What's in my Ski Mountaineering Bag // DAVE SEARLE

[@keirmcewan4392]

great video Dave. don't know what other people think but maybe if you did a video on clothing for guiding & ski mountaineering.

[@DaveSearle]

Thanks Keir. I'll put that on my list!

[@davehoover8853]

Great video that covers the reasons you choose a particular item and how it might be used. Someone mentioned a follow up and what layers of clothing you prefer and any other gear you like - that would be a good follow up.

[@DaveSearle]

Thanks for the Idea! I'll add it to the list...

[@wolfozponz]

Sweet to see that you use the Shaxe. I've been on the fence about integrating one into my kit with the obvious drawback being that if you ever lost the axe portion while in use, you would be unable to properly respond to an avalanche incident. I guess it would be a matter of using it selectively for days when avalanches aren't a primary concern, which coincidentally are likely the same days you would be getting into bigger and steeper terrain and likely need an ice axe. Would be keen to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks for the awesome content, I'm a big fan. Has been aiding in keeping my sanity during these wild times.

[@DaveSearle]

I've yet to loose my axe axe but I see your point. Its something to consider but other than that i've been very happy with mine!

[@empatio]

@@DaveSearle I agree with Wolfgang. To me it seems like prioritizing saving a bit of weight is at the potential expense of safety of your companions. One thing is that in the event of avalanche while using the axe, if you loose it and are to save others, you may end up being useless. Second thing is the far from ideal ergonomics of the handle (axe blade + perpendicularity to the shovel blade). That may not sound substantial, but in the scenario when seconds save lives, this could be important. Maybe you choose low risk adventures in terms of avalanches, but thousands of people watching this may not be as cautious. That being said, I find this one piece of advice irresponsible. There should be no hope ("hopefully no avalanche") factor when advising people on what to pack for avalanche terrain. Just mentioning, it's your choice for low risk mountaineering, not an ultimate advice, could make preparedness of many of your followers better. I very much enjoyed the rest of this video.

[@DaveSearle]

Thanks for your comment! I genuinely appreciate criticism on what I do and say so thank you. I would say that for certain scenarios I still do bring a proper axe/axes and a proper shovel (for example skiing in New Zealand) however the benefits of this shovel/axe/rescue sled seem to far outweigh (in my mind at least) the slight lack of ergonomics and potential for loosing it whilst boot packing up for me, the way I operate and the type of terrain I find myself on most of the time). I can’t think of that many situations in my 12 years of ski mountaineering where I’ve either been been caught in an avalanche whilst ascending and then had to dig myself out at the bottom or that I’ve actually lost my ice axe. I would also suggest that folks who start their ski mountaineering career not take their sole advice from this video though! Talk it out with a mountain guide or other highly experienced person taking into account the type of skiing you will be doing and make sure you have the correct kit for that. You can’t beat a proper axe and proper shovel however for a lot of the ski mountaineering adventures I go on these days with clients having this tool works perfectly. Again, thanks for your comment I really do appreciate it. I hope have some good skiing this winter!

[@iranclimbingguideiranclimb7097]

Thank you for the video .

[@DaveSearle]

You are welcome!

[@DaveSearle]

Don't forget to subscribe for more video like this! Thanks for watching

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi Dave, i really like this kind of videos, we can learn usefull tips, For next videos i think will be interesting different methods to do fast check snow stability (lets say check with a pole, overweight a slab, singleb column test and most important and not any video do: the translation of the all of the results + what you feel on snow+ your experience) Great video will be some tips and safety stuff for travel glaciars, kinds of quick belaying for a first skier down in a couloir to check conditions, or because its unknown terrain, or just expose Best regards

[@DaveSearle]

Thanks for the ideas Gabriel. I Will try and get these made!

[@nameuser1733]

Hi Dave, I love that rope/throw bag combo. Is there somewhere you have this list in a written form. Maybe you could post it to your Instagram feed as a follow up to this video?

[@living.thealps]

Would be great to know what rope you're using cheers

[@DaveSearle]

Hello, I'll try and compile a list and post it!

[@DaveSearle]

Hey, I'd recommend the petzl Rad Line. Seems to be the best one out there at the moment!

