The best airbag backpacks

Top 6 Best Avalanche Airbag Backpacks

Whether ski touring, freeride skiing or snowboarding, safety equipment now goes beyond the traditional transceiver–shovel–probe trio: the airbag backpack has become an essential companion to increase a skier’s chances of staying on the surface in the event of an avalanche. Designed to inflate one or more airbags within seconds, it creates a volume that ‘floats’ on the snow, thereby reducing burial risk. On this page, you’ll find a selection of the six best airbag packs (three mechanical and three electric), covering a range of capacities, features and price points, to help you choose the one that best suits your need — from freeride sessions to more challenging alpine expeditions.

Our selection of mechanical airbag backpacks

BCA Float 22 2.0: safety and lightness for ski touring

The Backcountry Access Float 22 2.0 is a compact and practical avalanche airbag pack, ideal for freeride skiing and ski touring. It features the Float 2.0 system (gas cartridge sold separately), which can rapidly deploy the airbag to enhance safety in the event of an avalanche. Its 22-litre capacity allows efficient organisation of essentials thanks to a dedicated shovel and probe compartment, a fleece-lined goggle pocket, and external attachments for skis, snowboard, ice axe and helmet. An integrated radio pocket on the shoulder strap makes communication easier in exposed terrain. Durable, well-designed and intuitive, the Float 22 provides a reliable safety solution while maintaining the low weight and simplicity required for fast-paced alpine missions.

Specifications of the BCA Float 22 2.0:

• Float 2.0 airbag system
• Diagonal ski carry
• Vertical snowboard carry
• BC Link radio compatible
• Ergonomic shoulder straps with integrated zipped pockets
• Height-adjustable hip belt (with integrated pocket)
• Moulded back panel with rear access
• Sternum strap
• Compression straps
• Load-lifter straps
• Main compartment
• Dedicated shovel/probe compartment
• Removable helmet holder
• Ice axe holder
• Fleece-lined pocket (for ski goggles or sunglasses)
• Hydration bladder compatible

ARVA Explore 30 Switch: comfort, modularity and Reactor 2.0 safety

The Arva Explore 30 Switch combines versatility, comfort and safety for ski touring and freeride enthusiasts. It features the Reactor 2.0 system, equipped with two 75-litre airbags that deploy ultra-fast via Venturi technology, providing reliable and lightweight protection. Thanks to the Switch concept, the supplied 30-litre module can be swapped for another capacity (24 or 40 litres) depending on your needs. Its 330D recycled polyamide construction ensures strength and durability, while the ventilated back panel and 3D Fit system deliver optimal comfort. With it’s A-frame or diagonal ski carry, snowboard carry, ice axe holder and dedicated safety compartment, it includes everything required for efficient and confident mountain travel.

Specifications of the Explorer 30 backpack:

• Volume: 30 litres
• Main material: 330D polyamide (100% recycled)
• A-frame and diagonal ski carry
• Front snowboard carry
• Ice axe holders
• Helmet holder included
• Zipped safety gear compartment (shovel, probe)
• Top zipped pocket for goggles
• Bottom zipped pocket with quick access for climbing skins/rope
• Ventilated foam back panel
• Switch System: allows you to change the pack’s volume
• 3D Fit Technology: ensures an optimal fit
• Side compression straps
• Adjustable sternum strap
• Adjustable hip belt with zipped storage pocket
• Back length: 40–50 cm
• Weight: 1300 g

Specifications of the Reactor 2.0 airbag system:

• Activation: mechanical
• Airbag system volume inside pack: 2 litres
• Two 75-litre airbags
• Patented mechanical Venturi inflation system
• Pressure: 300 bar
• Rapid inflation system: 3 seconds
• Weight: 650 g
• Weight with steel cartridge: 1140 g / with carbon cartridge: 970 g (not included)

ARVA Tour 28 UL: uncompromising safety with minimal weight

The Arva Tour 28 UL is an avalanche airbag backpack designed for ski tourers who prioritise lightness and efficiency. With a capacity of just 28 L, it strikes the perfect balance between compactness and volume, making it ideal for day tours. It features the Arva Reactor 2.0 system, renowned for its fast and reliable deployment (cartridge sold separately). Built with durable XPAC fabric and a ventilated mesh back panel, it ensures strength, comfort and excellent breathability during climbs. Its fixed carry straps make ski transport easy, while its minimalist design from Arva – the French avalanche safety specialist – makes it a benchmark in performance, protection and low weight for mountain enthusiasts.

