AVALANCHE AIRBAG INNOVATION

Once you begin taking on more extreme and remote terrain, it’s definitely worth investing in an airbag system; there are several systems available and they all work on similar principles. The pack houses an airbag that can be inflated in the event of an avalanche by pulling an activation handle. During an avalanche, objects with a higher volume will rise towards the surface; the inflation of the airbag increases your volume, helping to keep you as high as possible within the snow structure, increasing your chance of survival.

What are you Looking for from your Airbag System?

VERSATILITY?

The trusted ABS base unit is a great choice if you want to be able to vary the amount that you can carry with you. There are compatible zip-on packs available from a number of top brands including ABS, Dakine, Osprey, Evoc and Salomon amongst others, which give you the option to vary the volume of your load between 8L and 45L. We’re also excited to welcome a women’s specific ABS pack from renowned backcountry brand Ortovox, who have tailored their popular design to provide female riders with the best possible fit and performance.

ABS Manual for Use English

SCOTT Alpride New Line of Avalanche Backpacks

Freeskier Survived Avalanche Accident with ABS Airbag

AFFORDABLE CONVENIENCE?

The Alpride Airbag system incorporates similar technology to that used in lifejackets and is IATA approved for air travel*. When triggered, two tiny internal cartridges combine highly compressed CO2 and argon gas, inflating a 30 litre airbag in under five seconds. The cartridges are affordable and their reduced size dramatically reduces the weight of the overall pack. The system is also fully removable, allowing you to use the backpack independently throughout the rest of the year. *Rules apply

NEW INNOVATION?

Black Diamond have taken a brand-new approach to the avalanche airbag system concept with the Halo 28 Jetforce (currently awaiting approval in the UK). It is the first pack to use a battery powered jet-fan in place of air canisters, meaning no replacement costs and travel-friendly performance. The pack’s fully rechargeable lithium-ion battery will support 4 or more deployments per charge, during which the jet fan will inflate a 200 litre airbag in just 4 seconds, deflating after 3 minutes to create a potential air pocket. The system is tough, durable and performs an automatic, full check every time the pack is used, giving you peace of mind from the outset.

Avalanche airbag packs are fast becoming popular as more and more skiers and snowboarders are taking to the backcountry to explore untouched terrain. In the event of a slide, you simply pull the handle attached to the shoulder strap and a pressurized cartridge or electric fan inflates the airbag, helping to keep you near the surface of the avalanche and more visible to rescuers.

How To Choose Your Avalanche Safety Equipment

Buying Guides

Your transceiver leads to the probe, your probe leads to the shovel, your shovel leads to your friend. These three items are the most vital part of any backcountry skiers’ equipment; you should never step into the backcountry without them. With so many options on the market, finding the right avalanche safety set up can be difficult. To help clear the confusion and aid you in the decision, we have assembled a guide to walk you through everything you will need to know when purchasing avalanche safety equipment that could save your life.

Backcountry Essentials