The Black Diamond Outlaw AvaLung is a ski daypack that allows you to strap skis or snowboard on your back while hiking up the mountain to a particularly tempting off-piste drop-off. There’s a compartment to store a shovel and probe, and a snorkel-like Avalung mouthpiece that you’re supposed to shove in your mouth if you’re caught up in an avalanche. It’s connected to an air bladder inside the pack, and manufacturers say it could give you enough breathing time while buried underneath the snow for other skiers to find you with their probes and dig you out. Fair play to anyone who has the wits to remember to use the mouthpiece while they’re being swept down the hill. $229.95 (about €180) from www.bdel.com.
Irish customers can
order through www.firstascent.co.uk.
The waterproof fleece-lined baseball hat from Cork-based Puddleducks would have been handy through the February snowstorms. Ear warmers tuck up into the hat, and a fluorescent orange underlayer can be pulled over the top of the hat and used as a high-visibility beacon in an emergency, or as extra protection from traffic on a gloomy day. €35 from www.puddleducks.ie.
Sigg’s flasks keep
liquids cold or hot
for about 12 hours, and
the models in the new stainless-steel line look pretty good while they’re doing the job. The red Special Touch holds 750ml. €27 at www.sigg.com. Check your local outdoor store. Giltsharp.com will deliver to the Republic.
aharvey@irishtimes.com