I was doing some research last night and I came across the Avalung product I know it's not a mandatory piece of equipment (another expense) but was wondering if you have one or had considered getting one?
My reply:
There's a black diamond backpack with the avalung built into the shoulder strap which I think is a good idea!
I think the avalung is a good idea in principle and if built into a pack is a very good addition. If you buy one as a separate piece of kit you have to decide whether to wear it or not but I guess if you're wearing a transceiver then you probably wear the avalaung at the same time! But then there are days when you might get out there and wish you had it and so you need to then wear it all the time which might not always be practical. I guess you can always have it in your backpack and wear it when ever you head off piste?
My concern with it is that it might give you a false sense of safety or make you take a risk where normally you might not have?
The way it works is that if you are about to ride a big powder slope you are meant to 'start' off with it in your mouth ready as a precaution.
My thoughts are that if you feel the need to have an avalung in your mouth before you drop into a slope then you probably should pick a different option in terms of your choice of descent?
At the end of the day anything that gives you better odds is however a bonus.
For me, decision making in the backcountry is all about weighing up the odds and balancing things on the side of caution. If the Avalung tips the scales the wrong way then its not a good thing, if used wisely however as an extra precautionary measure whilst being cautious then I can see only benefits!
If you're thinking of getting one, get one!
Neil.
No comments:
Post a Comment