Avalanche Airbag Backpack Buying Guide

Choosing an avalanche airbag

When exploring avalanche-prone terrain, using an avalanche airbag can be lifesaving. The best avalanche airbag backpack should combine a reliable deployment system, a secure fit, and enough usable space for your kit.

When choosing an avalanche airbag, you need to think about:

Deployment system
Pack volume
Compatibility with your snowsports kit
Travel restrictions

What is an avalanche airbag?

Avalanche airbags are safety systems that are built into specific backpacks. The system is comprised of a large airbag and an activation system designed to fill the airbag once deployed.

How do avalanche airbag backpacks work?

Avalanche airbag backpacks work by increasing your volume to keep you on top of an avalanche rather than getting buried underneath. This is explained by the principle of Inverse Segregation. Put simply, when in motion, larger objects will always move to the top. This is also true of an avalanche.

The airbag is stowed in a specific compartment in the pack. It's triggered by pulling a handle. This starts the system mechanism, causing the airbag to inflate. The trigger should be accessible and easy to use with gloves on, and the system should be checked before every tour.

Why use an avalanche airbag?

By helping to prevent burial, avalanche airbags can greatly increase your chances of surviving an avalanche. However, they will not prevent you from getting caught in an avalanche in the first place and are not a guarantee of survival.

They are a complement to training, situational awareness, and carrying a transceiver, shovel, and probe.

System types

Avalanche airbag system types

When buying an avalanche airbag, a major consideration will be what type of activation system the airbag uses. Two main types exist: canister systems using canisters of compressed air to fill the airbag, or electric systems using electronically powered fans to fill the airbag.

Canister systems

Electric airbag systems

Travelling

Travelling with an avalanche airbag

You can fly with an avalanche airbag, but there are regulations to be aware of, and some action is needed ahead of time.

Although avalanche airbags with electronic systems make travel easier, components of both the canister and the electronic systems are classified as dangerous goods by bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Avalanche airbags themselves, listed as 'Avalanche airbag rescue backpacks', are also on this list. However, some provisions allow avalanche airbags, along with the components that they contain, to be taken onboard a plane.

Electronic systems encourage easy air travel as they do not contain any compressed gas canisters or explosives. Li-ion batteries used in battery-powered systems are considered dangerous goods but are currently below the watt-hour threshold for carry-on luggage. Supercapacitors have no restrictions, but as part of an avalanche airbag system, it is still important that you inform your airline before travel.

More careful planning is required before flying with a canister-based system. Within Europe, flying with a full canister is possible, provided you notify the airline in advance and take some simple steps to ensure you have the required documents. If you are travelling to or from North America, you will not be allowed to take a pressurised canister on board. You will either need a canister that can be discharged so that you can fly with it empty or look to hire a canister on your arrival.

It's worth noting that although legislation allows you to fly with avalanche airbag packs, airlines have different rules, and regulations vary depending on where you are heading. It is therefore strongly advisable to check current travel and carriage regulations with the relevant airline before departure. It is also important to inform the airline at the time of booking to receive written confirmation of approval before flying.

Other considerations

The main decision you will make is likely to be which type of airbag system you want to use. But other features of the pack's design should not be overlooked. Hopefully, you will never have to pull the trigger and activate the airbag; however, you will spend lots of time wearing the backpack. So how it performs day in, day out and the extra features it has will play a big part in your enjoyment of the product.

considerations

Capacity

Aside from being a safety aid, your airbag is also your backpack for your day on the mountain; consider what type of skiing you will be doing and then align the capacity of your chosen pack with your intended use. An 18–25-litre avalanche airbag backpack can work well for lift-accessed days and short tours. 25–35 litres gives you plenty of space for layers, food, water and emergency equipment for long days or overnight hut trips. Check the usable capacity once the airbag system and cylinder or battery are installed, and make sure your shovel and probe remain quick to access.

Equipment carry options

Different packs will have different features, from ski carry options to helmet nets and avalanche safety gear pockets. Your requirements will be led by your intended use as well as personal preferences; make sure the pack you choose has the options that you want. Prioritise a dedicated, glove-friendly compartment for your shovel and probe, and check that skis, a snowboard, or a helmet will not obstruct airbag deployment.

Size & fit

As with any technical backpack, it needs to fit well and be comfortable to carry. On some models, the position of the airbags after inflation is important, so it is vital to get a pack which fits your torso correctly. A well-fitted backpack will also ensure the correct positioning of the trigger handle, so that it is easy to reach and pull. If size options are available, make sure you check out size guides to get the right fit. Try the pack with winter layers and realistic weight: the shoulder straps should sit securely, the hip belt should support the load, and the leg loop should fasten comfortably. Where possible, we recommend heading into one of our stores where our staff can help you select the right model.

Weight

For longer tours and lots of uphill work, choosing the lightest pack possible will be very attractive. However, lighter weights generally come at the cost of durability and features, so it is all about compromise. Compare complete system weights (including the canister or battery), not just the empty backpack. The best choice is light enough for the ascent but supportive and durable when fully loaded. If you are planning to spend more time going down than up, then you may prefer to carry some extra weight in return for a burlier pack that can take rougher terrain and handling.

Capacity

Aside from being a safety aid, your airbag is also your backpack for your day on the mountain; consider what type of skiing you will be doing and then align the capacity of your chosen pack with your intended use. An 18–25-litre avalanche airbag backpack can work well for lift-accessed days and short tours. 25–35 litres gives you plenty of space for layers, food, water and emergency equipment for long days or overnight hut trips. Check the usable capacity once the airbag system and cylinder or battery are installed, and make sure your shovel and probe remain quick to access.

Equipment carry options

Different packs will have different features, from ski carry options to helmet nets and avalanche safety gear pockets. Your requirements will be led by your intended use as well as personal preferences; make sure the pack you choose has the options that you want. Prioritise a dedicated, glove-friendly compartment for your shovel and probe, and check that skis, a snowboard, or a helmet will not obstruct airbag deployment.

Size & fit

As with any technical backpack, it needs to fit well and be comfortable to carry. On some models, the position of the airbags after inflation is important, so it is vital to get a pack which fits your torso correctly. A well-fitted backpack will also ensure the correct positioning of the trigger handle, so that it is easy to reach and pull. If size options are available, make sure you check out size guides to get the right fit. Try the pack with winter layers and realistic weight: the shoulder straps should sit securely, the hip belt should support the load, and the leg loop should fasten comfortably. Where possible, we recommend heading into one of our stores where our staff can help you select the right model.

Weight

For longer tours and lots of uphill work, choosing the lightest pack possible will be very attractive. However, lighter weights generally come at the cost of durability and features, so it is all about compromise. Compare complete system weights (including the canister or battery), not just the empty backpack. The best choice is light enough for the ascent but supportive and durable when fully loaded. If you are planning to spend more time going down than up, then you may prefer to carry some extra weight in return for a burlier pack that can take rougher terrain and handling.

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