[@mtnbikeman85]

Ok so every time i see one of these "what i carry" videos, I watch them and wonder how all that came out of a 30l bag. I carry a 45l and don't often have a rope and find it full. Where do i purchase a magic bag?

[@jackburn3669]

Would love to see a video about what u think the best way to get into ski mountaineering is. Been interested for ages but never known how to get into it as I don’t know anyone who is involved in it, don’t know if the courses are worth the money and don’t have the money to buy all the equipment.

[@DaveSearle]

Hi Jack, Sure I'll add it to my list for potential videos! Courses are worthwhile tools for learning but lots of research and finding friends who you can learn off is ideal.

[@jackburn3669]

Dave Searle thanks look forward to it keep up the good work

[@lorezyra]

I've had the BCA Shaxe... Cool concept, but I hate the shovel's pin that is supposed to hold the shovel pole to the blade... It didn't last more than a season for me. By the 2nd season, it failed and wouldn't lock. Fortunately, I was only digging out my snowmobile rather than trying to rescue someone. Otherwise, I'd be forced to dig without the pole.

[@DaveSearle]

It’s definitely not a substitute for a proper shovel in “proper shovel terrain” serves a purpose though!

[@D2C3R5]

just saw this video. Good info but what does your pack weigh with all this kit in it?

[@DaveSearle]

Good question! Not sure if I’m honest. Always trying to keep the weight down whilst keeping the functionality of everything and the pack itself so that I can use it with gloves on.

[@P90Puma]

Dave can you show how you coil your prussik loops? (looks like maybe a beal jammy) @9:34 would be a good youtube short, thanks!

[@DaveSearle]

Great Idea, Thanks!

[@L8rCloud]

I did my Military Service in that region as part of the Elite Eclaireur Skier Section of the 27th Alpine division, Annecy (I grew up in Australia with duel citizenship) We averaged 1000m every day for the year - they made sure we did a LOT of mountaineering and weather rarely deterred them. Skiing in rain is NOT fun. Great ice axe/shovel You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into your equipment - the mountaineering version of Batman. We rarely carried any of that stuff.

[@MihaiPopescuVulcanHd]

👏👏👏 ... 👍💯👍 ... 👏👏👏 ... 😊

[@MaticHrovat]

Ha ha ha, except for the rucksack brand you have exactly the same equipment as I have.

[@DaveSearle]

Spooky!

[@lorezyra]

No avalanche airbag backpack?

[@DaveSearle]

Don’t have one. I’d say most of the time when I’m skiing there is more of a risk of terrain traps than burial. If I went to ak I’d get one for sure!

[@lorezyra]

@@DaveSearle I'm in Hokkaido, Japan (with Ja'Pow). It's mostly "champaign powder" up to your waist here. Not many glaciers here. That's not to say there are no terrain traps, but I'm more likely to be buried than fall into a trap.

[@DaveSearle]

@@lorezyra sounds like a great place for an airbag!

[@Mrtaylorrulien]

Not a bad video at all, very informative but limited to areas of "ski mountaineering" where you aren't doing the uphill yourself. Your kit would definitely change significantly if you had to skin up 4,000 ft of vertical and possible have to front point up the final section. Still good content though!

[@DaveSearle]

Taylor Rulien thanks for the comment! Yeah for sure it would change if I had to go from the valley, however most things would be the same in my actual ski bag. In the alps /chamonix We often take a lift then ski down to the start of a 1200m. My bag would pretty much look like this for that kind of day, obviously depending on how technical/ how far the day is.

[@edoardomandolini7402]

Great video Dave. Thanks for the tips. Could you also mention how much weight you'd be carrying around and what weight you wouldn't exceed for a day trip or couple of days trip? Thanks a lot! Enjoy the season ;)

[@DaveSearle]

Id say that Im certainly looking to get it down bellow 10KG but occasionally that doesn't happen...

[@patriciamoscato6586]

What kind of gloves

[@DaveSearle]

Depends on the objective!

[@petemitchell2350]

I’m surprised that all fit!

[@DaveSearle]

I guess it’s all pretty light and compact!