Which avalanche airbag is best

Within few seconds the air bag will be inflated. The volume of the body would then increase by about 1,5 times.

The system works on physical law of inverse segregation of particles. When particles move all at one time, the largest swim to the surface. When the avalanche is triggered the person with inflated airbags becomes a large particle in the stream of snow, which will provide him with the necessary buoyancy to remain on the surface of the avalanche. There are currently more technologies on the market available represented by various companies: P.

For more informations about Avalanche airbags visit the equipment articles. Advenate 6. Alpride 3. Arcteryx 2. Arva 8.

BCA 4. The well-proven compressed air cylinder tech provides peace of mind for electronic-sceptics and can be inflated at home with a Track Pump.

It also means you can deploy it as many times as you want, which helps build muscle memory and instinctive reactions in an emergency situation. Weighs g. This g R. The award-winning Mammut Ultralight tackles both issues head on. Designed for multi-day ski tours, the g Ascent 40 offers a really impressive storage-to-weight ratio for an airbag. Other notable features include the innovative handle that can be swapped for left and right-handed skiers and multiple attachment points for ropes, sleeping bags and mats.

New for winter , the g Patrol E1 22L is ideal for rapid sidecountry powder missions or day heli-ski adventures. With no cartridges to worry about travel is hassle-free and you can practice activating the pack over and over again. Also available in 30L and 40L versions. On the other hand, a one-size-fits-all pack like the Mammut Light Protection 3. Many avalanche airbags are sold as all-in-one systems, meaning that the airbag you purchase can only be used with the included backpack.

However, a few models—namely the Alpride E1 and 2. These airbags can be purchased as standalone items or as part of an all-in-one system and then swapped between compatible backpacks. Keep in mind that a removable airbag must be paired with a pack specifically designed for use with that airbag—any other combination is unsafe and could result in equipment failure.

For example, perhaps you purchased the Ortovox Ascent 22—with the Avabag installed—but want a liter pack for longer days. Interchangeable airbags also allow you the versatility of using your pack without the airbag on particularly low-risk days models like the Black Diamond JetForce Pro are not meant to be removed from their pack. In the end, for those who float between disciplines, interchangeable airbags offer the most versatility and bang for your buck.

Not all skiers will travel via air to their ski destinations, but those who do will need to make special considerations for their airbag backpack.

If you plan on flying a lot to ski, these are by far the most convenient option. The issue is a bit more complicated for canister airbags: compressed air is a no-no according to the TSA, so if your travels begin in the U.

Interestingly, the International Air Transport Association has made special accommodations for canister airbags, but this is only applicable to non-U. Compressed gas is a bit more complicated: the TSA permits compressed gas for items like cordless curling irons, inflatable life jackets, and air guns, but does not state any exceptions for airbags. Despite their steep price tags, avalanche airbags are not a lifetime purchase.

Most airbags have a stated life of 40 to 50 deployments, or about 5 years of regular use. Across the board, manufacturers recommend that airbags be retired 10 years after the date of purchase. There are a few steps you can take to prolong the life of your airbag: manufacturers recommend deploying it at least once per year, and always allow it to dry out completely before repacking see below for more storage tips.

And we do recommend performing routine checks on your system, including assessing the airbag, wiring and fan if applicable , deployment handle, and backpack suspension. In general, airbags should be kept in cool environments around room temperature , out of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources or moisture. Battery-operated packs should be disarmed and put into storage mode check your user manual for instructions and stored with roughly percent battery life.

If your airbag uses a canister, be sure to remove it before long-term storage. Regardless of your level of experience, we recommend that everyone traveling into the backcountry in the winter take an avalanche safety course, for their own safety and the safety of their partners. The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education otherwise known as AIARE is the industry standard for avalanche education, offering a series of classes for both recreational and professional learners.

An avalanche airbag is a great tool for intermediate and advanced skiers who often find themselves in avalanche terrain. However, it by no means is a replacement for your avalanche rescue toolkit, which includes a beacon , shovel, and probe along with the knowledge of how to use them. From proven canister designs to advanced battery-powered systems, we break down the best avalanche airbags of the season.

Photo Credit. Best Overall Avalanche Airbag Pack 1. Backcountry Access Float 22 2. Mammut Pro X Removable Airbag 3. Read in-depth review See the Scott Patrol E1 30 8. Mammut Light Protection Airbag 3. See the Arc'teryx Voltair 30 See the Arva Reactor Flex 32 Pro Inflation Systems: Canister or Electric In general, there are two main types of avalanche airbags: those that inflate via a canister filled with compressed air or gas, and those powered by an electric fan. The BCA Float 2. Pros: The most affordable airbag option.

Require little maintenance and have few breakable parts. Can be lighter than electric fan systems. Cons: Not ideal for practice deployment. Inconvenient to refill and gas cylinders are expensive.

Canister airbags are the most affordable system Electric Airbags Electric airbags use a high-speed fan to pull air into the airbag and are powered either by a battery or a supercapacitor which itself is powered by a battery. Pros: Recharge by plugging into the wall—no need to refill air cylinders or buy more gas cartridges, making practice deployment a reality.

Permitted on airplanes. Offer continuous deployment and controlled deflation and can be deployed multiple times in one charge battery-powered fans only. Cons: More expensive than canister airbags. Electric systems require professional maintenance in the event they malfunction. Some battery-powered bags are heavier than canister systems. The BD JetForce Pro is fairly lightweight for a battery-powered design Regardless of your style of skiing heli or cat-accessed, ski mountaineering, etc.

Airbag Backpack Capacity Most airbag backpacks range in capacity from about 20 to 35 liters. The Arc'teryx Voltair comes in both and liter capacities The ability to customize capacity is one of the biggest selling points of interchangeable airbags for more on this, see below , which can be swapped between packs of varying capacities.

Airbag packs come with all the features standard in ski backpacks Backpack Sizing and Fit An ill-fitting backpack will be a bear to carry, and this is especially true for airbag packs given their inherently heavy design.

The Alpride E1 is compatible with packs from various brands Air Travel and Avalanche Airbags Not all skiers will travel via air to their ski destinations, but those who do will need to make special considerations for their airbag backpack. We recommend taking a course before traveling in avalanche terrain Completing your Backcountry Ski Kit An avalanche airbag is a great tool for intermediate and advanced skiers who often find themselves in avalanche terrain. Powered by Drupal.

Learn More About Ski Gear. With a rise in backcountry adventuring of late, avalanche airbag packs have become increasingly popular for the added safety they can provide in the event of a slide.

Backcountry skiing can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time outdoors—no crowds, untouched snow, and a skin-track workout to compliment your knee-deep powder turns Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort and fun.

The good news is Thanks to a considerable rise in backcountry adventuring of late, splitboarding is having a moment. With the ability to separate your board on the way up and secure the halves together for a true snowboarding experience on the way down Whether you're new to backcountry skiing or have been earning your turns for decades, selecting a touring binding can be a particularly intimidating task.