The different systems on the market

Since the arrival of the first airbag by the precursor ABS, various airbag systems have been developed with the aim of preventing burial. Each of them is supported by partner ski equipment brands.

There are several trigger technologies for airbag backpacks. They are all effective, only the mode of use and price differ.

Here are the different specificities of each technology :

  1.      The ABS system :

Brands that use this technology : Burton, Dynastar, Evoc, rossignol, 

System :

Trigger system that "explodes" and inflates two 85-litre balloons on the sides. You can activate it by pulling the release handle. The gas will then inflate the balloons to keep you on the surface. This system offers additional safety for the skier: if one of the balloons is punctured during the accident, there is always one left.

The Plus :

  • Quick release of the airbags
  • If one airbag is damaged, the second one will remain inflated.
  • The ABS bags remain very functional and allow you to adjust pockets from 15 to 50 litres to personalise the storage of your personal belongings. Practical for adapting the bedding of your bag according to when you go out!
  • The cartridges used by ABS bags are made of steel or carbon and are mainly of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) type. They can therefore be transported in the hold of an aircraft.

The Minus :

  • The only reproach that can be made against ABS bags is that they do not sufficiently protect the skier's head.

 

  1.       Le système Alpride

Brands that use this technology ScottMillet

System :

Alpride is the new system developed in Switzerland that is particularly light and non-explosive (cartridge punching system). It is in fact a cable release system that activates the punching of the cartridges and allows the filling of a unique round airbag. The inflated round airbag (150 l) protects the user's back and head for added safety. Possibility to train without a cartridge to feel the strength of the handle.

However, these cartridges are not refillable, so you will have to throw them away after each use and buy new ones.

The Plus :

  • This system offers the possibility of training without a cartridge to become aware of the force that can activate the handle and the airbag activation.
  • This type of equipment is very light
  • Optimal protection for head and back
  • Possibility of transporting 2 sets of cartridges in an aircraft thanks to the very low internal pressure, similar to that of life jackets found in aircraft.

The Minus :

  • The system allows only one trigger per cartridge, but the cartridge can be easily replaced.
  • However, these cartridges are not refillable, so you will have to throw them away after each use and buy new ones.

 

Discover the model NEO 40 ARS de MILLET

Discover the model PATROL E1 30Litres de SCOTT

  1.       Les systèmes RAS et PAS 

Brands that use this technology : MammutDakine, Thule, Norröna, Jones, Evoc.

System :

The mechanism is simple: simply pull the release handle on the shoulder strap of the bag and a cartridge will automatically empty and inflate your airbag. It is a cable release. Airbags come in a variety of shapes and mountings.

Technology RAS (Removable Airbag System) :

The Plus :

  • Removable system to allow the sportsman to remove the airbag from his bag and thus transform his airbag into a normal hiking bag.
  • A very enveloping airbag with a unique high-tech seam
  • Carbon cartridges to keep the weight of your airbag backpack to a minimum.
  • Authorised for air transport

The Minus  :

  • For the moment nothing to declare!

Technology PAS (Protection Airbag System) : 

The Plus :  

  • Optimum protection for head, neck and body: U-shaped airbag
  • Airbag integrated in the shoulder straps and therefore very space-saving
  • Permitted in air transport
  • Use of carbon cartridges, to ensure the skier has a lightweight bag.

The Minus :

  • This mechanism is partially housed in the straps. This increases the rigidity of the straps and can therefore be considered less comfortable than other airbag

 

Discover the model PRO X REMOVABLE Airbag 3.0 de Mammut

           

Discover the model FLIP REMOVABLE Airbag 3.0  de Mammut

  1.       Le système JettForce

The latest addition to the mountain safety market, the electric avalanche airbag inflates the balloon(s) in a few seconds thanks to a turbine powered by an electric battery. These revolutionary bags were created thanks to the collaboration between Pieps and Black Diamond

Brands that use this technology : Black Diamond, Pieps et Poc.

