For the season 2018/19, there are interesting innovations on the market, especially from Scott and ABS. Scott impresses with the very light, electronic Alpride E1 system and pioneer ABS presents the s. Light Compact, a lighter version of the proven p.Ride system.
To help you find the right setup before the start of the season, the following is a comprehensive avalanche backpack review for season 2018/2019 including the most important differences and selection criteria for buying.
Safety on the mountain – the topic has lost none of its relevance in terms of freeride skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing. In recent years the supply of avalanche backpacks has grown considerably. To date, there are ten different systems on the European market, which are installed in a multiplicity of backpack versions.
Safety first: An airbag backpack can’t dig!
Before we get lost in the vastness of the avalanche backpack market, the first thing that needs to be addressed: An avalanche backpack should never be considered as solid training in avalanche risk management and will never replace good common sense and safe freeride/ski-standard rescue equipment (shovel, probe, beacon plus first aid kit, ski-helmet) and their application in the hands of an experienced skier. Avalanche backpacks can only provide an additional margin of safety – basically, the whole avalanche safety issue boils down to human nature. Skiers will ski avalanche slopes and a backup plan in conjunction with other safety essentials is required. The real-life fact is if you’re buried in a slide you stand a pretty good chance of being dug up dead. Thus, two approaches to this problem. 1. Provide air to the otherwise suffocating buried victim. 2. Prevent burial in the first place. A reminder of reasonable logic: Having an avalanche backpack without any basic equipment and without previous knowledge of an avalanche course really doesn’t make much sense!
Needless to say, purchasing an avalanche backpack as useful, additional safety equipment is fully justifiable. In 90% of all registered avalanche fatalities, the cause of the avalanche was triggered by the skier or group of skiers themselves. Venturing out onto a mountain adventure, free-riders and backcountry skiers should consider what may go wrong despite precautions. [1] If I’m fortunate to survive an avalanche but am not able to rid myself of the mass of snow, I realize that my chances of survival when totally covered are extremely slim – many buried victims die of asphyxiation within 10 minutes. Statistics show that the probability of survival is at 40%. [2] Statistics also show that professional rescuers arrive at the scene some 40 minutes after having been contacted. Therefore, the most important tool in the event of an avalanche is and remains immediate companion rescue and the correct training and equipment to be able to do so effectively.
The old Boy’s Scout adage “be prepared” certainly rings true in the event of being caught in an avalanche and having the right safety gear along can only be seen as positive. A distinction between rescue systems is necessary: prevention of burial (avalanche airbag), locating the victim quicker (Avalanche Ball) or ensuring that if you are the victim of an avalanche that the chances of survival are increased by being able to breathe under the snow mass (AvaLung by Black Diamond, AirSafe Ferrino). [2] Until now, however, only the effectiveness of avalanche backpacks has been proven. [3] Since none of these additional rescue systems can assure 100% that burial will not take place, basic rescue equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel plus first aid kit, helmet) should always be used in combination and companion rescue routinely practised within a group.
A wide range of avalanche backpacks to choose from
Getting back to the (saturated) supply of avalanche backpacks: For over two decades there was only one manufacturer (ABS) that offered avalanche backpacks. It’s only been in recent years that the competition in the market has increased with new systems and backpacks being released, resulting in more supply, lower prices and innovative alternatives for the end-user. The sudden selective vastness in the market has, in turn, created more than ever, confusion. It’s worth a closer look to compare the different airbag backpacks and be well informed.
Systems and differences in the European airbag market
By 2013, five different avalanche airbag systems hit the market worldwide: ABS (pioneers of the avalanche backpack), Snow Pulse and its further development by Mammut (since 2011), Backcountry Access (BCA), Wary (Avi-Vest) and Mystery Ranch. The latter two companies are from the United States, focusing primarily on the North American market and may be limited or not available in Europe. Snowpulse’s backpacks are now no longer available on the European market and are only produced for the North American Snowmobile market. All three of these companies have been disregarded for this overview BCA was bought in 2013 by K2 and is now available in Europe.
As of Autumn 2014 two new avalanche backpack systems are available: Alpride (Scott, Millet, Ferrino and as of this winter also installed from Vaude) and Jetforce by Black Diamond, also available from the companies Pieps and POC.
