Our top 5 airbag backpacks!

The different systems on the market

Since the arrival of the first airbag backpack by the pioneer ABS, various Airbag systems have developed with the goal of preventing burial. Each being supported by partner ski equipment brands.

The equipment of the perfect skier does not stop there: also think about buying quality alpine skis to optimize your safety on the slopes.

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

Here are the different specifications of each technology:

1. The ABS system:

Brands using this technology: Burton, Dynastar, Evoc, Rossignol,

System:

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

Pros:

• Quick deployment of airbags
• If one airbag is damaged, the second will remain inflated
• ABS bags remain very functional and allow for adjustments of 15 to 50 liters to customize the storage of personal belongings. Convenient for adapting the volume of your bag according to your outing!
• 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 airplane.

Cons:

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

2. The Alpride system

Brands using this technology: Scott, Millet

System:

Alpride is the new system developed in Switzerland, particularly lightweight and non-explosive (cartridge punching system). It is indeed a cable-triggered system that activates the punching of the cartridges and allows the filling of a single round-shaped airbag. In round shape, the inflated airbag (150 l) protects the back and head of the user for more safety. Possibility to train without a cartridge to feel the force of the handle.

However, these cartridges are not rechargeable, so they must be discarded after each use and new ones purchased.

Pros:

• This system offers the possibility to train without a cartridge to become aware of the force that can activate the handle and the airbag deployment.
• This type of equipment is very lightweight
• Optimal protection of the head and back
• Possibility to transport 2 sets of cartridges by plane due to the very low internal pressure, similar to that of life jackets present in airplanes

Cons:

• The system only allows one deployment per cartridge, but this can be easily replaced.
• These cartridges are not rechargeable, so they must be discarded after each use and new ones purchased.

Discover the model NEO 40 ARS by MILLET

Discover the model PATROL E1 30Litres by SCOTT

3. The RAS systems and PAS

Brands using this technology: Mammut, Dakine, Thule, Norrøna, Jones, Evoc.

System:

The mechanism is simple: just pull the trigger handle, present on the strap of the bag, for a cartridge to automatically empty and inflate your airbag. It is a cable-triggered deployment. The shape and attachment method of the airbags are different.

RAS Technology (Removable Airbag System):

Pros:

• Removable system to allow the athlete to remove the airbag from their bag and thus transform their airbag bag into a normal hiking bag
• A very enveloping airbag with a unique high-tech seam
• Cartridges made of carbon to minimize the weight of your airbag backpack.
• Authorized in air transport

Cons:

• For now, nothing to report!

PAS Technology (Protection Airbag System):

Pros:

• Optimal protection of the head, neck, and body: U-shaped airbag
• Airbag integrated into the straps and therefore very compact
• Authorized in air transport
• Use of carbon cartridges, to ensure the skier a lightweight bag.

Cons:

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

Discover the model PRO X REMOVABLE Airbag 3.0 by Mammut

Discover the model FLIP REMOVABLE Airbag 3.0 by Mammut

4. The JettForce system

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

Brands using this technology: Black Diamond, Pieps and Poc.

System:

The newcomer features an innovative system. The inflation of the airbag is done thanks to built-in batteries that activate a fan that extracts air from the atmosphere when the handle is activated. In seconds, the airbag inflates its 200 L of fabric. Positive point: since the system is electronic, it can be deployed multiple times in a row.

Pros:

• One of the major advantages of this system is that it can be used multiple times in a row, which can be very useful for training or for reactivating in case 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 information throughout your activity.
• This system is very resistant: it is puncture-proof to further enhance your safety.
• Use of lithium-ion battery, authorized in air transport as long as the device that integrates it is turned off.

Cons::

• System a bit heavier

Discover the model JetForce Pro 25 Litres by Black Diamond

5. The Avabag system

Brands using this technology:Ortovox

System:

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

Pros

• The airbag balloon is equipped with a unique balloon seam technology, for enhanced safety and great autonomy in the mountains.
• A miniaturized and compact system, which takes up little space in your avalanche bag for more lightness.
• The cartridges used are carbon, of the IATA type, so authorized during your various air travel!

Cons: :

• For now, nothing to report!