System :

The new kid on the block has an innovative system. The airbag is inflated by means of on-board batteries that activate a fan that extracts air from the atmosphere when the handle is operated. In just a few seconds, the airbag inflates its 200 litres of fabric. On the plus side, because the system is electronic, it can be deployed several times in a row.

The Plus :

  • One of the big advantages of this system is that it can be used several times in a row, which can be very useful for training or to reactivate it in the event of a second avalanche.
  • No cartridge, you will simply need to recharge the compact lithium-polymer battery. To know the state of your battery, indicator lights give you indications throughout your activity.
  • This system is very resistant: it is puncture-proof to further enhance your safety.
  • Use of lithium-ion battery, authorised for air transport as long as the device that integrates it is switched off.

The Minus :

  • Slightly heavier system

  

Discover the model JetForce Pro 25 Litres de Black Diamond

  1.       Le système Avabag

Brands that use this technology :Ortovox

System :

New airbag system created by Ortovox. The Avabag system offers you a unique round shaped balloon, which is manually triggered with a release handle. It activates an internal cable mechanism that will empty the gas cartridge to fill your airbag.

The Plus :

  • The airbag has a unique balloon stitching technology, for increased safety and long autonomy in the mountains.
  • A miniaturised and compact system, which takes up little space in your avalanche bag for greater lightness.
  • The cartridges used are made of carbon, are IATA type, so they are authorised for your various air trips!

Les Moins :

  • For the moment nothing to declare!

 

Discover the model ASCENT 30 Avabag de Ortovox

 

Other criteria for choosing your Airbag bag

Certainly, one of the main selection criteria remains the mechanism by which you will be able to activate your airbag backpack. But don't underestimate the rest! Also pay attention to :

  • Weight

It will take about 1 to 2 kg more on the back compared to a normal bag, which is considerable compared to skis and boots .

The good news is that manufacturers are aiming to reduce the weight of their systems, let them continue! The best ones manage to go below 2 kilos, which is quite incredible.

Of course, in your search for the best avalanche airbag you will have to take weight into account.

  • The volume (bag and airbag)

Another very interesting point is volume.

By volume, we mean above all the volume of your abs bag. We recommend 28 or 30 litre bags if you are a great adventurer who likes to go out with a lot of material. If you are rather minimalist, the best understood will perhaps be closer to 22 litres.

The volume of the best avalanche ski bag is mainly that of the airbag. Airbags are between 120 and 150 litres, which we think is the right size to protect you without adding unnecessary weight. The indicated volume of the bag may include the system, so your bag may be smaller than expected. It is therefore advisable to start with a larger volume.

  • Carrying comfort

Comfort is obviously very, very important for a long day of off-piste skiing, where you will want to have a light but uncomfortable bag. This translates into good back support (often with about 1cm of foam), as well as well placed and well adjustable belts to fit your morphology perfectly. For comfort, rely on personalised adjustments!

  • The features

It is also a very important accessory in your ski equipment, just like ski boots, ski helmet, goggles,... In other words, it must of course protect you, but that's not all. To help you find the best,

It is also important to take into account in your choice of airbag bag the fact that it offers you many features.

This includes the number of pockets, the possibility of attaching your skis to them, the ease of access to the different corners of the bag,... In short, everything that makes the best avalanche bag with an airbag also has a good functional storage space.

 

Top 5 ! 

