Backcountry Access #Direct2Dirtbag

Backcountry snowboarding (aka splitboarding) defined to me is simply put, freedom. Freedom to make your own decisions not determined by boundaries or barriers set up by resorts. This sport has really caught on in the last decade or so with the invention of better AT gear and splitboards. Unfortunately, with more and more people going out on a daily basis making their own decisions means that there is more avalanche activity out there as well.

I have learned more than a lot in these last several years of backcountry riding which has changed the way I make decisions in the backcountry. I believe in being conservative nowadays when I need to be and have learned to live the motto "Live to Ski".

Over the past two weeks I have been waiting impatiently to announce that I will be joining a team created by Backcountry Access, the first company to put out the first digital multi-antenna transceiver some years ago and now sells everything from snow science tools to airbags. I personally have been using BCA gear ever since I started this sport and, including lots of other people, trust them 100%. So to say that I am honored to be a part of the team is a huge understatement.

I feel incredibly grateful for getting the opportunity to work with such a trusted company, but what excites me even more than the gear is the idea that they want myself, and the other team members, to promote/write about backcountry education. (Ie making good terrain choices, minimizing the human factor, ALPTRUTHS, etc.) Lots of people would agree, but might not act on it, that avalanche prevention is the only real surefire way to survive an avalanche. Common sense, right?

We are increasing our chances of survival when we wear things like beacons and airbags but should not substitute good decision making. But like how a seatbelt is good to wear in-case of a car crash, beacons and airbags can help increase survival rates. So for me if you do not own a beacon (you're insane because everyone owns one nowadays, but you should keep yours up-to-date) and/or own an airbag, I think you should reconsider. It is like getting into your car and not buckling up. There is a pretty good chance nothing will happen but if it does you will be glad you have the extra safety measure.

For the rest of this season you will see me wearing the new Tracker 3 and the new Float 32 Airbag, and you can see me using these and see what the rest of the team is doing on Instagram by searching the hashtag #Direct2Dirtbag.

Without further ado here are my first impressions:

• Lighter
• 3 Antennas
• Multi-burial capable
• 50m digital range

I know a lot of people with last years Float 32s and I have read extensively about them knowing that I was going to be getting one. Until receiving it in the mail, I did not know I was going to be getting a new one. What I know about the pack after taking it out twice now:

• Black/red color scheme
• 32 Liter
• Light (even a fully packed pack, doesn't feel heavy)
• Sleek design
• Comfortable on the shoulders
• Hip pockets on both sides
• Adjustable hip slings
• Created with a tough ripstop material
• Helmet carry
• Double ice ax carrier
• Snowboard and diagonal ski carry
• Deep goggle pocket
• Plenty of room to carry everything you would need

If you see my name on the Backcountry Access website, well, now you know why.

If you're researching for this pack for purchase and have questions about it, feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or just comment below.