Autumn 2016 saw the Canadian manufacturer Arc’teryx launch an airbag system (Voltair), which fills the airbag similar to JetForce by means of a battery and blower.
Arva (Reactor) and Ortovox (Avabag) that have both developed their own airbag system. Both use compressed gas to fill the balloons, as other brands such as Mammut, ABS, BCA, and Alpride do.
The avalanche airbags in comparison
Mammut P.A.S. und R.A.S.
Mammut originally had a Life bag – system installed (not interchangeable), that Mammut has further developed and is now exchangeable with the P.A.S system (Protective Airbag System, since 2013). As of winter 2016/2017, there is now also a P.A.S. 3.0. Additionally, Mammut has brought out the lighter and less expensive RAS System (RAS Removable Airbag System) which has also, since 2016 a R.A.S. 3.0 version. The difference between RAS and PAS or Life bag – airbag is in the form and position of the inflated airbags. Life bag airbags are inflated behind the head on top of the avalanche backpack and enlarge left to right of the head down to the chest, where the balloon is stored within the carrying strap. Under certain circumstances, this can minimize mechanical injuries of the head and upper body during an avalanche. [3]
The RAS system is triggered at the top of the backpack, the balloons enlarge also to the side of the backpack, remaining at all times behind or beside the body. The same applies to the Alpride, BCA and Jetforce system and for the new systems from Arva, Ortovox, and Arc’teryx. However, the volume ratios above (behind the head) and next to the backpack (behind the arms) will vary.
Alpride 2.0
The Alpride 2.0 system uses the familiar technique of inflating the avalanche airbag: compressed gas flows into the balloons. However, Alpride 2.0 uses a different gas mixture, less pressure, and two smaller cartridges than its competitors. The Alpride 2.0 system can therefore also be transported in aircraft without any problems. Mammut and BCA offer refillable aluminium cartridges for this purpose, which are at least allowed empty in your flight luggage.
Black Diamond Jetforce
The new Jetforce system from Black Diamond is based on the electrical operation of a high-performance turbine, making the inflation of the balloon quicker (in about three seconds) than that of a gas cartridge. Jetforce’s main advantage is its multiple-release capability, as in for training purposes, for example. The battery can also be easily recharged overnight. The system is also optimal for air travel compared to pressurised gas cartridges used by its competitors, as only under certain conditions, and in some regions (USA, Canada) are they permitted to be transported.
ABS TwinBags, P.Ride and s.Light
The current ABS system uses two separate airbags called TwinBags, which predominately open on the side of the air pack.
With 170 litres capacity, the TwinBag balloons have a medium-sized buoyancy volume. Only the buoyancy of the Jetforce system with 200 litres is greater. The other systems are based on approximately 150 litres. To make it possible for an avalanche airbag to even begin to float in the event of an active avalanche, a minimum internal volume is required. There is yet to be found, a direct positive correlation between 150-litre ranges and effective rescue for burial depths.
The new ABS technological development of winter 2016/17 is the P.Ride-System. The balloons are wider than the conventional TwinBags due to the special type webbing. This increases the surface area by 30%, which increases the chance that the spill remains on the surface and maintains a horizontal position when buried. The highlight of the P.Ride system is the radio-controlled triggering of other members in the group. When pulling on the trigger, either only the own airbag, a single-hanger driver or the airbags of all the group members can be triggered.
Variants and license partners
ABS zip-ons, zip-on partner and inside partner
With avalanche backpack veteran ABS, one can buy a base unit backpack and TwinBag system (Powder, Vario or Limited Silver Edition). In time you can choose between various ABS backpack attachments. The attachments, the so-called ABS Zip-ons are connected via a zip on to the base so that the same basic unit can be easily converted from freeride into a multi-day backpack. Furthermore, in today’s market, there are compatible attachments from other backpack manufacturers with the exception of Evoc (Zip-ons only) that can be utilised as an independent backpack carrying system (e.g. in summer) without ABS. ABS has listed these manufacturers as ABS Zip-On partner. The P.Ride series offers a selection of backpack sizes in 18, 32 and 45 + 5 litres. The P.Ride Base Unit is compatible with all Solid Zip-Ons and partner Zip-Ons.