     

#1 ORTOVOX – ASCENT 30 Avabable - 30Litres

#2 MAMMUT – PROX REMOVABLE Airbag 3.0 – 33 Litres

#3 ARVA – REACTOR 32

#4 MILLET -  NEO 40 ARS

#5 SCOTT – PATROL E1 – 30 litres

 

#1 ORTOVOX – ASCENT 30 Avabable - 30Litres

  

Info :

  • Volume: 30L
  • Weight: 1860g (2070g with cartridge)
  • Type of system: gas cartridge
  • Airbag in round half moon shape
  • Triggering: mechanical
  • Airbag system: Avabag
  • Airbag type: RAS (Removable Airbag System) - removable

Advantages :

  • Light
  • Compact
  • Possibility to practice triggering without using a cartridge
  • Handle adaptable to all
  • Removable and compatible with all Ortovox bags.
  • No electronics

 

There is a version specially designed for women Acsent 25 S Avabag , but can be adapted to men with shorter backs.

Also discover the 40 Litres version ! 

#2 MAMMUT – PROX REMOVABLE Airbag 3.0 – 33 Litres

 

 

This new version 3.0 is distinguished by its low weight and reduced volume, which improves comfort. 

Info :

  • Volume: 35L
  • Bag volume with the system: 33L
  • Weight of the bag alone: 1680 g
  • Weight of the bag with system and cartridge: 2690 g
  • Type of system: gas cartridges
  • U-shaped airbag with good side coverage on both sides
  • Triggering: mechanical (needle piercing the gas cartridge, then additional inflation by fan)
  • Airbag system: Protection Airbag System 3.0
  • Airbag type: P.A.S (Protection Airbag System)


Advantages :

  • Made of recycled material
  • Large capacity (33 litres)
  • Comfortable on the back

 

#3 ARVA – REACTOR 32

 

The Arva Reactor 32's two airbags make it one of the best airbags in terms of safety, protection and efficient ascent in the avalanche, all in a functional 32 L bag.

Info :

  • Backpack volume: 32 L
  • Airbag volume: 150 L (2 x 75 L balloons)
  • System weight: 790 g
  • Total weight of the backpack: 2,110 g
  • System type: gas cartridge
  • U-shaped airbag consisting of 2 separately inflatable airballs
  • Triggering: mechanical (needle that pierces the gas cartridge)
  • Airbag system: Reactor

 

Advantages :

  • Performance
  • Carrying comfort

 

 

 

#4 MILLET -  NEO 40 ARS

 

This new 40L backpack integrates the latest ALPRIDE 2.0® avalanche safety airbag system, even lighter and more compact.

 

Info :

  • volume : 40 LITRES
  • weight : 2400g
  • Type of system: gas cartridges
  • Airbag in round half moon shape
  • Triggering: mechanical (needle that pierces the gas cartridge)
  • Airbag system: Alpride 2.0

Advantages :

  • functional and ergonomic
  • large volume: 40LITRES perfect for multi-day raids
  • comfortable to carry even with weight
  • Airbag safety: electric triggering system in 3s!
  • Removable system, perfect for passengers

 

#5 SCOTT – PATROL E1 – 30 litres

 

The Patrol E1 30 Kit with the Alpride E1 system is quite simply the lightest electric release system on the market with only 1280g and a high performance recharging system.

 

Info :

  • Volume: 30L
  • Weight: 1.90kg + 1.28kg the system = 2.67kg in total
  • Airbag in round half moon shape
  • Type of system: Alpride electronics
  • Triggering: mechanical (needle that pierces the gas cartridge)

Advantages :

  • No travel/transport restrictions
  • SCOTT Alpride Airbag System E1
  • Among the lightest on the market

 

 

 

Découvrez également les modèles suivants :

 

BLACK DIAMOND – Jet Force Pro 25L

ORTOVOX – Free Rider 22 Avabag

MAMMUT – Light Removable 3.0

FERRINO – Light Safe 20 Alpride

MILLET – NEO 30 ARS

MILLET TRILOGY – Trilogy E-one

 

 

 

 

 

 

To respect avalanche safety rules, it is important to have an airbag backpack, but also to be equipped with the 3 essentials for off-piste skiing: the DVA (avalanche victim detector), the probe and the avalanche shovel.
So don't forget to complete your avalanche safety equipment for this winter with our wide choice of avalanche transceivers!