Discover the model ASCENT 30 Avabag by Ortovox

The other criteria for choosing your Airbag backpack

It is certain that one of the main selection criteria remains the mechanism through which you can activate your airbag backpack. But do not underestimate the rest! Also pay attention to:

• The weight

You should expect about 1 to 2 kg more on your back compared to a normal bag, which is considerable, compared to skis and shoes… For those looking to renew their sliding equipment, feel free to check out our guide to choose your alpine skis.

Good news: manufacturers aim to reduce the weight of their systems, let them continue! The best manage to go below 2 kilos which is quite incredible.

It is certain, in your search for the best avalanche airbag backpack you will have to take weight into account.

• The volume (bag and airbag)

Another very interesting point is the volume.

By volume, we primarily mean the volume of your ABS bag. We recommend bags of 28 or 30 liters if you are a big adventurer who likes to go with a lot of gear. If you are more minimalist, the best compromise may be closer to 22 liters.

The volume of the best anti-avalanche ski bag mainly concerns that of the airbag. The airbags range from 120 to 150 liters which seems to us to be 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 go for a larger volume.

• Carrying comfort

Comfort is of course very, very important for a long day of off-piste skiing, where you will want to have both a lightweight bag, but also one that is comfortable. This translates into good support at the back (often with about 1cm of foam), as well as well-placed and adjustable belts to perfectly adapt to your morphology. For comfort, focus on personalized adjustments!

• The functionalities

It is also a very important accessory in your ski equipment, just like ski boots, the ski helmet, the goggles,… In other words, it must obviously protect you, but that’s not all. To help you find the best, and discover other useful accessories like buy Julbo glasses online, we provide all the major brands on Alpinstore.

It is also important to consider in your choice of airbag backpack that it offers you many functionalities.

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

Our top 5

#1 ORTOVOX, ASCENT 30 Avabag - 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 Avabag - 30Litres

Info:

• Volume: 30L
• Weight: 1860g (2070g with cartridge)
• Type of system: gas cartridge
• Half-moon shaped airbag
• Deployment: mechanical
• Airbag system: Avabag
• Type of airbag: RAS (Removable Airbag System), removable

Advantages:

• Light
• Compact
• Possibility to train for deployment, without using a cartridge
• Handle adaptable to all
• Removable and compatible with all Ortovox bags
• No electronics

There is a version specifically designed for women Acsent 25 S Avabag, but can also fit men who have a shorter back

Also discover the version in 40 Litres

#2 MAMMUT, PROX REMOVABLE Airbag 3.0, 33 Litres

This new version 3.0 stands out for its light weight, reduced volume which improves comfort.

Info:

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

Advantages:

• Made from recycled material
• Large capacity (33 liters)
• Comfortable on the back

#3 ARVA, REACTOR 32

The two balloons airbag of the Arva Reactor 32 make it one of the best airbag backpacks in terms of safety, protection, and effective rise in an avalanche, all in a functional 32 L bag.

Info:

• Volume of the backpack: 32 L
• Volume of the airbag: 150 L (2 balloons of 75 L)
• Weight of the system: 790 g
• Total weight of the backpack: 2 110 g

• Type of system: gas cartridge

• U-shaped airbag composed of 2 airbag balloons inflating separately
• Deployment: mechanical (needle that pierces the gas cartridge)
• Airbag system: Reactor

Advantages:

• Efficient
• Carrying comfort

#4 MILLET - NEO 40 ARS

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

Info:

• volume: 40LITRES
• weight: 2400g
• Type of system: gas cartridges
• Half-moon shaped airbag
• Deployment: 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 deployment system in 3s!
• removable system and perfect for travelers

#5 SCOTT, PATROL E1, 30 litres

The Patrol E1 30 Kit with the system Alpride E1 is simply the lightest electric deployment system on the market at only 1280g and a very efficient recharging system.

Info:

• Volume: 30L
• Weight: 1.90kg + 1.28kg the system = 2.67kg in total
• Half-moon shaped airbag
• Type of system: electronic Alpride
• Deployment: mechanical (needle that pierces the gas cartridge)

Advantages:

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

For those looking for performance, there are also many references in skis, including cheap Dynastar skis to be found in our catalog.

Also discover the following models:

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
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