Additionally, ABS is a licensing collaborator, allowing other manufacturers to develop their own backpacks, where the ABS system (solid) is installed. One example of this is the release last winter from The North Face: The US label, together with ABS, developed the ABS modulator, an airbag that can be mounted to the outside of any backpack. A similar external avalanche safety airbag was developed by ABS and launched on the market in the early 1980s. The new development from The North Face is small and light (approx. two kilograms), fits onto (almost) any backpack and could very well establish itself in the long term on the airbag market.
Winter 2016/2017 has seen SubQ and ABS combine efforts in the making of an airbag jacket – the Jackson-ABS Avalanche Airbag Jacket. The jacket can be worn on-piste without the airbag system as a normal hard shell layer. For backcountry days, the jacket is extended by way of a vest (worn under the jacket) and a small backpack that wraps around the ABS TwinBag system. The backpack is connected to the vest by openings in the jacket and without its own straps. The vest is hydration drinking system-compatible while the backpack doesn’t hold much more than a shovel and a probe.
ABS Inside partner Deuter, bring three new backpack styles to the market, which are lighter and larger and specially adapted to short back lengths (OnTop Lite ABS 26, OnTop Tour ABS 38+ SL, OnTop Tour ABS 40+). The two former ABS Inside partners Arva and Ortovox have since left the ABS system and are now developing their own airbag systems. Vaude has changed from ABS to the Alpride system. Dakine has been both ABS Zip-On and ABS Inside Partner and will be switching over to the R.A.S. 3.0 system from Mammut. Of all the mentioned manufacturers, remaining products are still available on the market.
Mammut R.A.S.- und P.A.S.-Systeme und Inside Partner
Mammut has had a big turn around with its variability of removable RAS and PAS system avalanche backpacks. There are now eight (R.A.S 3.0) five (P.A.S 3.0) various packs to choose from, in which compatible airbag systems can be installed. Mammut has permitted license agreements with other backpack manufacturers. It should be noted that older backpack models can not be combined with the new 3.0 system (and vice versa) (however, the 2.0 versions of R.A.S. and P.A.S. are still sold).
For the new season, a lot of effort was made to optimize the backpacks. Particularly the narrower and smoother straps of the P.A.S. 3.0 backpacks deserve a mention. The hip belts have also been improved so that, not only are the new backpacks lighter, they are also more comfortable to wear.
Mammut also grants licenses that allow other backpack manufacturers to integrate the R.A.S. system (R.A.S. Inside Partner): These are Jones Snowboards, Oakley and Norrona, and new to join are Dakine and Rip Curl. The latter manufacturer produces an airbag vest, which is primarily marketed in the American market.
Alpride Partner
The Alpride 2.0 system can also be removed from the backpack to make it more versatile. In addition to Scott and Ferrino, Millet has also equipped its avalanche backpacks with this system.
New to Scott is the volume of the two large AirFree AP, which has been adjusted to 24 and 32 litres (previously 22 and 30 litres). In addition, there is the Backcountry Guide AP 20 and 30, which offers more space for extensive tours.
Since last season, the manufacturer Ferrino has been selling a backpack that combines various rescue systems. In addition to the Alpride 2.0 airbag system, the 30-litre Ferrino Full Safe backpack also incorporates the air safe rescue system. In the event of a total burial despite the avalanche airbag, the Airsafe system enables the user to survive longer in the avalanche, which makes rescue more likely. In addition, the avalanche backpack is equipped with a RECCO reflector, which enables professional mountain rescuers to locate the buried victim more quickly. At 3.4 kilograms (including cartridges), the Ferrino Full Safe is not one of the lighter avalanche backpacks.
Ortovox Avabag
The AVABAG system from Ortovox is characterized by low weight (640 grams) and pack size (1.8 litres). This makes it the smallest and lightest system on the market. In the test mode (with screwed-out cartridge) the triggering of the system can be practised. However, as with mammoths, the triggering mechanism has to be tensioned by an activation tool before a full cartridge can be screwed in again and the backpack is ready for use again.
Arva Reactor
The new Reactor airbag system from Arva was designed by a long-time ABS developer and is characterized by low weight and pack size. The highlight of the airbag system is the two-chambered balloon, which is divided by a membrane; Both parts are inflated separately. This is to ensure that the second side is still fully functional when one side is damaged.
