The best airbag backpacks

Top 10 best avalanche airbag backpacks

In the backcountry, whether freeriding or ski touring trips, safety equipment is no longer limited to the transceiver-shovel-probe trio: the airbag backpack is now an essential companion for improving skiers’ chances of staying on the surface in the event of an avalanche. Designed to inflate one or more air bags in a matter of seconds, it creates a volume that 'floats' on the snow, thereby helping to reduce burial depth. On this page, you will find a selection of the 10 best airbag backpack models (5 mechanical and 5 electric), covering different capacities, features and budgets, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Our selection of mechanical airbag backpacks

ARVA Explore 30 Switch

The Arva Explore 30 Switch combines versatility, comfort and safety for ski tourers and freeride enthusiasts. It features the Reactor 2.0 system, equipped with two 75 L air bags with ultra-fast deployment via Venturi technology, offering reliable and lightweight protection. Thanks to the Switch concept, the supplied 30 L module can be swapped for another capacity (24 or 40 L), depending on your needs. Its 330D recycled polyamide construction guarantees strength and durability, while the ventilated back panel and the 3D Fit system ensure optimum comfort. With its side or diagonal ski carry, snowboard carry, ice axe holder and safety compartment, it includes everything you need to move efficiently and confidently in the mountains.

Features of the Explorer 30 backpack:

• Capacity: 30 litres
• Main material: 330D polyamide (100% recycled)
• A-frame and diagonal ski carry
• Front snowboard carry
• Ice axe loops
• Helmet carrier included
• Zipped compartment for safety kit (shovel, probe)
• Top zipped pocket for goggles
• Quick-access zipped pocket at the base of the pack for skins/rope
• Ventilated foam back
• Switch system: lets you change the volume of your backpack
• 3D Fit technology: allows optimum adjustment of the pack
• Side compression straps
• Adjustable chest strap
• Adjustable hip belt with zipped storage pocket
• Back length: 40-50 cm
• Weight: 1300 g

Features of the Reactor 2.0 airbag system:

• Deployment: mechanical
• Airbag system volume in the pack: 2 litres
• 2 x 75-litre air bags
• Patented Venturi mechanical 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

The Arva Tour 28 UL is an airbag backpack designed for ski tourers who prioritise light weight and efficiency. At just 28 L, it strikes the right balance between compactness and capacity, making it ideal for day trips. It features the Arva Reactor 2.0 system, renowned for its fast, reliable deployment (cartridge sold separately). Built with a durable XPAC fabric and a breathable mesh back panel, it delivers ruggedness, comfort and excellent ventilation on the climb. Its fixed carry straps make transporting skis easier, while its minimalist design by Arva, the French avalanche safety specialist, makes it a high-performance, lightweight option for mountain enthusiasts.

Features of the Arva Tour 28 UL airbag backpack:

• Capacity: 28 litres
• Materials: recycled 210D Cordura, water-repellent X-PAC VX21
• Airbag system: Reactor 2.0
• A-frame and diagonal ski carry
• Accessory carry: ice axes, helmet (not included), etc.
• External compartment for safety kit (shovel, probe)
• Removable back system
• Adjustable waist 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.

ARVA Plume 30 UL

The Arva Plume 30 UL airbag pack is a benchmark for ski tourers and freeride enthusiasts seeking exceptional lightness and absolute safety. Built from the revolutionary, ultra-durable Allula Graflyte UHMWPE fabric, it features the Reactor 2.0 dual-airbag system, which can deploy in under three seconds to ensure optimal flotation. With its optimised 30-litre capacity, numerous dedicated storage spaces for avalanche safety equipment, and modular carrying options, this minimalist yet technical model brings together all the brand’s expertise to support the most demanding alpine outings without adding unnecessary weight on the ascent.

