Member of the Month

hi_vis360
November, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Airbag packs

profile picture
gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
I'm heavily considering the bca float 22 for this season, what are your guys' thoughts on it or other airbag packs you've used
Aug 30 2016 1:15PM
3 0
profile picture
loopie
Posts: 142 - Karma: 152
Well they can help. There isn't really a definitive answer to them. Having all the available tools to survive an avalanche while caught in one is invaluable. In my opinion it's not a necessary tool, but a great option to have.

It's hard, if not impossible, to put a number on how much they really help. They will help you survive in a specific scenario, but not all avalanche scenarios.

Up to you really. A somewhat similar scenario to digging a pit before you drop in on a run. Yes, it can help to get the beta, but yes you could also drop in and get away with the slope not failing.
Sep 3 2016 11:11PM
0 0
profile picture
snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,525
I've tried most of them and they all work as long as you know how to use them. Practice is the key thing. My only comment would be that a 22 is small for a true touring pack. Think about how long and what gear you will be taking and what you might need, plus all your safety gear. Another thought is if you fly on your ski travels ya might look into the Jet force, no need to blow canisters and refill. If you arnt flying that much float is a great choice.
Sep 5 2016 2:13PM
1 0
profile picture
methscratchface
Posts: 1204 - Karma: 4,445
im sure they are great but all I can think of is texans with 6 gopros in the jackson tramline.
Sep 6 2016 9:52PM
1 0
profile picture
BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
The 22 is more of a sidecountry or cat/heli pack, but it's great for that. The BCA Float 27 Tech ($299 on Backcountry) is significantly better for day tours, and it seems like the extra 5L of volume really makes a big difference. However it's not much larger on your back. I packed all the same stuff from my 22 into my 27, and I have extra room for lunch, layers, and more. Plus daisy chains on the back to loop up more stuff if needed.

It feels only slightly larger on my back. I find BCA float airbags to ski exceptionally well for what they are. I have an armada/black diamond avalung bag, that is smaller in size, but doesn't ride nearly as well as the heavier BCA floats.. BCA has their ergonomics down, I am tall and I like it, and I've seen shorter guys like them just as much.
Sep 7 2016 1:11AM
1 0
profile picture
Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
Pretty dang hyped on the new Mammut lightweight options. Might finally be the winter where I pick up an airbag.
Sep 8 2016 1:36AM
0 0
profile picture
BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
LiteraturePretty dang hyped on the new Mammut lightweight options. Might finally be the winter where I pick up an airbag.


I want one of those A-Frame style packs you walk around with..
Sep 8 2016 6:38PM
0 0
profile picture
Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,085
DirtyDruidI want one of those A-Frame style packs you walk around with..


By that you mean the A-frame ski carry packs? Most dedicated backcountry bags have that option.

They do make a huge difference carrying skis+boots for a long time. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Osprey Variant 37, because I can also carry both skis on one side to make it really narrow in profile.
Sep 8 2016 7:34PM
0 0
profile picture
Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
They are another tool in your tool box. I would never ski/sled without one. If you can afford it, its a no brainer. Aside from the cost, I don't see any real downsides to them.

I base this on my personal experience.

I was caught in a slide, my friend was only meters away from me. I had an airbag that deployed, he did not. I stayed on the surface (hand above surface, easily located and extracted). My friend was further down the slope buried at least 3 meters deep. Due to the unusual depth of the burial, we were unable to successfully rescue/resuscitate him.

Would an airbag have saved him? I don't know. But I am confident that my pack saved my life.
Oct 16 2016 4:08AM
1 0
profile picture
HaydenWrong
Posts: 986 - Karma: 2,165
I have the float 22 would recommend it have had mine for two seasons haven't had to use it thankfully
Oct 19 2016 2:53PM
0 0
profile picture
mtbakerpow
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 927
Arcteryx voltair
Nov 6 2016 10:45AM
0 0
profile picture
Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
mtbakerpowArcteryx voltair


I am going to keep an eye on these types of packs. There is a lot of potential for them, due to weight, space. But the battery blower idea still sketches me out, more pieces in the system to fuck up. Even with just a compressed air can, things can still malfunction.... Second Gen any thing is probably a better idea :)
Nov 6 2016 7:23PM
0 0
profile picture
snomaster
Posts: 3346 - Karma: 5,771
mummut ride pro
https://www.mammut.ch/US/en_US/B2C-Kategorie/Skiing-Boarding/Pro-Removable-Airbag-3-0/p/2610-01270-0001

this is just a great pack. had it for one full season.

-i think BCA are cheaply constructed
-ABS are expensive to refill
-black diamond's fan system could be okay, but a battery will never be as reliable as gas
Nov 30 2016 5:18PM
0 0
profile picture
Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
If you can afford one of the PAS or Rocker protection airbags, I would highly recommend it.