Weight and volume:
Important selection criteria
The extra weight of the airbag unit and the usable storage space play an important role in the choice of an avalanche backpack – with day tours or ski freeriding in the backcountry as well as for multi-day ski touring. Otherwise, almost all manufacturers offer small, lighter backpacks with less function and larger backpacks for multi-day trips. The Alpride system with 800 grams net weight as one of the lightest airbag systems on the market, has since been replaced by Ortovox Avabag (640 grams). Even the Arva Reactor (790 grams) and Mammut’s R.A.S. 3.0 (700 grams) surpass it in weight now.
Some weight can be saved with the more expensive Carbon cartridge – compared to the more affordable steel cartridges, these weigh about half the weight. Some manufacturers don’t offer steel cartridges at all (Mammut, Ortovox) since carbon versions can now be sold much more reasonably than before.
When looking at weight ratios you should also look at the backpacks, which can be found in the most diverse variants. As a rule, the lighter, the less function. Six of the lightest styles (including airbag and cartridge) to come out in 2016/2017 are the Mammut R.A.S. Ultralight with 1.520 grams (RAS 3.0, 20 litres), the Ortovox Ascent 22 Avabag with 1.755 grams (22 litres), the Vaude Updraft with 2125 grams (Alpride, 22 litres), the Scott Air Mountain AP 20 with 2,235 grams (Alpride, 20 litres), the Arva Reactor 18 with 2,310 grams (18 litres) and the mammoth PAS Light with 2,430 grams (P.A.S. 3.0, 30 litres).
Further airbag system variants
Previously a function only offered by ABS was the radio airbag deployment. Many skiers do not accomplish the deployment of the airbag in the stress of an avalanche.
Gas cartridges are divided between re-fillable systems (BCA, aluminum cartridge Snowpulse / Mammut) and non-refillable cartridges (Mammut steel / Carbon, Snowpulse Steel / Carbon, ABS Steel / Carbon, Alpride). The latter must be returned after use or exchanged in an appropriate shop.
Advantages and disadvantages of the various systems
ABS Solid Vario e.g Powder (others – ABS, Deuter, Haglöfs, The North Face)
- Advantages: radio trigger mechanism, large selection of zip-ons for different backpack sizes and wide range of backpack models from different manufacturers, big airbag volume, lightweight carbon cartridges available, optional installation of a back protector, lefty compatible
- Disadvantages: weight, price, no protection for the head and neck, the cartridge needs to be returned or exchanged at Bergzeit, restrictions for air travel with a full cartridge, support system not variable
ABS P. Ride-system (ABS)
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- Advantages: good protection of the head, neck, shoulders, and chest, lightweight carbon cartridges available
- Disadvantages: price, no remote triggering possible, no inter-change on other backpacks possible, weight, more cumbersome packing of airbags, the cartridge must be returned / restrictions with air travel and a full cartridge.
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ABS Modulator (The North Face)
- Advantages: good protection of the head, neck, shoulders, and chest, lightweight carbon cartridges available
- Disadvantages: price, no remote triggering possible, no inter-change on other backpacks possible, weight, more cumbersome packing of airbags, the cartridge must be returned / restrictions wi
RAS (Mammut and other manufacturers)
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- Advantages: removable airbag system, large backpack model selection, price, easy packing of airbags, weight, lighter carbon cartridges and refillable aluminium cartridge available (for travelling)
- Disadvantages: no remote triggering possible, poorer protection of the head and neck, problems with full cartridge for air travel
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PAS (Mammut)
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- Advantages: removable airbag system, large backpack model selection, good protection of the head, neck, shoulders, and chest, weight, lighter carbon cartridges and refillable aluminium cartridge available (for travelling)
- Disadvantages: standard cartridge needs to be returned or exchanged at Bergzeit, no remote triggering possible, more cumbersome packing of an airbag, price, restrictions for air travel with a full cartridge.
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Alpride (Scott, Millet, Ferrino)
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- Advantages: price, easy packing of airbags, weight (lightest system), travel-friendly, rather inexpensive replaceable cartridges
- Disadvantages: no remote triggering possible, not compatible with other backpacks
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Jetforce (Black Diamond, Pieps)
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- Advantages: simple packing of the balloon, travel-friendly, repeated triggering possible with one charge, battery charging overnight possible, the largest buoyancy volume:
- Disadvantages: no remote triggering possible, not compatible with other backpacks, price, weight
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BCA system
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- Advantages: price, simple packing of the balloon, weight, refillable cartridge
- Disadvantages: no remote triggering possible, poorer protection of the head and neck, not compatible with other backpacks, restrictions for air travel with a full cartridge.
