Airbag packs
Which airbag for freeriding?
When you finally reach that peak and face the wide untouched slope covered of fresh pow, you know there is hardly any better feeling in the world. Freeriding offers a unique feel no matter if you are on skis or snowboards. It helps discovering the mountain from its hidden side and see breathtaking sceneries. Enjoy, but don’t forget that despite the fact the mountain is beautiful, it is also dangerous. If you want to reduce the risks of being hurt and maximise your chances to stay alive in an avalanche, get yourself an airbag. It is the most efficient anti-avalanche system for the time being. Read more Show less
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Recommended price
£478.41
-20%
£382.71
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Recommended price
£565.41
-20%
£452.31
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Recommended price
£695.91
-28%
£495.81
The Black Diamond Jetforce Ultra Light Pack 26l Black airbag backpack is ultra-lightweight thanks to its Alpride 2.0 Airbag 150 litre construction that inflates in less than 5".
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Recommended price
£565.41
-21%
£443.61
The Float 22 2.0 from BCA is a freeride airbag backpack offering a capacity of 22 litres with various compartments and an efficient airbag system.
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Recommended price
£565.41
-20%
£452.31
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Recommended price
£521.91
-20%
£417.51
The BCA Float 12 2.0 Black is a compact, functional airbag backpack for freeriding or ski touring, equipped with ample space for safety gear and a radio transmitter.
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Recommended price
£608.91
-20%
£487.11
The BCA Float 32 2.0 Black is a durable, high-capacity airbag backpack designed for backcountry skiing, featuring an airbag system, equipment carrying options, and a dedicated safety compartment.
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Recommended price
£600.21
-20%
£480.15
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Buyer’s guide for an anti-avalanche airbag
When freeriding, avalanche risks are real. The snow is not groomed and there is nobody for using explosives in couloirs for clearing the snow excess. You are in the nature and you have to behave accordingly. Before you go out there and shred, you must analyse the conditions, the forecast and the avalanche risks. And since you cannot predict the unforeseeable, you also need to carry everything you may need to survive an avalanche.
What do you need for freeriding and stay as safe as possible?
The most important equipment every freerider needs with him is the package including probe, transceiver and shovel. Only these 3 allow you to find and to be found in case of an avalanche. But beyond these basics, more and more freeriders carry an airbag backpack with them. These bags maximise your chances of staying afloat in an avalanche and get out of it unharmed.
How does an airbag work?
Research has shown that in an avalanche, big bits like rocks or ice blocks tend to be pushed towards the surface while small particles go down. Based on this observation, engineers worked on designing the first airbags following one main idea. If big things stay on surface, then let’s make skiers or snowboarders as big as possible. Manufacturers like Scott, ABS, K2, Pieps and BCA are all making reliable airbags backpacks. The system is made of an air cartridge, an actual airbag placed in the backpack, and a release system with an ergonomic handle. If you are riding and an avalanche starts under your feet, pull the handle immediately. This will trigger the air cartridge which will inflate the airbag (150 to 200L) in a few seconds. An airbag is not a guarantee of escaping or even surviving an avalanche but it does increase your chances significantly. In the past years, another system was released, utilising a fan plugged to a battery. The idea remains the same with the handle and the airbag, the difference is that the airbag inflates thanks to the fan. The great benefit of this system is that you can re-use it as many times as you want. All you have to do is to charge the battery and you’re done. With the other system, if you empty the air cartridge, you need to change it.
How to recharge an airbag?
When you trigger the cartridge system, the entire cartridge is used to inflate the bag and goes empty. This means after every use you need to change the set for a new one. You have two options. The metal cartridge, inexpensive but heavy, or the carbon cartridge, lighter and more pricy.
Check out our selection of airbags backpacks and complete your equipment!