Thread: Avalung 2: Yay or Nay

Need to approach the communuty's wisdom for advice again:

I seriously consider getting an Avalung. While it's benefits upon getting buried in an avy is indisputable it only helps if you have the opportunity of catching the mouthpiece during or after the slide. I feel that is mere theory and think more often than not you won't catch it in time, bearing also in mind that when buried s.o. probably could not move any more.
Thanks to God I've never been caught in a big slide, so does anyone have first hand experience with the Avalung while getting buried?
Thanks

The wife got me one for b-day only been wearing it a week. The mouthpeice has a lot of flex to it and you can position it pretty convenient to be able to get it into your mouth. I multi cartwheeled down a chute the other day and afterward the mouth peice was jammed packed w/ snow. I think practice getting it into your mouth and familarity w/ this actoin is key to its effectiveness. It weighs next to nothing and attaches/removes pretty easily.
I have very little doubt that if you get it into your mouth and are buried you would be better able to remain calm and hope your partners skills can get you out of the situation. I got to admit the nose plugs that come w/ it are pretty funny. If your in a situation were you are putting on noseclips its time to find some less avvyprone terrain or rethink something
I am waiting for the vaporiser attachment to convert it to the avabong.
Also you can make some funky moans w/ the BD digamarro (sp?)

Originally Posted by skifishbum

I am waiting for the vaporiser attachment to convert it to the avabong.
Also you can make some funky moans w/ the BD digamarro (sp?)

The avabong may help when buried unless you get all paranoid.

Perhpaps you mean digeridoo, the aboriginal australian musical instrument?


Myself, I'm holding out for next years avalung backpacks.
Then there's no excuse for not having it. (other than an extra 12oz of weight).

Why would you not get one?

Originally Posted by Shredhead

Why would you not get one?

Because if you don't succeed in getting the mouthpiece caught before/during a slide the whole thing is worthless (after a burial the thing is likely filled with snow anyway which is hard to resolve if you can't move).
Plus I already got an ABS therefore an entire Avalung backpack is out of question for me.

But how will you ever know until it happens. Anything that adds to your chance of survival is worth it to me. Just flopping over into a tree well could be the end without one.

That's why I specifically asked for s.o. with that particular experience to chime in.

Originally Posted by Hicks

That's why I specifically asked for s.o. with that particular experience to chime in.

The Avalung website lists 4 burial reports; I can't think of any others to go along. Apparently those people aren't maggots. One technique is to breath through the Avalung in sketchy terrain which eliminates the worry about getting the mouthpiece in place.

Have it, never had to use it and hopefully it stays that way.

Hicks, if I remember right you are in Yurp. I think in Yurp it makes a lot of sense. To me there is way more avi danger over there than people here face. I was very glad to have it when dropping in for 2-3 foot freshies off Schindlergrat or backside of Rendl last year.

I don't actually think it would be that hard to get the thing in my mouth as it sits right in front of my mouth. I think its cheap insurance and I can definitely say it didn't change my decisions, but I'm glad I had it.

Originally Posted by skifishbum

The wife got me one for b-day

Same here except the GF bought it for me a few months back. Haven't been in a slide with it, but it is easy to use and they recommend practicing skiing with it in your mouth. I can reach mine pretty easily with a slight tilt of the neck. Yeah I too tumbled the other day on a run and ended up with a little snow in the mouth piece. I think it is better than not having one, but I too have been wondering what are my chances of actually being able to use it when under the snow. But for a little over a hundred bucks, it is well worth it to me, giving me 10-15 minutes more time to be rescued alive.

don't own one, but wouldn't it make sense to ski with it in your mouth? Who is going to have the presense of mind to try and ski 45 deg to the fall line, drag your wippet into the bed surface, get the avalung into your mouth, keep your balance, and focus your sight on the exit point?

Seems to me that it would be ment to be in your mouth while skiing or skinning in sketch terrain. Having it right next your your mouth won't do you a bit of good if your buryed. I would rather have it in my mouth so i can concentrate on skiing out of the slide path rather than bumbling around and increasing my chances of getting caught.

Originally Posted by Hicks

Plus I already got an ABS therefore an entire Avalung backpack is out of question for me.

Well, Mr. Belt and Suspenders.

If I had ABS, I wouldnt worry so much about avalung. I think from most studies, ABS works pretty well at keeping a body above the surface.
Of the 2, I'd say its more likely to save you.
Avalung seems like a reasonable alternative if you can't or won't use ABS.

For you to have both, I'm guessing you are a chartered accountant or perhaps a lion tamer.

The mouthpiece can be pulled out of the stored position, bent in any direction and positioned directly in front of your mouth. If positioned correctly I don't think it would be an issue to get it into your mouth if you ski in the with it in the ready position, I would definitely rather have one and have a chance of it working then not. With a beacon, pack and avalung you have so much sh*# strapped around you it is insane. If you already have an avalung you can pretty easily but carefully attach it to your pack shoulder strap with duct tape so the exhaust is around your back and the mouthpiece can be extended to your mouth. Make sure the duct tape is not constricting the tube or restricting (near) the lung or exhaust. This makes it easier for me because it is not any more to deal with and if I have my gear, my avalung is on also. I have seen professional guides with this set-up...

Originally Posted by Core Shot

For you to have both, I'm guessing you are a chartered accountant or perhaps a lion tamer.

Whether using both is an overkill or not I can't say. It doesn't change the fact that once caught in a major slide your chances are 50/50 at best and well-trained buddies to get your ass out quickly still rule over everything.

Thanks for all replies so far - might consider getting the Avalung for the multiday tours then where an ABS is too heavy.

partner took a 1500' ride two summers ago and successfully got avalung in his mouth. only buried to waist in the end.

cut off avalung straps and tape avalung to pack strap. when sketched remove mouthpiece from storage position for easier access.

asphyxiation is probably very unpleasant. why would you not stack the odds in your favor?