Taking a trip or a long hike to the mountain during winter sounds like a good idea to wind down and relax. A snow-filled mountain does seem breathtaking, especially when you reach the peak. But, so many things can go wrong during this trip. For instance, even the best technologies can only foresee an avalanche seconds before it wreaks havoc. Given this, it’s best to be prepared. What kind of avalanche gear do you need? Where can you buy them? Why are they so important?

An essential piece of avalanche gear  is the avalanche beacon, a directional radio locator used to find another avalanche beacon. An avalanche beacon is worn on your body when you are traveling in avalanche terrain. This avalanche gear can either transmit (when traveling) or receive signals (when searching), depending on your need. This is also rather small –200 grams, with the price depending on its features. Among the different brands of this avalanche gear, MountainYahoos recommends Pieps, BCA, MammutBaryvox and Ortovox.

Probes and shovels are also an essential part of your avalanche gear. But this avalanche gear will help make a search more efficient and faster. When it comes to being buried under the snow, time is your greatest enemy – time and the temperature. These probes come in a variety of lengths, around 220 cm to 600 cm made from different materials. Aside from the brands mentioned above, you can purchase this avalanche gear from Black Diamond and Voile.

Most victims who survive the initial slide suffocate in the 15-45 minute period after being buried. There is considerable air in an avalanche, depending on how close you are to the surface. But if you’re unlucky, then it’s a sure road to suffocation right there. But, worry not – there is specially-made avalanche gear for this. We have the ABS Avalanche Airbag system, each of which has a volume of 85 liters when inflated. Once you notice an avalanche situation, quickly activate this avalanche gear. The way the airbags are attached to the packs allows you to move your arms and legs freely. The air bags  allow one to "float" to the top of an avalanche slide rather than be buried. BCA, RMX and Snowpulse have also developed similar avalanche gear. Another survival aid is the Black Diamond Avalung which allows fresh air to be delivered from the backpack and Carbon Dioxide to be expelled through an exhaust port. They claim it will extend your survival time once buried, from 15 minutes to an hour.

When it comes to extreme sports or activities such as this, it’s always best to be prepared. You can never foresee when danger strikes. If you’re protected with a complete set of avalanche gear, then you’ll certainly feel safer. However, it’s not just the avalanche gear that’s necessary. Comprehensive Avalanche courses on what you need to know about backcountry safety mountain trekking are necessary especially if you do this often. Your avalanche gears can only do so much – you have to know how and when to operate them. Knowing the essentials will ensure a much safer trip.

About the Author:
Darlene Mills is a travel writer who loves snowboarding at Lake Tahoe.