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December, 2024

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Abs powder vest

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FreeWilley
Posts: 464 - Karma: 134
I'm really interested in Northfaces Abs powder guid vest. Not loving the price, but my main concern is that it is not hydration compatible. Has anyone had any experience with this vest? Are the pockets big enough to store a decent amount of water or could you squeeze a bladder in somewhere?

I should also mention that I do have experience in the B.C., I have all the necessary gear, and I always tour with other experienced climbers. So this purchase is just an extra precaution, and I'm not someone from New Jersey looking to go into the backcountry for the first time thinking this vest is all he'd need to save himself from an avalanche.
Nov 19 2013 1:55AM
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japanada
Posts: 13785 - Karma: 1,956
Both ABS and Mystery Ranch make great, small, 15L-18L. The ABS has the ability to zip on bigger pockets for longer tours. Ive looked at the vests and I think they are pretty small. Dont forget, you have to store your probe n shovel in there.
Nov 19 2013 2:43AM
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heFF
Posts: 5786 - Karma: 4,456
not sure if it's on the market yet but dakine's making a pretty sick one that's extremely affordable that I think is definitely worth checking out!
Nov 19 2013 2:46AM
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,124
if youve taken avvy 2 and spent the $$$ on a woofer or emt cert it wouldn't be a bad investment
either of those will make you a more experienced partner
the gear will make you look more experienced though

Nov 19 2013 6:06AM
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-SnowSnoli-
Posts: 756 - Karma: 1,703
Problem with vests are there is no room for extra layers. And IMO its really important if you were to have an accident to have the ability to wrap up warmer.

As mention the ABS base unit allows you to zip on different size packs. So personally I would look into a 15L and a bigger one for touring.

Though I just ordered the 25L zip on from Dakine.
Nov 19 2013 7:43AM
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Dr.Dickless
Posts: 2620 - Karma: 1,392
We sell it in the shop I work at so I've poked around it quite a bit.

there is a lot of storage for a vest, that being said, besides a shovel and probe, there arent any other specifically designated pockets, so a water bladder would be tough, depending on your shovel a nalgene could fit in the shovel pocket and the pockets at the front are easily big enough for a couple extra base layers. That being said it is definitely made for someone who is looking for a really light weight ABS setup and wont be carrying very much.

We mostly sell them to snowmobilers who want a little more avalanche protection but they can store more stuff in the bags on their sleds.
Nov 19 2013 12:41PM
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