Avalung..pros/cons?

[weltdoo]

was considering an avalung with my pack and beacon, anyone else use one? Do you like it? how does it work? Do you just keep the mouth piece in all the time? never seen one in person, but it looks like a good idea. thanks for any info.

 

[SnowBigDeal]

My personal input: The avalung is a great concept IF you can get/keep the mouthpiece in your mouth. With a helmet on, I don't think I would have enough time to get the mouthpiece into my mouth in the case of an avalanche.

 

[Vertical_Escape]

I wear one, it would be possibly be hard to get a good airway if you were in an Avy trying to get it in position. I wear mine with mouthpiece under helmet ready to bite. If in terrain with a chance of sliding, I go ahead and get mouthpiece in place and basically breathe "around" it until needed. So far I haven't had an opportunity to test it out, and I'd really be fine with it staying that way.

I really like the theory behind it, thought it was a good investment, still do. My only regret was not getting it incorporated into pack.