Avalung/non-BD pack mod

[FrontRangeDrummer]

I have an Avalung and wear it skiing. I've always disliked wearing it and a pack at the same time (which I always do); the combination of the Avalung and my pack straps make it hard to vent heat by opening my jacket while skinning/hiking, and it is just another piece of gear to put on and take off.
BD make some integrated packs, but they are expensive, and I already have a great day pack--the BCA Alp 40.

So after a few beers while tuning my skis, I took a couple pieces of velcro and integrated my Avalung into my pack. The guts of the Avalung slide right out of its harness, and it is easy to put it back in for use alone or with a different pack. The intake valve is on the shoulder strap, and the exhalation tube goes about halfway down the shovel handle/probe pocket on the outside of the pack.

Anyone see any problems or potential issues with this setup?

Pics:

[skikola]

Nice congas, and ingenuity.
I've never even seen an avalung in person, but as long as the functional parts are exposed, I would assume your rig would work.

[My Pet Powder Goat]

I like it. simple and efficient & easy 2 remove.
Im working with the same thing.
My .02 is: just make sure 2 put the avalung on the side u dont carry your skis on your shoulder with.
There is also another thread with a mag-made, ava-packenstein that has some additional info

[FrontRangeDrummer]

Here are the other threads on the subject:
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=72175

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...t=avalung+pack

I should have searched before posting this...

Excellent point on carrying skis on the shoulder. I'll have to see if this presents problems. The BCA pack has the great zipper sleeve on the left shoulder to hold a hydration bladder tube, and I usually carry my skis on my right shoulder, where I have installed the Avalung. Although I don't really carry my skis on a shoulder that often...

Also, I think I'll try and find a piece of hose to extend the exhalation hose to the bottom of the pack where there is already a hole to drain water. This will get it further away from the intake valve.

[My Pet Powder Goat]

ok.
I just did the same thing. I put the "guts" on my left shoulder, the valve is more behind my L shoulder.- which is good, because its a daypack, and there isnt much padding on the Sstraps.

...used duct tape 2 fasten. Ran the exhaust through the back ,and a rubberband 2 hold down the mouthpiece when not in use and ..voila! ghetto-fab!

[prmulligan]

The guides at H20 in valdez simply zip-tied them to their straps.... seems to work fine.

[powstash]

The guides at H20 in valdez simply zip-tied them to their straps.... seems to work fine.

This sounds legit - zip ties are almost as cool as duct tape...almost.

[FrontRangeDrummer]

I used velcro so I can easily remove it when I use my pack for other purposes (climbing, travel) and I can use the Avalung with its supplied holster if I use a different pack while skiing.

I used this setup yesterday and its seemed to work fine (obviously I wasn't buried). Much simpler and more convenient than pack plus separate Avalung straps. I'm going to pick up some tubing today at the hardware store to extend the exhaust hose.