Black Diamond Avalung Outlaw

[peter]

While searching for something else on the net I came across the "Black Diamond Avalung Outlaw", a sack which incorporates their patent Avalung II avalanche breathing aid.  Have you come across these and, if so, do you reckon they're any good? 

[El Perro Negro]

I have heard of these and have seen them in use on videos etc. Whilst no doubt they assist in case of avalanche, they are expensive. Having said that if I thought they were necessary in the Sierra Nevada, then I wouldn't hesitate to buy some. However, I would prefer to rely on local knowledge of avalanche zones and past snowfall patterns to evaluate the avalanche risks.

An analogy. I guess it's like equating a compass with a GPS. You would never go into the mountains without a compass. You may take a GPS, but if the batteries run out then you must rely on your own navigation and compass skills to get you back safely.

[La Gringa]

Great idea. I do hope people dont take extra risks because they have one !