I'd have to say that sounds a little like trying to compare apples and oranges. They both serve a different purpose. I'd also say that I'm not qualified to answer that question. Some factors to consider perhaps: terrain you ski on, snow pack, skill level, expense, durability, test results and any data on the respective items, comfort, and many more.

Perhaps poke around on the web and see what you can see. Or speak with a certifed ski guide (ideally, one who has seen both tools in action). I'll share this on our FB page and maybe we'll get some folks to chime in.

I've used an avalung but havent used an airbag pack so this is just speculation.

Avalung:

+good for tree wells

+it works if deployed properly

+relatively inexpensive

-can be hard to deploy (put in mouth in the event of a slide)

-doesn't protect against trauma

Airbag:

+protects against trauma to some extent

+in most cases, pops you out on the surface

+quick deployment.

-expensive

-heavy

The answer to your question seems very clear to me.  Any piece fo equipment that gives you more than 90% chances of not beeing burried in the case of an avalanch is the equipment I will choose without a doubt!

The avalung will not help in any way to prevent burrial.  Once you are burried in an avalanch, your chances of survival drop drastically.  

To me the ABS pack wins over the avalung.  It's not even close.

Hi there,

Great discussion!

I would have to agree with the previous comment. The ABS bag is the only device, of the 2 highlighted, that is design to keep you on the surface of a moving avalanche. In fact it is the only one that is officially recognized as a preventative safety device. The avalung will not keep you from getting buried, the ABS will. They are way more benefits from using a device that prevents potential burial than not. I would definitely recommend the ABS over the avalung to anyone interested in investing in this new technology.

The ABS bag industry is booming at the moment. There are so many options available to the public. With such a trend, packs are getting lighter, designs more refined and the price more affordable. There is no question that the ABS packs are heavier that the avalung however, the ABS system is incorporated inside the backpack system. Below is a link to an interesting study comparing most current ABS packs currently available on the market, it is very informative:

http://www.wildsnow.com/5014/a.....-overview/

Few more thoughts; with all this new technology available it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to make rational decisions in avalanche terrain. It seems that people are willing to take more risk because they are less likely to get buried. This is increased risk tolerance is sometimes very subtle, it is a very dangerous line to thread. This could be a whole different topic of discussion.

No matter what safety device we use, I think it is important to make educated decisions that will maximize our chances of survival. The ABS bag will obviously do that however, it is does not mean you have to push the envelope even farther.

Have fun in the inter-season!

David Lussier

ACMG/IFMGA Mountain guide

http://www.summitmountainguides.com