Mammut Nirvana 35 Avalanche Package - 2008 BCS

I don't even know where to begin with this one. The beacon is sweet, the bag is sweet, the probe is sweet, the shovel is sweet. For some reason, it doesn't come with the space blanket like the some of the other Mammut packages. But I'm happy enough with the rest of the gear that I didn't even flinch when I realized it didn't come with.

The beacon - Long story short, I really hope I don't have to use it, but if I do, I'm sure glad I've got it as opposed to anything else.

The probe is really long, and relatively light. Honestly, if I have ever have to use this thing to it's full extension, I'm probably going to be digging someone out of a HUGE avalanche. Most burials are in 6 or less feet of snow. That's probably why BCA is coming out with shorter probes now.

The shovel is great - good extension, lightweight, and the handle is big enough for my hand with a large ski glove.

The backpack is really great. Hydration pack compatible with insulated hose holder, really comfortable, lots of pockets, easily collapsible for lift riding, but still big enough (just barely) to fit a pair of boots (read: size 12 Sportiva mountaineering boots) or a helmet and all the avy gear, plus lunch, a puffy, and some odds and ends. Couple gripes with the bag, though. If you look at the pictures, there are two zippers that have straps going over them. It makes it a bit of a pain to open at times. There isn't a clip in the top of the bag that holds the hydration pack. Last gripe with the bag is that the waist strap seems like it was designed for a person with a 60" waist. Holy crap, even with gear, I've got an insane amount of extra nylon hanging there. Nothing scissors can't solve, though.

All in all, I'm super stoked to be skiing with this gear.