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Alpride E1 (Scott)
- Advantages: easy packing of the balloons, travel-friendly, multiple triggering with one battery charge (practice, post-avalanche) is possible
- Disadvantages: no remote triggering possible
Reactor (Arva)
- Advantages: price, simple packing of the balloon, weight, refillable cartridge
- Disadvantages: no remote triggering possible, poorer protection of the head and neck, not compatible with other backpacks, restrictions for air travel with a full cartridge.
AVABAG-System (Ortovox)
- Advantages: price, simple packing of the balloon, weight, refillable cartridge
- Disadvantages: no remote triggering possible, poorer protection of the head and neck, not compatible with other backpacks, restrictions for air travel with a full cartridge.
Information source
- W. Munter, 3×3 avalanche risk management in winter sports. 3. Edition, Publishers Pohl & Schellhammer, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 2009.
- H.-J. Etter, J. Schweizer, T. Stucki, Die Alpen, 2/2009, Swiss-Alps-Club SAC, 2009.
- L. Meier, S. Harvey, Field experiment with avalanche-emergency devices Winter 2010/2011, WSL Institute for snow and avalanche research SLF, Davos, 2011
Avalanche safety backpacks 2018/2019 – overview
| Airbag system | Product class | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| ABS | Accessories | Steel cartridge handle | – | 510g 8 | 675 bar | 109.95 |
| carbon cartridge handle | – | 280g 8 | 1020 bar | 214.95 | ||
| Wireless Activation | – | 390g | – | 294.95 | ||
| Back protector | S, L | 350g | – | 99.95 | ||
| Helmet holder | one size | 100g | – | 14.95 | ||
| Grip plate – left | one size | unkn | – | 7.95 | ||
| Hip belt extension | one size | unkn | – | 24.95 | ||
| P.Ride | Base Unit | ca. 3000g | 2 x 85L | 905.00 | ||
| Zip-Ons | P.Ride 18 | – | unkn. | 18L | 94.95 | |
| P.Ride 32 | – | unkn | 32L | unkn | ||
| P.Ride 45+5 | – | unkn | 45+5L | unkn. | ||
| SOLID Vario | Base unit | S, L | 1950g 3 | 2 x 85L | 599.95 | |
| Zip-Ons | Vario 8 | – | 210g | 8L | 49.95 | |
| Vario 18 | – | 400g | 18L | 69.95 | ||
| Vario SB 22 | – | n.b. | 22L | 79.95 | ||
| Vario 24 | – | 550g | 24L | 79.95 | ||
| Vario 32 | – | 555g | 32L | 89.95 | ||
| Vario 45+5 | – | 870g | 45+5L | 99.95 | ||
| SOLID Powder | Base unit | one size | 1930g 3 | 2 x 85 | 589.95 | |
| Zip-Ons | Powder 8 | – | 160g | 8L | 39.95 | |
| Powder 15 | – | 315g | 15L | 59.95 | ||
| Powder 26 | – | 510g | 26L | 79.95 | ||
| Zip-On Partner | Atomic | |||||
| Automatic ABS Pack 25L | one size | 1400g 4 | 20L | 169.95 | ||
| Berghaus | ||||||
| Arete Couloir 25L | one size | 1100g 4 | 25L | 119,95 | ||
| Burton | ||||||
| AK 17L ABS Backpack | one size | 1000g 4 | 17L | 89.95 | ||
| AK 32L ABS Backpack | one size | 1400g 4 | 23L | 99.95 | ||
| Dakine | ||||||
| Still avail on the market | ABS Vario Cover Heli Pack 14L | one size | 580g 4 | 14L | 84.95 | |
| Still avail on the market | ABS Vario Cover Heli Pro DLX 26L | one size | 680g 4 | 26L | 94.95 | |
| Still avail on the market | ABS Vario Cover 40L | one size | 1000g 4 | 40L | 114.95 | |
| Dynastar | ||||||
