Backcountry Avalanche Safety Helmet
Have a look at this design for an avalance safety helmet. It has a face shield to allow for a breathing pocket, oxygen tubes and a neck brace.
It needs a lot more work to be an ideal BC tool, but they are thinking the right way in safety. Would be heavy, bulky, expensive and I doubt it would supply as much breathing time as claimed at the moment.
What do you think?
I think it’s a great idea. Anything that increases your chance of survival is a good idea. I would definitely like to know more about this one. Do you have a link?
I’m interested about the oxygen tubes and how they would work exactly. My initial thought was something like this would work very in conjunction with something like the Avalung, but they might already be thinking along those lines.
A purpose-built helmet like this combined with an airbag would greatly increase your chance of survival I would think.
I couldnt find any links other than the vimeo link. I think it is just concept atm. I noticed a comment on the page making note of problems it might have with goggles.
I think this would be a bit of a problem.
edit: here is a link http://www.christinafhsu.com/142781/1163535/work/aeros
Good point. It says the helmet has integrated goggles though.
It’s really cool to see the concept development documented in that link you provided.
Hmmm, I think they are on a good path to something great.
I think they should market it carefully and maybe shouldn’t tell people to “now enjoy the BC the way you want to”.
I only say that because people will slap it on and think they are avi proof.
In reality, the helmet assists in reducing one of many dangers (which is great). But it only allows you to breath for longer. If your friends aren’t avi trained, your still dead.
And then you have - getting bent and crushed by the weight of the avi, being dragged over rocks, through trees, off a cliff etc.
Instead, maybe they could market it as part of your avi kit.
- Get Avi trained
- Get a Beacon, Probe, Shovel and Avi Helmet
- Go BC!