A snorkel-like breathing tube on the Agent AvaLung Pack helps a skier buried in an avalanche breathe when submerged in packed snow. That’s the promise from Black Diamond, which makes a line of AvaLung-equipped packs for skiers and boarders.
The Agent is a lightweight model with 20 liters of carrying capacity. It has a diagonal ski-carry cable for fast and secure attachment of skis on the pack. There’s a tuck-away helmet carrying sling and a dedicated avalanche-tool organizer pocket. $199.95, www.blackdiamondequipment.com
—Stephen Regenold
This product is a part of a series from a “Winter Gear Roundup” article highlighted on Gear Junkie and an accompanying column on Outside magazine this week. See all the featured products below.
2009/2010 ‘WINTER GEAR ROUNDUP’ PRODUCTS:
- Avalanche Airbag Backpack
- Helly Hansen Uber Down Coat
- Kahtoola TS snowshoes
- Columbia Heated Boots
- POC Receptor BUG Helmet
- Mountain Hardwear Heated Jackets
- ColdAvenger Balaclava
- Black Diamond Agent AvaLung Pack
- Osprey Kode 30 Backpack
- Julbo Revolution Goggle
- Kelty Gunnison Pro Tent
- Sierra Designs Drizone Down Bootie
- La Sportiva Baruntse Boots