Specifications of the Arva Tour 28 UL Airbag Backpack:

• Volume: 28 litres
• Materials: recycled 210D Cordura, water-repellent X‑PAC VX21
• Airbag system: Reactor 2.0
• A-frame and diagonal ski carry options
• Attachment points for ice axes, helmet (not included), etc.
• External compartment for safety gear (shovel, probe)
• Removable back system
• Adjustable hip belt with large mesh storage pockets
• Ultra‑light shoulder straps with stretch pocket
• YKK zip
• Cartridge not included
• Weight: 1250 g
• Weight with airbag system: 1770 g

Our selection of electric airbag backpacks

Scott Pack Patrol E2 38 Kit: power and reliability of the Alpride E2 system

The Scott Pack Patrol E2 38 Kit is a spacious and technical electric avalanche airbag pack, ideal for high-mountain adventures or demanding free-touring missions. It features the Alpride E2 system, a compact and interchangeable electric airbag unit compliant with the EN 16716:2017 standard, ensuring fast and reliable deployment even in extreme cold. Its 38-litre capacity provides excellent load-carrying potential, with both diagonal and A-frame ski carry options, snowboard carry, ice axe holders, a removable helmet carrier, and a dedicated avalanche safety compartment. Comfort is enhanced by the bSpine Evo back system, adjustable shoulder straps, and a customisable hip belt. Built from durable polyester, it combines low weight, stability, and safety, meeting the expectations of the most demanding mountaineers.

Specifications of the Scott Pack Patrol E2 38 Kit:

• Volume: 38 litres
• Outer fabric and lining: 100% polyester
• Diagonal and A-frame ski carry
• Snowboard carry
• Attachment points for tools: ice axes, poles, etc.
• Removable helmet holder
• Dedicated compartment for avalanche safety gear (shovel, probe)
• Internal zipped pockets for valuables
• Back system: bSpine Evo
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Side compression straps
• Adjustable sternum strap with safety whistle
• Adjustable hip belt with quick-release buckle
• Safety leg loop
• Dimensions: 65 x 32 x 21 cm
• Weight: 1620 g

Specifications of the Alpride E2 airbag system:

• Technology: Alpride E2
• Interchangeable airbag system
• Avalanche trigger pocket on left/right shoulder strap
• Weight: 1140 g
• Certification: EN 16716:2017 standard

Scott Pack Patrol Ultralight E2 25 Kit: Alpride safety in a minimalist design

The Scott Pack Patrol Ultralight E2 25 Kit is a compact, ultra-light electric avalanche airbag pack engineered for mountain safety. Its Dyneema fabric, both robust and minimalist, delivers outstanding durability without adding unnecessary weight. It features the Alpride E2 electric system – a benchmark technology providing reliable, reusable protection without the need for cartridges. For practicality, it includes diagonal ski carry, a removable ice axe/pole holder, a detachable helmet carrier, and a dedicated safety compartment for shovel and probe. Its ergonomic design incorporates a removable leg loop and an adjustable sternum strap, ensuring stability and comfort. Perfect for freeriders and ski tourers seeking performance, lightness, and efficiency.

Specifications of the Scott Patrol Ultralight E2 25 Kit:

• Volume: 25 litres
• Outer fabric: Dyneema (73% polyester, 27% polyethylene)
• Lining: 100% polyamide
• Storage pocket: 100% polyester
• Electric airbag system: Alpride E2
• Left shoulder strap pocket for trigger handle
• Diagonal ski carry
• Removable ice axe/pole holder
• Detachable helmet holder
• Internal compartment for avalanche safety gear (shovel, probe)
• Inner pocket for valuables
• Removable leg harness
• Adjustable chest strap with hook closure
• Dimensions: 51 x 31 x 18 cm
• Weight: 780 g
• Weight including airbag system: 1920 g
• Certification: EN 16716 207 standard, category 2

Ortovox Avabag Litric Tour 28S: modular and versatile

The Ortovox Avabag Litric Tour 28S is a premium electric avalanche airbag pack designed for safety and versatility in the mountains. Its Zip-On system allows you to easily swap modules of various volumes depending on your outing while keeping the same airbag base. Lightweight and functional, it features a cartridge-free electric system rechargeable via USB, capable of two activations per charge. This model also stands out for its comprehensive equipment: ski carry, ice axe attachment, helmet holder, and dedicated compartments. Made from recycled materials and Climate Neutral certified, it combines performance, durability, and comfort. Available in two back lengths (Short and Regular), it adapts to every body shape, making it ideal for demanding freeriders as well as alpine tourers.

Specifications of the Ortovox Avabag Litric Tour 28S:

• Volume: 28 litres
• Short Back System: 36–44 cm (back length)
• Avabag Litric electric airbag system
• Material: 400D polyamide (77% recycled polyamide / 23% polyamide)
• D-Skifix diagonal ski carry
• Helmet holder
• Attachment for ice axe or poles
• Internal valuables pocket
• Hydration system compatible
• Hip belt and sternum strap
• Leg safety strap
• Water resistance: 2K
• Environment: PFC-free & Climate Neutral

Comparison Table of Avalanche Airbag Backpacks

Discover all our avalanche safety equipment brands

Explore leading brands of avalanche airbag backpacks for skiing and snowboarding such as BCA, Arva, Scott, Ortovox and Mammut, renowned for their reliability and performance in avalanche situations. These manufacturers offer high-performance models designed to meet the demands of freeride and backcountry use. To complete your safety gear, also consider the rest of your avalanche safety equipment: complete avalanche safety packs, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes, all essential for venturing safely into the mountains.