They offer an additional level of head and neck protection when deployed, so in theory they should protect you from some traumas during an incident... and trauma can be just as significance of a factor as suffocation.
Dec 3 2016 2:17PM
0 0
profile picture
soup
Posts: 6345 - Karma: 4,442
Hugh_Conway_jrI am going to keep an eye on these types of packs. There is a lot of potential for them, due to weight, space. But the battery blower idea still sketches me out, more pieces in the system to fuck up. Even with just a compressed air can, things can still malfunction.... Second Gen any thing is probably a better idea :)


exact same boat as you. was super hyped on the jetforce when it came out, obviously the arcteryx version will be quite refined, but im tired of being a guinea pig for products in the skiing industry. wait until they work out the kinks and then drop in but that style is for sure what I would be after.
Dec 4 2016 10:01PM
0 0
profile picture
Casey
Posts: 7875 - Karma: 24,674
I have a float 22, it's no nonsense on space. But for day trips you have all the essentials, a little room for lunch or extra layer or whatever, small pocket up top for little camera or keys etc, little stash pocket on the belt strap, and the external helmet holder thing is nice to have, before I had that I never bothered bringing my helmet out touring.
Dec 13 2016 12:54AM
0 0
profile picture
Zennan
Posts: 222 - Karma: 165
What do you guys think. How worth it was it for you guys to buy the airbag packs. I currently have just a regular osprey pack but have been considering buying the bca float or something similar, just not sure how worth it the packs are? Do they actually work as well as they claim to?
Jan 20 2017 8:47PM
0 0
profile picture
Casey
Posts: 7875 - Karma: 24,674
ZennanWhat do you guys think. How worth it was it for you guys to buy the airbag packs. I currently have just a regular osprey pack but have been considering buying the bca float or something similar, just not sure how worth it the packs are? Do they actually work as well as they claim to?


Well as far as I haven't ever had it save me in a slide it hasn't been worth it. But by that logic my seatbelt is a waste of money too because I haven't been in a bad car accident. The evidence that it's going to actually save you when you would have otherwise died is pretty thin, but you never know. I've been partially buried in an avalanche that made me wish I had one, and it scared me pretty badly, so I got one.
Jan 20 2017 9:13PM
1 0
profile picture
Zennan
Posts: 222 - Karma: 165
CaseyWell as far as I haven't ever had it save me in a slide it hasn't been worth it. But by that logic my seatbelt is a waste of money too because I haven't been in a bad car accident. The evidence that it's going to actually save you when you would have otherwise died is pretty thin, but you never know. I've been partially buried in an avalanche that made me wish I had one, and it scared me pretty badly, so I got one.


Ok ya understandable! I don't think I would want to wait until I wish I had one to get it... then for sure it would be useless because I don't have it hahah. Thanks for the input Casey!
Jan 21 2017 12:53PM
0 0
profile picture
Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
I was involved in an accident a few years ago. I was only meters away from my partner, I had an airbag pack that deployed, he did not. I remained close to the surface (hand poking through) and was recovered almost immediately by the other members of our group. My friend was carried much further down the slope, and buried nearly 3m deep. We were not able to successfully rescue him in time, largely because he was buried so deep.

IMO, my by bag saved my life.

The bag is well worth the weight and cost. Longer probes are always better than shorter probes , always use alkaline batteries in your transceiver.

stay safe bros.
Jan 24 2017 11:54AM
4 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,526
The mammut ones look pretty sick. I found a good deal on a mammut protection pack but I might scoop a BCA float off CL that's nearby.

Haven't ever owned a bag but think it's time to upgrade.
Dec 16 2017 4:53AM
0 0
profile picture
profa_212
Posts: 8949 - Karma: 36,479
theabortionatorThe mammut ones look pretty sick. I found a good deal on a mammut protection pack but I might scoop a BCA float off CL that's nearby.

Haven't ever owned a bag but think it's time to upgrade.


go mammut RAS. You dont have to spend another 600 to get a bigger or smaller bag when you decide you want one. You can just simply buy one of the many compatible packs for like 100ish and swap over the airbag.
Dec 16 2017 9:38PM
1 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,526
Profahoben_212go mammut RAS. You dont have to spend another 600 to get a bigger or smaller bag when you decide you want one. You can just simply buy one of the many compatible packs for like 100ish and swap over the airbag.


True i saw those. I think im gonna grab this 35L mammut protection off cl. Dude seems cool and 400 with a cylinder is a solid deal.

In a budget. I know "spending money on safety is good" but its between getting one on a budget or not.

Just bought a new split, new binders, and havent listed my old setup yet. Also buying a t3 beacon and if I buy this bag, Ill have gotten some good deals but still dropped $$$$$$$$$$$.

I figure if I ever get a different bag, this should be an easy sell.
Dec 17 2017 2:13AM
0 0
profile picture
profa_212
Posts: 8949 - Karma: 36,479
theabortionatorTrue i saw those. I think im gonna grab this 35L mammut protection off cl. Dude seems cool and 400 with a cylinder is a solid deal.

In a budget. I know "spending money on safety is good" but its between getting one on a budget or not.