• Volume: 30 litres
• Material: Allula Graflyte UHMWPE (ultra-high-density polyethylene (78 g/m²))
• A-frame ski carry
• Removable diagonal ski carry
• Removable ice axe attachment
• Compatible with a helmet carrier (not included)
• Zipped compartment for safety kit (shovel, probe)
• Zipped pocket for valuables
• Large main compartment with front access
• Flask pocket
• Leg loop safety strap
• Adjustable waist belt and chest strap
• 3M repair patches included
• Weight: 430 g

• Deployment: mechanical
• Airbag system volume in the pack: 2 litres
• 2 x 75-litre airbags
• Patented Venturi mechanical inflation system
• Pressure: 300 bar
• Rapid inflation system: 3 seconds
• Weight: 650 g
• Weight with steel canister: 1140 g / carbon canister: 970 g (not included)

ARVA Ride 18 Switch

Designed for powder hounds and those who love wide-open terrain, the Arva Ride 18 Switch combines maximum safety with lightweight performance. Featuring Reactor 2.0 technology, the market’s lightest fully double-secured airbag system, it stays out of the way on the descent while delivering a superb close-to-body fit. Its real strength? The modular Switch system. Its airbag base is compatible with the full range of Arva Switch pockets: adjust the pack’s capacity to suit your outings, from 18L for a freeride session to over 30L for long ski touring days.

Features of the Arva Ride 18 Switch:

• Volume: 18 litres
• Composition: 300D recycled polyester + 150D recycled polyester
• Diagonal or A-frame ski carry
• Ice axe holder
• Helmet carrier
• External compartment dedicated to safety gear (shovel, probe)
• Goggle pocket
• Main compartment access via top zip
• Compatible with hydration systems (not included)
• Thermoformed back panel
• 3-in-1 3D Fit adjustment system
• Soft shoulder straps
• Ambidextrous trigger handle attachment
• Adjustable ambidextrous leg loop strap
• Adjustable chest strap with whistle
• Removable and adjustable waist belt with zipped pocket
• Dimensions: 50 x 30 x 15 cm
• Back length: 40 to 50 m
• Weight: 1240 g

Features of the Reactor 2.0 airbag system:

• Deployment: mechanical
• Airbag system volume in the pack: 2 litres
• 2 x 75L airbags
• Patented Venturi mechanical inflation system
• Pressure: 300 bar
• Rapid inflation system: 3 seconds
• Weight: 650 g
• Weight with steel canister: 1140 g / carbon canister: 970 g (not included)

ARVA Ride 24 Switch

Designed for day-long freeride and powder missions, the Arva Ride 24 Switch airbag backpack combines safety, light weight and eco-conscious design in 100% recycled fabric. Fitted with the responsive Reactor 2.0 airbag system (canister not included) and a practical 24L capacity, it carries all the essentials: quick-access safety compartment, ski/snowboard carry, helmet/ice axe holder and hydration compatibility. Its biggest advantage lies in its Switch modularity, which makes it easy to swap the 24L volume for an 18L module on the same back-and-airbag base to tailor it perfectly to every outing.

• Volume: 24 litres
• Materials: 300D recycled polyester, 150D recycled polyester
• Airbag system: Reactor 2.0
• Left/right trigger handle attachments
• Protective sleeve for the handle
• A-frame and diagonal ski carry
• Snowboard carry
• Accessory holder: helmet, ice axes, etc.
• External compartment for safety equipment (shovel, probe)
• Large pocket for goggles/sunglasses
• Compatible with hydration systems
• 3-in-1 3D Fit adjustment system
• Removable waist belt
• Soft, lightweight shoulder straps
• Switch system: modular pack volume system
• Back length: 40-50 cm
• Weight: 985 g

Our selection of electric airbag packs

Scott Pack Patrol E2 38 Kit

The Scott Pack Patrol E2 38 Kit is a spacious, technical electric airbag pack, ideal for freeride sessions or freetouring outings. It features the Alpride E2 system, a compact, interchangeable electric airbag compliant with the EN 16716:2017 standard, guaranteeing fast, reliable deployment even in severe cold. Its 38-litre capacity offers excellent carrying ability, with A-frame and diagonal ski carry, snowboard carry, ice axe holder, removable helmet carrier and a dedicated safety compartment. Comfort is ensured by the bSpine Evo back system, adjustable shoulder straps and the adjustable hip belt. Built from tough polyester, it combines lightness, stability and safety, meeting the needs of the most demanding mountaineers.