| Cham ABS Compatible 28 | one size | 1260g 4 | 28L | 129.90 | ||
| Evoc | ||||||
| Zip-On Base Unit (new!) | one size | 800g 4 | – | 129.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS Drift (new!) | one size | 450g 4 | 10L | 89.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS Pro 5 | one size | 600g 4 | 20L | 119.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS Pro Team 5 | one size | 600g 4 | 20L | 129.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS Guide 5 | one size | 675g 4 | 30L | 139.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS Guide Team 5 | one size | 675g 4 | 30L | 149.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS Patrol 5 | one size | 880g 4 | 40+5L | 169.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS Patrol Team 5 | one size | 880g 4 | 40+5L | 179.95 | ||
| Zip-On ABS CP 26L 5 | one size | 1700g 4 | 26L | 229.95 | ||
| Exped | ||||||
| Glissade 25 Zip-On ABS | one size | 550g 4 | 25L | 99.95 | ||
| Glissade 35 Zip-On ABS | one size | 680g 4 | 35L | 109.95 | ||
| Head | ||||||
| Peak Fellow | one size | unkn | 18L | 129.95 | ||
| Ski Freeride Backpack | one size | unkn | 33L | 149,95 | ||
| Karrimor | ||||||
| Powder 22 | 1600g 4 | 22L | 114.95 | |||
| Mountain Hardwear | ||||||
| Powzilla | S/M, M/L | 1300, 1330g 4 | 30L | 149.95 | ||
| Osprey | ||||||
| Kode ABS 22+10 | S/M, M/L | 1310, 1350g 4 | 22+10L | 149.95 | ||
| Kode ABS 42 | S/M, M/L | 1910, 1950g 4 | 42L | 169.95 | ||
| Rocksnake | ||||||
| Patrolleur 34 ABS | one size | unkn | 34L | unkn | ||
| Rossignol | ||||||
| ABS Bag Compatible 28 | one size | 1320g 4 | 28L | 119.90 | ||
| Salomon | ||||||
| Quest 20 | one size | 1300g 4 | 20L | 149.95 | ||
| ABS Inside Partner | Bergans | |||||
| Hodlekve ABS | one size | 2200g 3 | 15L | 739,95 | ||
| Dakine | ||||||
| Still avail on the market | Signal 25L ABS | one size | 1900g 3 | 25L | 689.00 | |
| Deuter | ||||||
| OnTop Lite ABS 26 (new!) | one size | 2100g 3 | 26L | 729.95 | ||
| OnTop ABS 28 SL (Video) | one size | 2590g 3 | 28L | 729.95 | ||
| OnTop ABS 30 (Video) (Test) | one size | 2640g 3 | 30L | 729.95 | ||
| OnTop Tour ABS 38+ SL (neu!) | 2790g 3 | 38L + 8L | 749.95 | |||
| OnTop Tour ABS 40+ (new!) | one size | 2880g 3 | 40L + 8L | 749.95 | ||
| Haglöfs | ||||||
| Vojd ABS 18 | 2420g 3 | 18L | 849.00 | |||
| Vojd ABS 30 | 2630g 3 | 30L | 949.05 | |||
| Still avail on the market | Ortovox | |||||
| M.A.S.S. | – | 1300g 3 | – | 479.95 | ||
| Activation Uni Carbon | – | 345g | – | 215.00 | ||
| Activation Unit Steel | – | 580g | – | 110.00 | ||
| Base 18 W ABS | S/M | 2440g 3 | 18L | 679.95 | ||
| Base 20 ABS (Video) | M/L | 2490g 3 | 20L | 679.95 | ||
| Free Rider 24 ABS (Video) | M/L | 2770g 3 | 24L | 719.95 | ||
| Free Rider 24 W ABS |
S/M | 3150g 3 | 24L | 719.95 | ||
| Free Rider 26 ABS (Test) | M/L | 2820g 3 | 26L | 719.95 | ||
| Tour 30+7 W ABS | S/M | 3110g 3 | 30+7L | 749.95 | ||
| Tour 32+7 ABS (Video) | M/L | 3160g 3 | 32+7L | 749.95 | ||
| Salewa | ||||||
| Verbier 26 Pro ABS | one size | 3400g 3 | 26L | 749.95 | ||
| Mountain Guide 38 ABS | one size | 3800g 3 | 38L | 899.95 | ||
| SubQ | ||||||
