How to Choose an Avalanche Airbag

Consider what type of skiing you will be doing and then align the capacity of your chosen pack with your intended use. For example, heli-accessed sessions or freeriding near lift accessed terrain requires you to carry less kit than if you were heading out on a full day tour into the backcountry.

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.

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. Where possible, we recommend heading into one of our stores where our staff can help you select the right model.

For longer tours and lots of up-hill 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. 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 a bit of abuse.