The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·11084·Announced 2011-01-05

Black Diamond Avalung Backpacks Recalled Due to Suffocation Hazard

Black Diamond Equipment is recalling about 3,500 Avalung backpacks because the air intake tubing can crack in cold temperatures, posing a suffocation hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (suffocation hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah, is recalling about 3,500 units of the 2010 Avalung backpacks. The recall involves specific models including the Anarchist, Bandit, Seth Plaid, Outlaw, Agent, Covert, Revelation, and Bandit Avalung Package in various colors and sizes. These backpacks feature an air intake system designed to extract air from the snow, allowing avalanche victims to breathe while buried.

The air intake tubing on these backpacks can crack under cold temperatures. If the tubing cracks, the unit may not function as intended, which poses a suffocation hazard. The company has received one report of the air intake tubing cracking, but no injuries have been reported.

The recalled backpacks were sold at specialty outdoor and ski shops nationwide from January 2010 through December 2010 for between $180 and $280. Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled backpacks and contact Black Diamond Equipment to receive a free replacement product or a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
Avalung backpacks
Manufacturer
Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah
Category
Consumer Product — Outdoor Gear
Hazard
Affected units
3,500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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Same hazard · suffocation

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