Just bought a new split, new binders, and havent listed my old setup yet. Also buying a t3 beacon and if I buy this bag, Ill have gotten some good deals but still dropped $$$$$$$$$$$.

I figure if I ever get a different bag, this should be an easy sell.


Very true. Good stuff. What split did you get?

Hmu if you wanna tour sometime dude!
Dec 17 2017 2:15AM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,526
Profahoben_212Very true. Good stuff. What split did you get?

Hmu if you wanna tour sometime dude!



Just a K2 Ultra. Was curious to try is as I just got back on a K2 park board again. I got a hell of a deal on it too. Scoured the internet for a while but found it on the cheap in a wide.

That was my problem. Found shit tons of deals but not many wide boards out there.

Stoked to try it out though. My old setup is a boat. I got it for cheap because poverty, and it works but down to have something lighter going up and a better ride on the decent. Grabbed some new spark r and d binders as well.

Old setup was too big, weighed too much, was rocking beater burton missions. Whatever though. $400 of CL to get into the sport.


Where are you living?
Dec 17 2017 3:29AM
0 0
profile picture
profa_212
Posts: 8949 - Karma: 36,479
theabortionatorJust a K2 Ultra. Was curious to try is as I just got back on a K2 park board again. I got a hell of a deal on it too. Scoured the internet for a while but found it on the cheap in a wide.

That was my problem. Found shit tons of deals but not many wide boards out there.

Stoked to try it out though. My old setup is a boat. I got it for cheap because poverty, and it works but down to have something lighter going up and a better ride on the decent. Grabbed some new spark r and d binders as well.

Old setup was too big, weighed too much, was rocking beater burton missions. Whatever though. $400 of CL to get into the sport.


Where are you living?


Fuck Yeah! I know a lot of dudes that like the ultra! Our old freeride captain rocked one up until he got paid by Jones to like theirs. Super solid board. My roommate is probably gunna pick one up here soon

I'm down in reno right next to unr!
Dec 17 2017 3:33AM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,526
Profahoben_212Fuck Yeah! I know a lot of dudes that like the ultra! Our old freeride captain rocked one up until he got paid by Jones to like theirs. Super solid board. My roommate is probably gunna pick one up here soon

I'm down in reno right next to unr!


Word, I hear a lot of great things about Jones boards. I almost bought one a couple times but missed out on deals. Finding a deal on them that's good and getting them in wide was a problem. Got a board, binders, skins, and pucks for less than $80 more than just a Jones Solution would have cost me.

If your friend rocks a 165 wide or 159 normal there's a canadian site with them on the cheap.

Word. Def should link up at some point. New to the area. Haven't even really looked into much since we haven't really had the snow yet.
Dec 17 2017 3:40AM
0 0
profile picture
PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,989
They work off the Brazil nut theory.

When you go to a bar, and there are nuts, which ones are always at the top? The biggest ones.Those gigantic brazil nuts that nobody wants are always at the top, because the smaller nuts can fit through and sink to the bottom. You dont want to sink the the bottom. You want to be a nasty brazil nut. An Airbag pack that deploys will make you a bigger nut, and you will float to the top slightly better, rather than being buried under 10 feet of snow and drowning.

Oh, and it also creates a cushion to help prevent blunt force trauma if you end up in some trees or rocks or other hard things you dont want to be caught between.

Absolutely get one if you can. Think of it as a backcountry seatbelt. It has the potential to save your life (but plenty people still die even if theyre wearing a seatbelt, so go thinking you're an unsinkable ship and aim for icebergs at full speed)

Stay away from ABS and Arva if you want to fly and Scott if you want to be able to find canisters.

BCA's are fine, Mammuts are great, and lightweight. BD's and Arcteryx are fuckin sweet, especially for longer trips (4 deployments per charge? yasplz) but they also cost a lot more, and the Jetforce bags do not have very much internal space because of how the system wraps around the edge of the bag (not sure on the voltair because they havent sent them to our shop yet, but fuckin damnit, its arcteryx so its going to be the best but also SO expensive)
Dec 21 2017 9:09PM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,526
Well I either avoided getting scammed by asking for reasonable things or was just dealing with somebody who sucked.

Back in the market. That said I might go this season without. Not in the budget to pay full priced for something new this season.
Dec 22 2017 1:30AM
0 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,526
So kind of stoked now about the bag from CL falling through. Ended up finding out I could get a sick deal on a mammut bag. Unfortunately they're out of cylinders so I'll probably have to pay full price.

I ordered the pro protection 35L Still have yet to order a cylinder. Anybody selling one? I'll probably just grab one from evo. But the bags gonna take a while to ship so Im holding out for a deal.

It's tough to drop that much money after I just bought a whole new setup but it's worth it. I hope I never have a reason to use it. But it's worth having.

**This post was edited on Dec 24th 2017 at 5:56:03am

**This post was edited on Dec 24th 2017 at 7:18:54am
Dec 24 2017 5:49AM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)