| Jackson Avalanche Airbag Jacket (new!) | one size | unkn | unkn | unkn | ||
| The North Face | ||||||
| ABS Modulator | 2070g 3 | – | 699.95 | |||
| ABS Vest | M, L, XL | unkn | unkn | unkn | ||
| Vaude | ||||||
| Still avail on the market | ABScond Flow 22+6 | S/M, M/L | 2950g 3 | 22+6L | 719.95 | |
| Still avail on the market | ABScond Tour 36+4 | uni | 3100g 3 | 36+4L | 759.95 | |
| Airbag System | Product | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| BCA | Accessory | Cartridge | – | 624g 2 | 186 bar | 144.95 |
| Float | Float 8 | one size | 1900g 2 | 8L | 459.95 | |
| Float 22 | one size | 2340g 2 | 22L | 499.95 | ||
| Float 25 Turbo | one size | 2640g 2 | 25L | 539.95 | ||
| Float 27 Tech | one size | 2450g 2 | 27L | 539.95 | ||
| Float 32 | one size | 2570g 2 | 32L | 569.95 | ||
| Float 42 | one size | 2630g 2 | 42L | 599.95 | ||
| Float 42 Black (new!) | one size | 2860g 2 | 42L | 649.95 | ||
| Float MTNPRO Vest | one size | 2770g 2 | 12L | 735.00 | ||
| Airbag system | Product class | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| Mammut | Zubehör | Alu-cartridge | – | ca. 670g | 207 bar | 185,00 |
| Carbon-cartridge (new!) | – | ca. 310g 6 | unkn | 119.95 | ||
| R.A.S. | R.A.S. 3.0 (new!) | – | 710g | 150 | 449.95 | |
| Rocker | M | 1080g 6 | 15L | 579.95 | ||
| Ultralight | L | 500g 6 | 20L | 569.95 | ||
| Ride Short | S | 1450g 6 | 28L | 649.94 | ||
| Ride | M | 1500g 6 | 30L | 649.95 | ||
| Light | L | 1050g 6 | 30L | 629.95 | ||
| Pro Short | S | 1580g 6 | 33L | 669.95 | ||
| Pro 35 | L | 1680g 6 | 35L | 669.95 | ||
| Pro 45 | L | 1700g 6 | 45L | 689.95 | ||
| R.A.S. Inside Partner | Jones Snowboards | |||||
| Higher 30L R.A.S. | one size | 1770g 2 | 30L | 699.95 | ||
| Oakley | ||||||
| Snowmad R.A.S. 15 | one size | unkn | 15L | 139.95 | ||
| Snowmad R.A.S. 30 | one size | unkn | 30L | 169.95 | ||
| Rip Curl | ||||||
| n.b. | ||||||
| Dakine | ||||||
| unkn | ||||||
| Norrona | ||||||
| Lofoten (new!) | one size | 1650g | 30L | 299.00 | ||
| P.A.S. | P.A.S. 3.0 (new!) | – | 920g | 150 | unkn | |
| Rocker | M-XL | 1200g 6 | 15L | 699.95 | ||
| Ride | M-XL | 1500g 6 | 30L | 769.95 | ||
| Light | M-XL | 1200g 6 | 30L | 749.95 | ||
| Pro 35 | M-XL | 1630g 6 | 35L | 789.95 | ||
| Pro 45 | M-XL | 1680g 6 | 45L | 809.95 | ||
| Airbag system | Product class | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| Black Diamond | JetForce | Pilot | one size | 3200g 7 | 11L | 999.95 |
| Halo (Video) | S/M, M/L | 3400, 3400g 7 | 26, 28L | 1.049.95 | ||
| Saga | S/M, M/L | 3500, 3500g 7 | 38, 40L | 1.099.95 | ||
| JetForce Inside Partner | Pieps | |||||
| Rider 10 | one size | 3400g 7 | 10L | 999.95 | ||
| Tour Rider 24 (Video) | S/M, M/L | 3400g 7 | 24L | 1.049.95 | ||
| Tour Pro 34 (Video) | S/M, M/L | 3500g 7 | 34L | 1.099.95 | ||
| POC | ||||||
| Thorax (Video) | one size | 3300g 7 | 11L | 839.95 | ||
| Airbag system | Product class | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| Alpride | Zubehör | Cartridge set | one size | 450g 2 | each 180 bar | 39.95 |
| Alpride | Alpride-System | 800g 2 | 150 | not sold separately | ||
| Alpride Partner | Scott | |||||
| Air Mountain AP 20 Kit | one size | 1785g 2 | 20L | 599.95 | ||
