Buddy SMB

[scjoe]

IÃ×e been looking at the Buddy SMB with the attached inflation cylinder on-line (my LDS does not carry them). I have a few questions for those that use this model. What prevents an accidental bag inflation? How do you refill the mini-cylinder? Finally, how do you travel by air with the cylinder?

 

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What prevents an accidental bag inflation?

The over pressure valve. When stowed correctly (ie rolled up with the strap fastened) if the cylinder is accidentally turned on it simply dumps immediately through the OPV so doesnt inflate the bag at all.

How do you refill the mini-cylinder?

From your (full) main tank

Finally, how do you travel by air with the cylinder?

Personally i dont - i just remove the cylinder and use it as a normal SMB. Otherwise its the same as any other cylinder, empty with the valve off or whatever the airline rules are.


They're a great tool. Downsides are big, bulky and a bit heavy but ease of use with 1 handed deployments etc are big plus points.