Avalung-22L covert backpack-worth buying?

[Idaho_RMK]

I am considering purchasing the black diamond 22L covert backpack with avalung. Has anyone used this backpack? If so were you able to fit everything you needed into it; probe, shovel, survival gear, ect ? What are you opinions on the avalung; does it work well? It seems like the concept behind it is solid. If you have used it, are you able to place the mouthpiece in place with your helmet and all your gear on? Any input would be appreciated. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

[SledsWest]

do a search, there was a thread on this last month. avalungs arent for snowmobilers

 

[Idaho_RMK]

Sorry, I must have missed that thread. I will do another search. I went through all 3 pages in this section and did a search and couldn't find any information stating if it worked well for snowmobiling or not. Would you be willing to post a link to that thread. Thanks

 

[SledsWest]

http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=187146&highlight=avalung

 

[Idaho_RMK]

Thank you!

 

[Chaos]

Idaho,

Let me save you some time. I created that last post you are seeking; my focus was to poll users inquiring whether to purchase a "lung" separately or in combination with the same pack you are looking at.

Bottom line from most users was that even though having a "lung" is better then not having one, the ability to use the lung properly and efficiently in a emergency situation while riding a sled was highly unlikely. Primary reasons were the inability to get the hose in your mouth while wearing "sledder type" helmets and the complications of riding like the dickens out of harms way while removing a hand from a screaming sleds handlebar and using that hand to try and get the "lung" into your mouth.

My opinion, if you have the cash burning a hole in your pocket then by all means, buy one, what the heck.

Safe riding.

Chaos