Going for a ride in an avalanche; would you rather have a helmet or an avalung?

[lepistoir]

I was expecting the both answer, so I'll try and convey the reasoning behind the question.
I own a helmet, but not an avalung.

So is it worth getting an avalung, if I don't usually bring my helmet? Only if the avalung makes you significantly safer.

You know what makes you safer than either a helmet or an avalung? An avalung AND a helmet. Of course you're going to get the "both" answer. There's no reason you have to leave one behind because you are taking the other.

How about you just take both to the top of the ski run and then decide which one you leave at the top while you drop in.

I think you're asking a question akin to "should I go biking with a helmet or gloves?" and the answer is "do whatever you want, but you're safest with both." Avalung or helmet? It's a false choice.

What you might want to ask is whether you should bother with an avalung and just save up for an airbag. I can get you the BCA one for a great price...

[lepistoir]

not trying to start anything negative here (believe it or not

the only downside to helmets, avalung, airbags is these things simply may put you in a situation where you may not end up in the 1st place without the extra confidence/comfort of them.

Just gonna word up to that. Good reminder that beacons, probes, shovels, avalungs, airbags, etc. are all for use after you have fucked up. I know plenty of people who tour w/o beacon, avalung or partners b/c they are focused on avoidance. Use your brain so you don't have to use the safety gear.

[Hugh Conway]

Helmet = useful for much more than just the avalanche
Avalung = useless for anything other than looking core and calling elk outside of avalanche.

Advantage helmet

people that exercise poor judgement will find ways to do so even if they're butt naked in a field of poppies.

mmm rolling around in opium

[lepistoir]

Interesting question. I'd like to see statistics on avy fatalities for Trauma vs. Asphyxiation.

Wildsnow has pointed out that 1 in 4 fatalities are from trauma. http://www.wildsnow.com/1698/backcountry-skiing-news-4/
Also, the granddaddy himself pointed out that "it's hard to breath with a broken neck."

I know I should wear one, and used to, but they're sort of a hassle in the pack, which is why I'm surprised no foldable D30 product has been developed- yeah they have beanies, but packable helmet would be a nice option, even if it was less protection than a full hard shell.

Here's your answer:

I'd buy one, but they don't have a Beardo-equipped model.

Seriously tho, there is a foldable mountaineering helmet available:
EDELRID MADILLO