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Airbag

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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
Hi,

I am looking for one of those backpacks you can wear which contain an airbag, that can be released in the case of an avalanche.

Anything you can tell me about it would be great suggestions for whatever models may be good or bad, companies which make them, etc. There is no price limit, I would just like to know as much about these as I need to.

Oh and this isn't for myself, I don't ski anywhere near enough to even consider this.

Thanks for any help!
Jan 20 2013 11:36AM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
You've got a number of different packs worth considering. Each have got their pros and cons, and I'll discuss those of notes.

The new BCA Float is considerably lighter and more improved for this season than previous years. In a volume of 32L is weighs 6lbs 6oz, and costs $550 + the $175 for the air cylinder.

The Wary Avipack, would be my personal choice, although one of the heaviest airbags out there at 6lbs 15oz it's got really good internal pockets and a back panel access which isn't a common airbag feature. I have heard that the diagonal ski strap isn't the best and is quite fidly. Cost - $829 @33L

New for this season, Snowpulse have brought out the snowpulse lite, which is by far and away the lightest airbag airbag on the market in 30L+ class at 5lbs. It features snowpulse's lifebag system, so the balloons surround the users head to prevent trauma during a slide.

This year The North Face have introduced the patrol 24 ABS. It's essentially the North Face's patrol 24 pack with an airbag provided by ABS. Being smaller in volume it's more for sidecountry or cat/heli days.

For me it would be between the Wary Avipack or the Snowpulse Lite 35. I hope this helps, if you got any more questions, feel free to pm me.

Joey
Jan 20 2013 11:50AM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
I bought the Float 32 on pro deal and it came last week. It's definitely an improvement over the older Float 36. The biggest plus for me is that the pack is very simple and well designed (2 big pouches, 2 small, 1 waist) and the bag system is removable so I can use it as a practical ski pack for VT backcountry without carrying around the extra couple pounds. I have not skied with it yet though; that'll happen this coming weekend.

The cylinder is easily refilled in a SCUBA or paintball shop with the right setup. It cost me 4 bucks.

I have not played with any other airbag packs so I can't say anything about them.
Jan 20 2013 12:22PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
Yep the simplicity is a big rave factor that comes back from a lot users, from what I can see.
Jan 20 2013 12:44PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Big water resistant pocket for layers/food/bladder/etc. Big 'wet' pocket for avi gear, skins, water bottle. I really like this separation; in my old Dakine Blade (my ski pack until last week hah), there was little pocket differentiation, so my skins got everything a little damp by the end of the day.
Jan 20 2013 12:58PM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,565
I've got the same problem with my BD Avalung pack
Jan 20 2013 1:02PM
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HWW
Posts: 3084 - Karma: 3,436
Thanks, that's great info. PM'd
Jan 20 2013 1:09PM
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