As an avid scuba diver, I'm often asked what happens if I run out of air when underwater. The standard answer is that divers are taught 'buddy breathing' during their certification process, which basically teaches sharing a tank of air until you get to the surface. But in real life, buddy breathing isn't always the best answer.

Spare Air, a product of Submersible Systems, solves this problem with their mini hoseless self-rescue system. It's been saving lives since 1979 and more than 200,000 of the miniature breathing systems are used worldwideby recreational divers, as well as for military and commercial uses.

Spare Air is available in the standard size of 3.0 cubic feet in both regular air and Nitrox, as well as a smaller 1.7 cubic-foot version for instructors. Submersible Systems recently introduced a Spare Air package, which includes the Spare Air unit in neon yellow, a covered holster to attach to a diver's BC, a safety leash to prevent loss, and a new and easy-to-use refill adapter. All these items purchased separately would have cost $350, but the package price is just $299.

The Spare Air website features the entire Spare Air product line, as well as Õ21 Ways that Divers Run Out of Air' and 'Why Sharing Air is Not the Solution.'