Avy Education 2: Get The Safety Gear

Get The Gear is presented by Chad Backlesberg from the Utah Avalanche Center. In this video, Chad covers important details about essential and recommended avalanche gear, a basic overview of how it’s used, and where and how you can get proper in-person avalanche safety training from the pros.
(Missed our first talk? Catch it right here: • Avy Education 2: Get T... )
Most of us are familiar with the main three tools carried in the backcountry: beacon (transceiver), probe & shovel. Here Chad covers how they work in more detail and also reviews what the professionals carry.
It’s important to consider other basic safety when you’re outdoors, particularly in the mountains during winter conditions. A first aid kit, a map & compass, a headlamp, and proper warmth. Bring your puffy, yes, but also maybe an extra pair of gloves, extra buffs, and even an emergency bivy and a firestarter kit.
Communication in the backcountry is key, particularly for riding one at a time down a line. Consider bringing a 2-way radio for speaking to your partner throughout a tour, when trees or terrain may block line of sight.
Gear mishaps happen. If you need to fix a binding or boot buckle, a multi-tool and duct tape are great to have on-hand.
And then there are snow science tools you can bring out with you. An inclinometer for measuring slope angle. A snow saw for digging pits and then a snow kit for digging snow pits and analyzing the snowpack on the slope you’re looking to ride.
Remember: This video covers basic avalanche awareness, this is not an avalanche course. It’s not meant to replace on-snow education. This is meant to be a refresher for those who’ve taken these classes or as an introduction to new backcountry skiers and snowboarders.
Have more questions about avalanche safety? Connect with a Gearhead: Call 1.800.409.4502 or chat with us online 24/7.
What makes Backcountry the best place to gear up? One-on-one Gearhead expertise. The greatest selection of outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories out there. And the tools to elevate your entire outdoor experience, from training smarter and sending harder to toasting at après. Harnessing the insights of our Gearheads, we also build our own products for ski, camp, MTB, fly fish, and more pursuits, including exclusive collabs with industry leaders. Backcountry is the place to Seek it. Find it. Send it.

[@dangus5459]

Great video. Just wanted to point out that warm, puffy down jackets are not recommended for use as an outer layer in the Pacific Northwest because they're useless once they get wet.

[@matthewgodwin4626]

They’re not recommended as an outer layer anywhere if it’s actively raining, not just PNW. Hardshell over the puffy if you really need the puffy.

[@gleneverett9728]

Outstanding

[@backcountry]

Thanks!

[@craigbosko2229]

"Avalanche classes are selling out fast" in the united states, well maybe in utah they are but not in Washington State.You'd be surprised how many snowshoeers go to the Backcountry with no safety equipment, AVY probe, shovel and Transceiver and if so it's turned off in their backpack when it should be worn under neath there 1st layer in transmitt mode.Ive had 7 women ask me,"ARE THERE ANY SIGNS POSTED IN THE BACKCOUNTRY" !?,GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

[@craigbosko2229]

I'd say the reason why a person is having problems with their"beacon"is because it won't receive,it will not go to"search",it will only work on transmitt like it's supposed to.Where as a"TRANSCEIVER" does and will transmitt and receive with no problem.Beacons transmitt on a totally different frequency than a transceiver.Beacons are used in" search and rescue" and alot of them have strob lights on top of them.Transceivers transmitt on a frequency of 457 khs and receive on the same frequency, that's the difference between a Beacon and Transceiver,CALL IT WHAT IT IS,A TRANSCEIVER, DON'T CONFUSE EVERYONE BY CALLING IT A BEACON.

[@benwilliams7107]

chill bro

[@VanekLarson]

Getting famous off of comments day 162,so I can live the dream, live life to the fullest🚀🤙🚀

[@chavenord]

"Your best advice is to avoid avalanche terrain altogether." That's your advice? That's where people ski. Also, if we are avoiding avalanche terrain altogether we certainly don't need any of the gear you are recommending do we?

[@martinushjrungnes9542]

Please don't look for things to be upset at, that is generally the best advice if you are not confident about the conditions or your skills.