The Arva brand specialising in safety equipment is causing a sensation for the next season. It comes with an Air Bag called Reactor. The model will be available in 4 liters: 18 and 24 liters for freeride and ski touring by the day and 32 and 40 liters for ski touring by the day and for multi-day outings.

The advantages of the bag: simplicity, lightness (2kg empty), adjustment when carrying, the airbag system takes up little space and you can put a lot of things, its price (599 to 699€ the cheapest on the market), efficient airbag release. The objective of the reactor is not to make a simple product but a quality product.

Arva belongs to the Nic Impex company which has already capitalized a great experience by marketing the ABS brand, by taking care of the after-sales service and by participating in the product improvement process. For the creation of theArva Reactor the brand used feedback from more than 400 avalanche triggers that have occurred on Air Bags of different brands.

Test conditions

Airbag Arva Reactor 18 liters black and red. Ascent to the Combe de Balme in La Clusaz. We triggered the airbag twice. Tested on ascent and descent in ski touring condition.

Advantages of the Arva Reactor 18 litreairbag

- Its volume: 18 liters allows to put a lot of things. It can easily fit some bags between 22 and 26 litres.

- A main compartment where you can store: down jacket, a small sweater, its skins, gloves, 1 mask, 1 Arva Axio, 1 bottle 1.5 liters.

- 1 pocket on the top to store glasses, key, wallet, sun cream with a small zippered door for keys and papers.

- 1 pocket on the front to store safety equipment shovel probe. We can also add some more stuff, easy access. Includes a reminder of safety instructions.

- Weight of 2 kg one of the lightest on the market

- An airbag system that takes up little space in the main pocket.

- On the bag: diagonal ski strap, snowboard strap, ice axe holder.

- Compatible hydration system.

- Release handle on the left shoulder strap with its storage. It can be stowed away when you don't need it.

don't use it. Handle to be deployed to be ready to use it when we're off the safe tracks. Easy to pull on the handle.

- Adjustment of the bag according to its size (inside on the top of the large pocket).

- Padded back allowing comfort and not to feel what you're doing on your back

- Adjustment of the bag according to its size (inside on the top of the large pocket).

Arva Reactor AirbagTrigger

Simply pull the handle on the left shoulder strap of the bag. Take it out of the protective cover, unfold the handle and pull it out when an avalanche comes.

Easy to store. To deflate the airbag, simply open the bag, press lightly on the balloon and at the same time open the airbag system (zip) and press the case to deflate it.

The gas cylinder can be made of carbon or steel. Just screw the cylinder on and check that the pin is stuck to the red aluminium tube.

Operating instructions and system manual included.

Conclusion and models

Arva Reactor 18 and 24 litres: for freeride and day touring skiing

Arva Reactor 32 and 40 litres: for multi-day trips.

Arva has succeeded in simplifying the Airbag system by offering a safe device. It is a bag bringing new blood to the Airbag market.

Arva is a responsible company and wanted theArva Reactor to be made in France, part of the manufacturing process is done between Annecy and the Arve valley.

Available from September 2016

More on the Arva Reactor

All models

The presentation

Technicality

Arva Reactor: our partners speak best about it

Mathieu (31 years old - Project Manager - Has been practicing ski touring for 10 years): "an airbag designed for freeride but especially for ski touring. Safety level : the balloon inflates very quickly".