Best Avalanche Airbags
Anyone who goes backcountry skiing should know this: After one hour, only 1 in 3 victims who are buried in an avalanche survive. All backcountry skiers should get avalanche training and carry safety gear (probe, shovel, beacon) and know how to use them. And we recommend an extra bit of insurance: an airbag backpack that you can deploy to help avoid getting buried in the first place. Here are two great options that save money and weight.
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Top Choice
BCA Float 22 Avalanche Airbag 2.0 Backpack
Light and affordable. This airbag backpack is perfect for a full day in the backcountry. Get it here.
What We Liked:
The BCA Float 22 is durable, compact and perfect for a day in the backcountry. This bag has multiple storage units for everything you need. You can store all your safety gear and still have room for your lunch, layers, water, skins, and radio. Avy gear is fast to access in the dedicated compartment. The canister system is easy to refill, with locations all over the world. The pack is light for this category and price and it doesn’t impede your movement. The straps and waist belt are adjustable so you can be sure that the pack will fit comfortably. Carry skis diagonally or a snowboard vertically. The Float 2.0 cylinder is sold separately.
Honorable Mention
Backcountry Access Float 27 Speed 2.0 Avalanche Airbag
Perfect for day trips. The 27-liter volume and 5.7-lbs weight is ideal for a day in the backcountry. Buy it today.
What We Liked:
The BCA Float 27 Speed pack is made for getting high up in the alpine and spending long days on the slopes. It allows for diagonal ski carry with versatile loops on the front for your ice tools or any extra gear you want to carry with you. The Float 2.0 system is smaller and lighter than previous systems. This frees up more space in your pack for all the things you need on a big day. And on days when you don’t feel like you need the insurance, the entire airbag system is removable. The dual-zippered shoulder sleeves safely store your BC radio, hydration pack hose, and airbag trigger when not in use. Note: The Float 2.0 air cylinder doesn’t come with the pack and the pack isn’t compatible with the former 1.0 airbag system.
