Comments on: WildSnow Avalung Take – 2009 – Alias Pack Version http://www.wildsnow.com/1628/black-diamond-avalung-review-alias/ Backcountry Skiing Weblog Blog, FAQs, more, links and info about randonnee, telemark and backcountry ski mountaineering. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:30:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Lou http://www.wildsnow.com/1628/black-diamond-avalung-review-alias/comment-page-1/#comment-29102 Lou Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:14:16 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1628#comment-29102 Kim, I've found that a combination of the hip belt pockets on the pack and pockets on my soft shell do the trick. What makes it all work is the camera cases I always mount on my shoulder strap up high, to hold a point-and-shoot. Using soft shell with big "napoleon" pockets is also key, instead of pockets that get covered by the hip belt. Also, I'd say that some of the stuff you're talking about just might have to live in the backpack... Kim, I’ve found that a combination of the hip belt pockets on the pack and pockets on my soft shell do the trick. What makes it all work is the camera cases I always mount on my shoulder strap up high, to hold a point-and-shoot. Using soft shell with big “napoleon” pockets is also key, instead of pockets that get covered by the hip belt. Also, I’d say that some of the stuff you’re talking about just might have to live in the backpack…

]]> By: Kim http://www.wildsnow.com/1628/black-diamond-avalung-review-alias/comment-page-1/#comment-29094 Kim Mon, 08 Nov 2010 02:10:56 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1628#comment-29094 Here's a problem that bugs me eveytime I go out touring. I have a map (usually a colour photocopy of a larger map) so I know where I am going. I have a tour plan, so I know how I am going and what options I have. I have my field book so I can remind myself of the avalanche forcast and make obs - and a pencil! My compass to go with the map and to measure slope angle. If they go in the pack I need to stop, unpack, repack, load up and go - can't be bothered. If they go in my shell, I take it off and pack it to skin. They don't fit in the fleece pockets. The hip pockets on the pack have food and camera. Pants pockets are too small and things rub in annoying places. Aaaaarghh! I am going to try a Rite in the Rain belt pouch (http://www.riteintherain.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=C540F&Category=f24655d9-8888-44f2-a4b5-8866e468a1e8) on the straps of my pack's waist belt. What other solutions do people use to overcome this problem? Or am I just overly pedantic :? Here’s a problem that bugs me eveytime I go out touring.

I have a map (usually a colour photocopy of a larger map) so I know where I am going. I have a tour plan, so I know how I am going and what options I have. I have my field book so I can remind myself of the avalanche forcast and make obs – and a pencil! My compass to go with the map and to measure slope angle. If they go in the pack I need to stop, unpack, repack, load up and go – can’t be bothered. If they go in my shell, I take it off and pack it to skin. They don’t fit in the fleece pockets. The hip pockets on the pack have food and camera. Pants pockets are too small and things rub in annoying places. Aaaaarghh!

I am going to try a Rite in the Rain belt pouch (http://www.riteintherain.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=C540F&Category=f24655d9-8888-44f2-a4b5-8866e468a1e8) on the straps of my pack’s waist belt.

What other solutions do people use to overcome this problem? Or am I just overly pedantic :?

]]> By: Taku http://www.wildsnow.com/1628/black-diamond-avalung-review-alias/comment-page-1/#comment-13352 Taku Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:12:38 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1628#comment-13352 Instead of messing around with sewing a patch on (and I have messed around with quite a few over the years) using Shoe Goo or Aqua Seal, with or without a piece of Cordura has worked well to prevent holes worn in fabric. Might be a little stiff, but it has lasted quite a few years on pack fabric. Thanks for the Alias review, might just have to pop for one next year. Instead of messing around with sewing a patch on (and I have messed around with quite a few over the years) using Shoe Goo or Aqua Seal, with or without a piece of Cordura has worked well to prevent holes worn in fabric. Might be a little stiff, but it has lasted quite a few years on pack fabric. Thanks for the Alias review, might just have to pop for one next year.

]]> By: Matt Kinney http://www.wildsnow.com/1628/black-diamond-avalung-review-alias/comment-page-1/#comment-13348 Matt Kinney Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:49:46 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1628#comment-13348 Some comments on the BD Avalung system, of which I have the Anarchist and about 60 days pounding on it. The buckles are too small requiring me to remove gloves to release and connect. ...bummer. What's wiith all the tiny, dinky straps and snaps? Looks like the same ones on the Alias. My last BC pack had big buckles and I could transition without removing thick gloves or mittens. (maybe they could fix this and call the next pack the Arthritist!!!) I strap my skiis on the sides - A-frame style. Goes quick,no hassles, and no loose swing weight. and ...reduces snagging if booting in brush. The Anarchist and the Alias allow this option. Be careful with the mouth piece that it does not get packed with snow if you have it out and ready, but not in your mouth while skiing. This is an issue in deep powder skiing, after falling (which I never do!!), or just taking your pack off during a break and resting it on the snow. Just keep an eye on it if you like it out all the times and clean it. Snow does pack into it and solidify. Moisture can get down in it where you can't see or tell, then freeze up when you least suspect it and impair full use. So when you dry it at home after hard use, give it a good inspection and hang it upside down so any water can drain out. Happens. Some comments on the BD Avalung system, of which I have the Anarchist and about 60 days pounding on it.

The buckles are too small requiring me to remove gloves to release and connect. …bummer. What’s wiith all the tiny, dinky straps and snaps? Looks like the same ones on the Alias. My last BC pack had big buckles and I could transition without removing thick gloves or mittens. (maybe they could fix this and call the next pack the Arthritist!!!)

I strap my skiis on the sides – A-frame style. Goes quick,no hassles, and no loose swing weight. and …reduces snagging if booting in brush. The Anarchist and the Alias allow this option.

Be careful with the mouth piece that it does not get packed with snow if you have it out and ready, but not in your mouth while skiing. This is an issue in deep powder skiing, after falling (which I never do!!), or just taking your pack off during a break and resting it on the snow. Just keep an eye on it if you like it out all the times and clean it. Snow does pack into it and solidify. Moisture can get down in it where you can’t see or tell, then freeze up when you least suspect it and impair full use. So when you dry it at home after hard use, give it a good inspection and hang it upside down so any water can drain out. Happens.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.wildsnow.com/1628/black-diamond-avalung-review-alias/comment-page-1/#comment-13344 Lisa Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:39:20 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1628#comment-13344 Mark, yes, those are Nite Ize clips. The crampon locks work super well. I'm lucky to have such a nice set up. Mark, yes, those are Nite Ize clips. The crampon locks work super well. I’m lucky to have such a nice set up.

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