rather than just other makers strapping their backpack onto a vario system.
Ortovox are avalanche specialists and the hype so far is more of a joint venture between the two in terms of product, joint sales ventures and marketing.
First products are due to be released for the 2013 2014 season but there maybe some for later in 2013 season!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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kitenski, Took a picture at the time w/o the skins or DSLR (new addition) just havent a clue how to upload on here...............lets not go there again! 
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Poster: A snowHead
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email it to me please
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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kitenski, Ok tomorrow evening if alright not back tonight until late, do I have your email address? PM me?.......By the way booked a day with Torben 26 or 27th Dec with a mate if you are out in Arlberg at Xmas.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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feef, Crossed postings from me sorry.
Yes the IATA regs allow all avalanche rescue back packs, however the US do not follow the IATA regs they have their own and that has been where there has been some issues. As I mentioned before we have had many people fly to the states with their airbags and full cylinders with no problem at all.
You are correct that the airline may say no even though the IATA regs say its OK, however I have not been aware of any major issues with airlines, its usually the ground security and baggage people who raise an eye brow or three.
When taking an Avalanche rescue backpack on a flight it is advisable top inform the airline at least two weeks prior to flying, and get them to confirm via email that it is OK, last season we found that the airlines were more switched on about them, and that they wanted the measurements of the cylinder before confirming.
Whoops on the cylinder size, I will double check here to make sure but I know they are definitively over the 250ml
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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livetoski, Thanks for that. More to think about.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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zammo, Cool . Heard about them but never checked them out. Who wouldn't want an Avy pack with non-sparking zips for when you're packing explosives?
(cue GCHQ zoom in on sHs)
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Mystery Ranch packs are awesome, I own a Fuze and would definitely recommend them. The suspension is awesome. Not touched the airbag pack though.
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FAQ
