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The Black Diamond AvaLung II is one of the most important developments in avalanche safety since the avalanche beacon. It should be a part of every backcountry traveler's tools. Use it in conjunction with a shovel, probe, transceiver, and experienced and capable companions to increase your chances of survival should you be caught in an avalanche. The Black Diamond AvaLung is designed for backcountry powder skiing & snowboarding, alpinism, and snowmobiling. The AvaLung is a simple filtration device which draws air directly from the snow pack. Even dense avalanche debris consists of approximately 50% air. The AvaLung membrane increases the surface area from which you breathe, making it possible to pull this air from the snow. You breathe in and out through the tube. The patented system within the AvaLung separates the O2 from the exhaled CO2, which is directed away from the air intake and out the back of the vest to diffuse through the snow pack. At the on snow demo last season, we watched them bury a guy in the snow for over an hour. When they dug him up, he was a little cold but otherwise fine (they even tested the CO2 levels in his blood). While we think that the AvaLung is a great innovation, we recognize that it does have its shortcomings. While tumbling in a slide, you might well lose your bite on the mouthpiece--or you may not even have had a chance to bite it. However, we feel that this device can increase your chances of survival. It's another great tool in your quiver. Get the Avalung II size that corresponds with your T-shirt size. They are highly adjustable.
The Avalung was on the market for less than a year before it saved its first life. Two winters ago, a helicopter ski guide in Valdez, Alaska got caught in an avalanche and was buried alive. He was able to use the Avalung while rescuers searched for him. The extra time he was able survive under the snow while breathing trapped air was credited as one of the factors that saved his life. The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (J.A.M.A.) recently printed an article acknowledging the research and methodology used in testing the Avalung, and concluded that the use of the Avalung could reduce the probability of asphyxiation by extending the amount of time someone can survive after being buried by an avalanche. Even more people had their life saved last year by using the Avalung. It is comfortable with or without a pack, and the ultra-minimalist harness design is secure but not restrictive. At 1/3 the cost of an avalanche beacon, weighing less than a pound, it is one of the most important developments since the avalanche beacon. The Avalung II has a built-in filtration device that draws air directly from the snowpack. A one-way valve allows you to breath air trapped in the front body area. The exhaled C02 is exhausted in back of the potential victim. This significantly reduces the probability oficemasking and re-breathing exhaled CO2, two of the most dangerous problems a victim faces. In test cases people have lasted over an hour completely buried in the snow. It can be worn in any conditions over your clothing and weighs only 15 ounces
The Black Diamond AvaLung II may be the most important piece of life-saving equipment you can wear when traveling in avalanche terrain. While a beacon can be a great body locator device, the AvaLung II allows you to breathe fresh air directly from the snowpack, buying you precious time during a rescue. Rebreathing exhaled air when you're buried causes suffocation because the air becomes oversaturated with carbon dioxide and depleted of oxygen. The AvaLung II diverts the exhausted air away from your fresh-air intake zone, considerably extending the time your partners have to conduct a successful recovery. This nine-ounce shoulder sling is proven to extend lives; it's trusted by guides, avalanche control workers, patrollers and ski mountaineers worldwide.
This description was also provided by: Campsaver.com
Black Diamond Avalung II 2009: Let’s get serious -- this is the tool that could save your life. The Black Diamond AvaLung II is one of the most important developments in avalanche safety since the avalanche beacon. It allows the user to be able to breathe during an avalanche. The AvaLung is a simple filtration device which draws air directly from the snow pack. Even dense avalanche debris consists of approximately 50% air. The AvaLung membrane increases the surface area from which you breathe, making it possible to pull this air from the snow. You breathe in and out through the tube. The patented system within the AvaLung separates the O2 from the exhaled CO2, which is directed away from the air intake and out the back of the vest to diffuse through the snow pack. The Black Diamond AvaLung is designed for backcountry powder skiing, snowboarding, alpinism, and snowmobiling.
Along with a beacon, the AvaLung II is the most important piece of life-saving equipment you can wear when traveling in avalanche terrain. Weighing in at less than a pound, the AvaLung II offers critical oxygen intake that buys you precious time while buried under snow. Designed to extract air from the snow, it works to redirect carbon dioxide away from your oxygen-intake zone, reducing ice masking and CO2 poisoning of your oxygen supply. Unobtrusive over your regular outerwear, the AvaLung II is trusted by guides, avalanche control workers, patrollers and ski mountaineers worldwide. Proven to save lives in real life and supervised test burials. We aren't joking when we say, "the life you save may be your own."
AvaLung II™ is a remarkable filtration device that draws air directly from the snowpack, allowing you to breathe if trapped in an avalanche.
The AvaLung 2 from Black Diamond may be the most important piece of life-saving equipment you can wear when traveling in avalanche terrain. It allows you to breathe fresh air directly from the snowpack, then diverts the exhausted air away from your fresh-air intake zone, considerably extending the time your partners have to conduct a successful recovery. f09 avy Sizing: S/L fits body weight of 100-160 lbs., M/L fits body weight of 150-225 lbs.
