Anti-avalanche backpack: comparison of backpacks and airbag systems
Improving safety in the mountains has become one of the biggest challenges for the best brands in the world who manufacture specialised mountain clothing and accessories. Avalanche backpacks are one of the new inventions intended to increase the chances of survival of skiers in the event of being caught in an avalanche. Improvements are constant and there are more and more models of such backpacks. In addition, there are now a number of different airbag systems for anti-avalanche backpacks. Although the advantages of these backpacks are remarkable, common sense should never be overlooked.
Backpacks provide additional, but not total, security.
Always remember that avalanche-proof backpacks provide additional safety, but not total safety. Wearing one of these backpacks does not mean losing respect for the mountain. One must always be aware that many avalanches are often triggered by the skiers themselves. Experience is a key factor in avoiding risks. If you are a novice, an avalanche backpack is unlikely to save your life. In addition to the backpack, the following are also essential the shovel, the probe and the Arva. The rucksack is one more piece of security equipment.
Advantages and disadvantages of different airbag systems.
Thanks to technological advances, investments of millions of dollars, and the interest of the best brands, the anti-avalanche backpacks are having a positive evolution. There are currently eleven airbag systems for backpacks on the market. The following are these systems with their advantages and disadvantages.
ABS Solid Vario.
ABS is the oldest of all systems. The advantages of the Solid Vario system are as follows. On the one hand, the airbag can be activated by remote control. On the other hand, there is a large selection of sizes and models from different manufacturers. For example, ABS, Deuter and The North Face use this system in their backpacks. In addition, it is a compatible system for left-handed people. However, they have the disadvantages that they are a bit heavy, and have a rather high price. In addition, they do not provide security for the head and neck.
ABS P. Ride-system.
The biggest advantage of this system is that it offers very good neck, head, shoulder and chest protection. However, the areas where it needs improvement are its price, the difficulty of packing the airbags, and that it cannot be activated by remote control.
ABS Modulator.
This is a system used by The North Face brand in their backpacks. They are similar to the previous system, as they provide good protection for the upper parts of the body. However, it is not possible to remotely activate the airbag, and the price is a bit high for the features. In addition, these backpacks can be somewhat heavy.
RAS.
It is the second longest-lived airbag system. The positive thing about this system is that it can be found in a wide variety of backpacks. In addition, it is equipped with an airbag that is removable. However, it offers little head and neck protection and cannot be activated by remote control.
PAS.
In contrast to the previous system, this one offers good protection for the head, neck and shoulders. In addition, this system also offers the possibility to remove the airbag. Another advantage of this system is that it can be found in a wide variety of backpacks of different sizes. However, all these models share the fact that their price is slightly high for the features they offer.
Alpride.
This system is used for example by Scott, Millet, Ferrino and Vaude. It is the lightest and also the cheapest system. However, as it is cheaper, its performance is also a bit lower. For example, it cannot be activated by remote control. Moreover, this system is not compatible with any other backpack.
BCA system.
The main advantages of this system are that it is a fairly lightweight system, it has a fairly simple packaging system, and its cartridges are rechargeable. However, it does not offer great head protection, and remote activation of the airbag is not possible. Also, you will have problems travelling by plane with a full cartridge.
Jetforce.
The well-known brand Black Diamond uses this system. The advantages of this system are that it has a fairly simple balloon packaging, the battery can be charged quite quickly, and it provides a large volume of buoyancy. The disadvantages are that it is slightly heavy, remote activation is not possible, it is not compatible with other backpacks, and the price is quite high.
Reactor.
The Reactor system is usually used by the Arva brand. Among its advantages we can find that it is quite light, its cartridge is refillable, and the balloon packaging is simple. In addition, it is a fairly inexpensive system. However, this system offers little protection for the head and neck. In addition, remote activation is not possible with this system. As with other systems, a full cartridge can cause problems when taking a plane.
Voltaire-System.
This is the system used by the well-known Arc'teryx brand. It is a system that stands out for its lightness and its value for money. However, the protection it offers for the head may not be sufficient. It is also not possible to activate the system by remote control. In this case, full cartridges can also cause problems when boarding a plane.
Avabag-System.
It is a system that is very similar to the previous one in terms of its characteristics. It is a fairly inexpensive system, easy to transport and its cartridges are rechargeable. The other side of the coin is that it offers little protection for the head, and it is not possible to activate it with the remote control.
