ABS Avalanche Packs

[jumpturn]

What do people think about this?

http://www.avalanchebackpack.com/

I saw quite a number of them around Chamonix.

[skiyak777]

I think the statisitcs show that they help keep you on the surface and make it easier for your partner to find you. I got one recently, but had it shipped to AK for a February trip, as you're not allowed to bring them on airlines. I'll post an evaluation when I get back (hopefully just on its utility as a pack.)

[mainwaring]

the science has been pretty promising though most avy fatalaties historically are from trauma not burial and studies haven't been conclusive whether this is preventative in any way. as skiyak mentioned, they are a pain to travel with...there are threads in TGR and teletips explaining what must be done. can't you rent them pretty reasonably in cham/alps, AK, etc?

[PWDR8S]

the science has been pretty promising though most avy fatalaties historically are from trauma not burial and studies haven't been conclusive whether this is preventative in any way. as skiyak mentioned, they are a pain to travel with...there are threads in TGR and teletips explaining what must be done. can't you rent them pretty reasonably in cham/alps, AK, etc?

Yup... They're getting more recognition now in the Alps so you can find more rental outfits these days. Saves a whole lot in travel hassles.

I've read the early days studies and research this promising new avi protection and I was impressed by the stats. (But then again, you can make stats say anything you want)

[jumpturn]

I'll have to look into renting them in Chamonix for those level 4 days.

They do seem a little heavy, especially after you load them up with avi gear, crampons and ice axes .....

One of these ABS packs, some body armor, and a helmet, and you can throw yourself onto anything (except and iced up couloir with a 700m launch for a runout!). ;)

Our avalanche control method is to send the boarder or the pro skier down first! ;)