The Avalung II is created in a holster/sling style and provides utility, versatility and safety all in one. When you are out there on the terrain, make sure to have this Black Diamond backcountry accessory. The Avalung II helps an avalanche victim to breathe fresh air right from the snow pack. This avalanche accessory by Black Diamond diverts CO2 away from fresh0air intake and us ultra-lightweight. The Avalung II is only 265 g (9.3 oz).
This description was also provided by: Skis.com (2010)
The Black Diamond AvaLung II may be the most important piece of life-saving equipment you can wear when traveling in avalanche terrain. While a beacon can be a great body locator device, the Black Diamond AvaLung II allows you to breathe fresh air directl
No description provided.
| Country of Origin: | United States |
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| Material: | Nylon, rugged flexible plastic |
| Recommended Use: | Increasing avalanche-survival chances by allowing continued breathing while submerged in snow |
| Warranty: | 1 year |
| Weight: | 265g / 9.3 oz. |
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View other products from Black Diamond classified in Snow Sports > Avalanche Gear. View all products from Black Diamond.
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These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:
 | Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS 110mm Skiing > Skins | $103.96 - $154.95 |
 | Black Diamond Patrol Glove Men's Clothing > Gloves | $44.90 - $95.00 |
 | Black Diamond Quickdraw Super Tour Probe 265 Snow Sports > Avalanche Gear | $37.95 - $49.95 |
 | Bca Tracker DTS Avalanche Beacon Snow Sports > Avalanche Gear | $289.95 |
 | Black Diamond Transfer 7 Shovel Snow Sports > Avalanche Gear | $37.95 - $59.95 |
This product is available in the following colors:
Click any color to show the product in that color
 | Black |
Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.
| Size | Color | |
|---|---|---|
| Black | N/A | |
| Small Medium | 129.95129.95 | |
| Medium / Large | 129.95 | |
| S / M | 129.95 | 116.96129.002 More... |
| Small/ Medium | 129.95 | |
| M / L | 129.95 | 116.96129.002 More... |
Evogear offers this product at $89.90, but does not provide any color/size information.
RememberDelaware.com offers this product at $97.95, but does not provide any color/size information.
TetonVillageSports.com offers this product at $129.95, but does not provide any color/size information.
USOutdoor.com offers this product at $129.95, but does not provide any color/size information.
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Documented Lives Saved | |
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I never plan to see whether it really works, but fairly light and affordable. The BD website documents one life that was definitely saved, and two other burials where it worked (although victims probably would have lived anyway). Any powder-oriented tour should require these.*****August 2009 update from my original July 2003 review: BD no longer seems to be providing a list of documented deployments, but since my review, I've read about a couple more, and the victim was always able to get the mouthpiece in, which is very reassuring. (All the victims lived, although burials were of such short duration that they probably would have lived anyway even without an Avalung.)An Avalung is also a great idea for treewell safety. The Avalung packs are definitely more convenient though. This past season, I was touring with a friend in Boise who had the pack version, while I still had a sling version. Whenever we need to add or remove a layer, I had to take off then put back on my Avalung. Okay, only several seconds at each transition, but it's still somewhat of a bother. The flip side is that when we've met up for early summer skiing, he still has to bring his integrated Avalung along with him. November 2009 update: I somehow completely missed a reference in a TAR article last year to a failed deployment, with the survivor noting how the Avalung mouthpiece was torn out of his mouth. | |
| Jonathan S. Shefftz at Backcountry.com on 07/16/2003 | |
Give yourself a fighting chance | |
| Rating: | |
I'm very greatful I haven't had to actually use it other than wear it. This thing is the real deal and has gone through tons of testing to make sure it actually works. And it does. This is no substitute for proper training and avalanche safety, but in the event of being caught in an avy, this can save your life. The average burial victim has about 15 minutes, before their chances of survival drops dramatically. With this thing on, worn properly and used properly you time frame is increased to about 45 minutes. It makes it possible to breathe while buried, and prevents CO2 poisoning, a big factor for those who are caught and able to breathe. This thing is the real deal and a worthy investment. Even if you never have to actually use it, isn't your life worth more than $130. | |
| Matthew Tabrys at Backcountry.com on 01/08/2009 | |
wife of a rider | |
| Rating: | |
Stopping my husband from dropping cliffs or shooting a line is impossible. While there are large risks at stake, this piece of equipment gives me a little peace of mind. I bought him an avalung for Christmas and I thought it was very reasonably priced. He tells me it doesn't bother him or gets in his way while he rides. I have seen too much footage of avalanches and close calls for my husband and his friends. The way I look at it is, why WOULDN'T you want an extra piece of equipment to increase your chance of survival? He'll never stop riding until his body won't let him anymore, so in the mean time...he needs to have ALL of the stuff to bring him home. | |