Features of the Scott Pack Patrol E2 38 Kit:

• Capacity: 38 litres
• Outer fabric and lining: 100% polyester
• Diagonal and A-frame ski carry
• Snowboard carry
• Accessory holder: ice axes, poles, etc.
• Removable helmet carrier
• Storage pocket for safety equipment (shovel, probe)
• Zipped inner pockets for valuables
• Back system: bSpine Evo
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Side compression straps
• Adjustable chest strap with safety whistle
• Adjustable hip belt with quick-release buckle
• Safety leg loop
• Dimensions: 65 x 32 x 21 cm
• Weight: 1620 g

Features of the Alpride E2 airbag system:

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

Scott Pack Patrol E2 30L Kit

The Scott Patrol E2 30L airbag pack is the ultimate ally for freeride: it integrates the ultra-fast, gas-catridge-free Alpride E2 electronic system, which makes the pack lighter, simplifies USB recharging and makes travel far easier. Designed for the mountains, it features a dedicated compartment for safety kit (shovel, probe), a goggle pocket, a ski carry system (A-frame or diagonal) and a pre-formed hip belt that guarantees impeccable comfort and support on the descent.

• Capacity 30L
• Outer fabric and lining: 100% polyester (Cordura)
• Removable diagonal and A-frame ski carry
• Snowboard carry
• Accessory holder: ice axes, poles, etc.
• Removable helmet carrier
• Storage pocket for safety equipment (shovel, probe)
• Dedicated ski goggle compartment
• Zipped inner pockets for valuables
• Back system: bSpine Evo
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Side compression straps
• Adjustable chest strap with safety whistle
• Adjustable hip belt with quick-release buckle
• Safety leg loop
• Dimensions: 60 x 30 x 25 cm
• Weight: 1690 g.

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

Scott Pack Patrol Ultralight E2 25 Kit

The Scott Pack Patrol Ultralight E2 25 Kit is a compact, ultra-light electric airbag pack designed for safety in the mountains. Its Dyneema fabric, both tough and minimalist, ensures excellent durability without adding unnecessary weight. It features the Alpride E2 electric system, a benchmark technology offering reliable, reusable protection without a canister. In terms of practicality, it includes a diagonal ski carry, a detachable ice axe/pole holder, a removable helmet carrier and a safety compartment for a shovel and probe. Its ergonomic design includes a removable leg loop and an adjustable chest strap, ensuring support and comfort. Ideal for freeriders and ski tourers looking for performance, lightness and efficiency.

Features of the Scott Patrol Ultralight E2 25 Kit:

• Capacity: 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 deployment handle
• Diagonal ski carry
• Removable ice axe/pole holder
• Removable helmet carrier
• Internal compartment for safety equipment (shovel, probe)
• Inner pocket for valuables
• Removable leg loop
• Adjustable chest strap with hook fastening
• Dimensions: 51 x 31 x 18 cm
• Weight: 780 g
• Weight with airbag system: 1920 g
• Certification: EN 16716 207 standard, category 2

Mammut Haldigrat 30 E2

The Mammut Haldigrat 30 E2 is a technical 30-litre pack designed for demanding ascents and committed descents in freeride or ski touring. It features the ultra-reliable Alpride E2 electronic airbag system, which is cold-resistant and approved for air travel. Ergonomic and highly practical, it provides rapid access to kit thanks to its full suitcase-style opening, rear panel access and dedicated front pocket for avalanche safety equipment. Its U-shaped frame and hip belt ensure excellent load transfer and complete freedom of movement in the mountains.

BCA Float E2 25L

Designed for freeride, the BCA Float E2 25L airbag backpack combines safety and practicality with its compact, ultra-responsive Alpride E2 system for avalanche situations. It includes back protection against impacts, a dedicated compartment for safety kit (shovel, probe), as well as quick side access so you can grab your belongings without taking the pack off. Fitted with straps for carrying skis or a snowboard, it offers maximum comfort over long days thanks to its ventilated back panel and padded shoulder straps.

• Materials: PU coated nylon 420d rip-stop, PU coated nylon 210d doubled rip-stop, Lining - 100d Robic Dynatec WR Pux2
• Side Stash pocket
• Stash zip
• Back protection
• Curved side-entry zip
• Removable ski/snowboard/compression straps
• Hip belt pocket
• Ventilated back panel
• Pocket for safety equipment
• Bag + E2 system: 2662 g
• Without E2 system: 1521 g
• Volume: 25 litres

Comparison table of airbag backpacks

Browse all the safety equipment brands

Discover leading airbag backpack brands for skiing and snowboarding such as BCA, Arva, Scott, Ortovox and Mammut, renowned for their reliability and effectiveness in avalanche situations. These manufacturers offer high-performance models suited to the demands of freeride and off-piste skiing. To complete your kit, also consider the rest of your avalanche safety gear: complete avalanche safety sets, avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes, essential for moving through the mountains with peace of mind.