Proven to increase your chances of surviving an avalanche, it's no wonder that airbag packs have proved so popular in the backcountry community. Once triggered the packs inflates a balloon that helps keep you above the snow, protects your head and is easily seen by other skiers and mountain rescue.

• Protection Airbag System 3.0 (removable)
• Front pocket designed for avalanche safety equipment
• Side compression straps
• Hydration system compatible
• Snowboard carrier
• 3-step back length adjustment
• Safety leg loop
• Thermoformed back panel for excellent carrying comfort
• 2.73kg (Inc. airbag system)

Mammut use their own in-house Protection Airbag System 3.0 (removable) to help keep you above the snow in the case of an avalanche. Once triggered the gas canister inflates a 150 litre bag (with air) forcing it through a breakaway zippered pocket at the top of the pack. As well as keeping you above the snow the airbag has been designed to wrap your head and upper body protecting them from trauma.

Like all good backcountry packs the Ride has sturdy shoulder and hip straps and a decent board/ski carry system. Where it stands alone is unique aluminium frame which evenly distributes weight, and the thermo-formed back panel. Internally the pack has slots for a shovel,probe and space for the essentials.

The extra volume and features these packs have are aimed at those who will be touring over advanced terrain, with some mountaineering, across multiple days.

• Compression moulded back panel is snow shedding
• Sternum strap with safety whistle
• Quick access avalanche safety kit pocket with shovel handle and probe sleeves
• Internal wet/dry compartment
• Stowable ice axe loop
• Integrated ski/climbing helmet storage
• Hydration compatible – can be used with Hydraulics and Hydraulics LT reservoirs
• Diagonal and side ski carry
• Vertical and horizontal snowboard carry
• Sternum strap with safety whistle
• Abrasion resistant PU texture on front panel
• Glove friendly buckles
• 32 L capacity
• 1.54kg

In the Kamber 32, Osprey have created a professionally spec’d pack that is ready for any adventure.

Apart from storing your avalanche kit, hydration reservoir and GPS, the pack is climbing ready with an external ice axe loop and tough front panel. It’s locked onto you back via form fitting shoulder and hip straps. Combine them with a moulded back panel and sternum straps and it’s no wonder the pack hugs your body.

• Avalanche tool safety compartment
• Foam 3D back system is light, stable and provides ideal weight distribution
• Ergonomic shoulder straps
• Water resistant zips
• Helmet net for an easy and secure fastening of helmet to front of pack
• Large main compartment with circular zip for fast access from the front
• Hydration bladder compatible
• Ice axe and hiking pole loops
• Snowboard and snowshoe attachment
• A-Frame and diagonal ski attachment
• 32 L Capacity
• 0.92kg (0.85kg stripped weight)

Aimed at multi-day backcountry excursions the Ascent lives up to its name delivering a high-quality avalanche safety and gear carrying solution.

The user friendly pack makes use of 3D foam back system to distribute weight evenly across the hips and shoulders. Adjustable shoulder, sternum and hip straps allow for further customisation and fit.

Aimed at use on longer tours, the pack has a helmet carry net, large main compartment and a water resistant zip. With a specific avalanche safety compartment you can quickly find your equipment in an emergency. As well as being ski friendly the pack caters for mountaineering aspects of touring, securely fastening crampons, ice axes and hiking poles.

A blend of volume and features - if you want to carry a few more bits on a single day tour.

• Women's specific fit
• Main compartment with elasticated load control system
• Internal wet/dry compartment
• Quick access avalanche safety kit pocket with shovel handle and probe sleeves
• Vertical and horizontal snowboard carry
• Glove friendly buckles
• Sternum strap with safety whistle
• Stowable ice axe loop
• Diagonal ski carry
• 20 L capacity
• 0.97kg

Tested and refined in Colorado with the help of ski patrol, guides and seasoned locals, the Kresta has been created specifically for women.

The pack is made from a tough anti-abrasion material which helps shed snow. Yet it is able to mould around your body for a snug and pleasant fit, with air channels preventing excess perspiration. Within the bag there is a wet/dry compartment to look after valuables and electronics.

One of the best things about the pack is the glove friendly buckles and zips, saving your hands in the freezing temperatures.

• Recycled Nylon 900D Fabric
• Thermo-Molded Foam Back Panel
• A-Frame Split-ski Carry Mode
• Dual Hip Belt Pockets
• Avy Tools Pocket
• Internal Aluminium Suspension Frame
• Ergonomic Comfort Shoulder Straps
• Hydro-Pocket with Insulated Sleeve
• 24L capacity

The Further 24L is the perfect mid-size backcountry pack offering enough volume to hold everything you need for a basic splitboard or skiing tour.

A separate avy tools pocket keeps your safety gear close at hand and the stow-able helmet holder plus fleece lined goggle pocket keeps your descent gear safe.

When it comes time to bootpack, vertical board carry straps plus side ski-carry straps allow multiple options for carrying the load.

• Adjustable webbing hip belt with hip fins
• Padded shoulder straps and lumber area
• A frame ski carry
• Hydration compatible
• Vertical snowboard carry
• Fleece lined goggle pocket
• Sternum strap with safety whistle
• 20L capcity
• 0.8kg

Tried and tested, Dakine’s original backcountry pack has a great range of features that won’t let you down in tough conditions. The reliability and comfortable fit are why this bag has been such a favourite with skiers and snowboarders alike and continues to be used by pros such as Chris Benchetler.

With 20L there is enough space in the main compartment to store extra layers, food and a first aid kit. Behind that compartment you can slot in a water bladder to keep you hydrated on long hikes.

In terms of avalanche safety gear there are attachments to lock your shovel shaft on to the side of the pack for quick access and plenty of space internally for a probe. The pack is also compatible with Black Diamond's Avalung.

Small enough to easily ride with yet big enough to carry the basics, these packs provide you with a lightweight backcountry solution.

• Women’s specific fit
• Adjustable webbing hip belt with hip fins
• Fleece lined goggle pocket
• Diagonal ski carry
• Hydration compatible
• 12L Capacity
• 0.9kg

With an improved women’s fit this pack is very comfortable - it utilises padded shoulder/waist straps to distribute the weight evenly.

Even though the pack is small, it has a water reservoir compartment and an insulated sleeve to stop the water from freezing. Another great feature is the fleece lined goggle pouch which prevents scratches on backcountry hikes.

• Vertical snowboard carry
• Diagonal ski carry
• Sternum strap with safety whistle
• Adjustable webbing hip belt with hip fins
• External shovel carry
• 12L capacity
• 0.9 kg

Built to carry the all the essentials you need for a day in the backcountry the Heli Pack 12L has a low-profile body hugging shape that reduces swing weight for a more natural feel when skiing.