The Black Diamond AvaLung II saves lives—it’s been proven in both real-life rescue and supervised test burials. The AvaLung II is one of the most important developments in avalanche safety since the avalanche beacon. 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 skiing & snowboarding, mountaineering and snowmobiling. The AvaLung is a remarkable 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 mouthpiece. 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.
AvaLung II has repeatedly been shown to provide an air supply to buried test victims. Worn over your clothing, the lightweight sling does not impede breathability or add warmth, so it can be used in all weather conditions. User must be able to get the mouthpiece inserted before avalanche debris restricts movement; snowpack or injury can prevent its use. As with avalanche beacons, AvaLung II is not a substitute for wise assessment of hazardous avalanche terrain.