| krystal at Backcountry.com on 02/06/2007 | |
lung | |
| Rating: |  |
The avalung is a great tool to help increase your chances of survival if caught in a avalanche. however, it should not be involved in a decisions making situation,ie; "well, this snow pack looks sketchy but Ive got my avalung so.. lets go". building it into the pack is a great way to decrease this impulse. | |
| sage cattabriga-alosa at Backcountry.com on 04/01/2009 | |
Doesn't get in the way | |
| Rating: | |
Like others here have written, I hope never to find out if it actually works, but as a piece of extra insurance, it is certainly easy to haul along with you. It is light, fits easily over my jacket without getting in the way, and I was still able to ski hard and jump around lots with the mouthpiece situated inches from my lips. At the end of each run, there it was still ready for an immediate snatch with the teeth. And it didn't look goofy in the pictures. More importantly, if it saves my life someday, it'll be worth every cent, of course. | |
| JNP at Backcountry.com on 05/23/2006 | |
Haven't had to "use" it yet | |
| Rating: | |
Luckily, I haven't had to use this for what it's intended to be used for, but I have brought it out several times. It's very comfortable, lightweight, and seemingly easy to use. The mouthpiece stays stable when it's out, and it feels like it would be fairly easy to locate quickly in the event of a slide. I don't even notice when I'm skinning/ hiking when the mouthpiece is put away. Hopefully I'll never have to "use" my avalung, but a 100 bucks is well worth it for the extra moments it gives my crew to dig me out if I do get buried. | |
| joshgiano at Backcountry.com on 03/26/2009 | |
Got to have one | |
| Rating: | |
I was in my first slide this winter on a mellow, what seemed stable, slope in the Alta, Utah backcountry. I didn't have an Avalung. I luckily didn't get buried - but if I had, I would have been in trouble. Immediately after, I thought "why in the hell don't I have an Avalung?" Exactly. I can't say much more than that because I haven't had to use it, but I've heard amazing things from people like Sage/Jeremy - and my buddy Chris Cardello was buried in an avalanche in Alaska wearing a helmet camera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C2eWRvZgKU Amazing video. Get an Avalung. | |
| Julian Carr at Backcountry.com on 06/17/2009 | |
Easy to wear | |
| Rating: | |
I live in the East but CAT ski in British Columbia. I just returned from a my first trip with the Black Diamond Avalung. I found that it was easy to wear after you got used to it and added to your sense of security should there be a slide. Whether you will get your mouth around the mouthpiece in time is an issue but hopefully you will never have to. If you do, I believe you will have an advantage. You do forget you have it on since it is so light. | |
| Powderhound from the East at Backcountry.com on 03/02/2007 | |
Great idea that is proven to work | |
| Rating: | |
The avalung is one more tool in the quiver that begins with solid backcountry education. This product is great as a stand alone, but I like have also purchased the integrated pack b/c this gets to be a pain when you are taking gear on and off in the backcountry. One more thing to deal with, bit of course worth the hassle if this is what you have. However,this is perfect for heli skiing where you have to have a smaller pack or take turns carrying the pack. | |
| Jamie Preston at Backcountry.com on 12/09/2008 | |
Avalung II | |
| Rating: | |
I just bought the Avalung II. It arrived in a box with a precise manual on how to use it. Whats cool is its size (pretty slim) and that you can wear it with your backpack without any problem. I use it as an additional safety device next to the avalanche beeper and the AVS-Airbag system. Mouth peace could be bigger and more anatomically fitting, but one will only find out in an avalanche if the thing keeps in place. | |
| Anonymous at Backcountry.com on 03/02/2006 | |
A (trumpeting) AvaLung | |
| Rating: |  |
I was given an Avalung for Christmas and whilst I haven't been in the unfortunate position of having to use it for real, I have one slight concern as to what would happen if I ever did. No-one in their reviews has mentioned this (but I have seen it on other boards so I know it's not just my solitary avalung); it makes a sound as if you are blowing a trumpet. I can handle making some noise given it's life-saving capabilities so I'm not complaining about that, but I do query whether the reverberations in the exchange chamber affect your ability to breathe successfully with it. I have tried practising breathing with it and it reverberates both breathing in and out, and I feel as though I am struggling to get a full breath through it. You're advised to breathe slowly and calmly but the only way I get a breathful of air is to practically hyperventilate into it. I would be interested to hear whether anyone else has come across this issue and if there's a "fix" for it. I certainly won't stop taking it out with me, but I'd like to feel more reassured it's a working and useful piece of kit so I can enthuse as much as everyone else. | |
| babroad at Backcountry.com on 03/13/2009 | |
Being replaced :( | |
| Rating: | |
Sad to say that by beloved stand alone avalung stays at home now due to the amazing BD packs with the integrated avalung. I highly recommend the integrated version as I am more likely to have it on me when it counts. | |
| Michael Kisow at Backcountry.com on 05/10/2009 | |
