A (trumpeting) AvaLung

By babroad Ranked #424 - Avalanche Safety March 13, 2009

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.

View Details: Black Diamond AvaLung II

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