| Air Mountain AP 40 Kit | one size | 2530g 2 | 40L | 699.95 | ||
| Air Free AP 12 Kit | one size | 1870g 2 | 12L | 599.95 | ||
| Air Free AP 12 Pro Kit | one size | 2510g 2 | 12L | 699.95 | ||
| Air Free AP 24 Kit (new!) | one size | 2320g 2 | 24L | 679.95 | ||
| Air Free AP 32 Kit (new!) | one size | 2410g 2 | 32L | 699.95 | ||
| |
Ferrino | |||||
| Glide Safe 20 | one size | 2500g 2 | 20L | 630.00 | ||
| Full Safe 30 | one size | 2900g 2 | 30L | 790.00 | ||
| Millet | ||||||
| Neo 30 ARS (new!) | one size | 2500g 2 | 30L | 699.95 | ||
| Vaude | ||||||
| Updraft (new!) | one size | 1675g 2 | 22L | 649.95 | ||
| Alprider Flow (new!) | one size | 2200g 2 | 24L+4L | unkn | ||
| Airbag system | Product class | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| Arva | Reactor | Reactor-System (new!) | – | 790g | 2×75 | nicht einzeln erhältlich |
| Accessory | Steel-cartridge | – | 450g | unkn | unkn | |
| Cartridge | – | 310g | unkn | unkn | ||
| Reactor 18 (new!) | S-M-L | 2000g 2 | 18L | 529.00 | ||
| Reactor 24(new!) | S-M-L | 2100g 2 | 24L | 569.00 | ||
| Reactor 32 (new!) | S-M-L | 2130g 2 | 32L | 599.00 | ||
| Reactor 40 (new!) | S-M-L | 2150g 2 | 40L | 629.00 | ||
| Airbag system | Product class | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| Arc’teryx | Voltair | Voltair 20 | one size | 3235g 7 | 20L | 1550.00 |
| Voltair 30 | one size | 3465g 7 | 30L | 1650.00 | ||
| Airbag system | Product class | Manufacturer/Type | Size | Weight | Volume 1 | Price in € |
| Ortovox | Avabag | Avabag-System (neu!) | – | 640g | – | 499.95 |
| Accessory | Carbon cartridge | – | 310g | – | 139.95 | |
| Refill cartridges | – | – | – | 25.00 | ||
| Reactivating tool | – | – | – | 14.95 | ||
| Free Rider 20 S | one size | 1340g 6 | 20L | 239.95 (699.95) | ||
| Free Rider 22 | one size | 1380g 6 | 22L | 239.95 (699.95) | ||
| Ascent 22 | one size | 830g 6 | 22L | 219.95 (679.95) | ||
| Ascent 28 S | one size | 1090g 6 | 28L | 239.95 (699.95) | ||
| Ascent 30 | one size | 1120g 6 | 30L | 239.95 (699.95)/p/ortovox-ascent-28-s-avabag-avalanche-airbag-backpack/5022234/Volume details can include (mostly) or exclude the airbag systems |
- Weight incl. Airbag system, excl. cartridge
- Weight incl. Airbag system excl.cartridge
- Weight excl. release unit (cartridge and handle)
- Weight incl. carrying system
- Weight excl. Airbag system and cartridge
- Weight incl. Airbag system and battery
- Weight excl. release handle
- unkn: not known
Notes regarding the avalanche backpack market review:
All the above information in the brand index comes directly from manufacturer information. Experience has shown that weight and volume information will always vary in reality. For those wanting to purchase an avalanche backpack, it is our recommendation that these estimates be checked live in a store near you. With some backpack models, it is not clear whether the volume data is exclusive or inclusive with the airbag system. In this instance it is always a good idea to check personally before buying, to see whether personal gear can be accommodated into the backpack. All information quoted is not guaranteed.