Reddit reviews Avalanche Essentials: A Step-by-Step System for Safety and Survival

Kit advice, training advice, safely getting into day trips and side country and back country [xpost /r/backcountry]

Last season I started getting into splitboarding. I picked up a Jones Hovercraft split for a good deal late in the season, and really enjoyed making some fresh tracks. This off season I am trying to gear up for something I have found I really enjoy, and need some suggestions for a kit and education. I have already started working on both but would really appreciate any guidance you can provide.

Education and Training

I just read Avalanche Essentials by Bruce Tremper, and I need to find avalanche training near me in Western South Dakota. A weekend class would be preferable either here (probably isn't going to happen) or in Eastern Wyoming or Montana, but I am willing to travel a little further if someone has an excellent recommendation.

What other books or what web sites do you feel I should become acquainted?

Also in the way of medicine, do you suggest taking a first aid class? Mr. Tremper recommends the Wilderness First Responder class but this is seldom taught in my area and is a week long class for which I would have to blow a lot of vacation time.

Kit and Gear

My kit so far is based on what I read in Mr. Tremper's book and some ideas I have read on various web sites. Between a few things I picked up this off season and stuff I already had I plan on putting together this kit for day trips or side country:

• Float 32 Pack
  
• Ice Axe
  
• Beacon
  
• Probe
  
• Shovel
  
• Whistle
  
• Compass
  
• Signal mirror
  
• Emergency Bivvy
  
• Waterproof matches and a flint
  
• Carabiners
  
• Rope
  
• Head lamp
  
• Flashlight and tiny lantern
  
• Multi-tool and backup knife
  
• Monocular
  
• First aid kit, sunscreen
  
• Extra gloves, socks, sunglasses
  
• Extra layers
  
• Collapsible poles
  
• Extra batteries
  
  I am still looking for a GPS - recommendations? What else am I missing?
  
  
  http://www.reddit.com/r/Spliddit/comments/26m3yo/kit_advice_training_advice_safely_getting_into/

• Start with Bruce Tremper's excellent Avalanche Essentials. Tremper is one of the experts in avalanche safety.
  
• Please look at taking a Level 1 avalanche course.
  
• You will also need gear. Everyone in your part should, at very least, have a beacon, shovel and probe, and have some practice with all three. If you have the money get an airbag. If not consider buying an aqualung. Neither are silver bullets. The object of the first 2 bullet points of this list is to avoid avalanches.
  
• If you are going to a well known area it might be in Fatmaps. That app can show you avalanche risk slopes.
  
• Check the avalanche forecast from your area center. A list can be found here.