Login
Stores
Cart
An avalanche airbag backpack—often also referred to as an avalanche backpack, airbag backpack, or internationally as an “avalanche airbag”—can be a lifesaver in dangerous situations. In the event of an avalanche, a large airbag is activated by pulling a release handle and fills with air within seconds. This significantly increases the volume of your body, which in turn raises your chances of staying on or near the surface. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember: an avalanche airbag does not provide 100% safety and is only one component in a comprehensive avalanche equipment setup, as well as solid knowledge of avalanche awareness and risk management in the backcountry.
In this updated article, you’ll learn everything about how modern avalanche airbags generally work, the various systems (from cartridge to electronic system), and what you should pay attention to when buying, maintaining, and transporting them to increase your avalanche safety—whether you’re looking for freeride gear or ski touring gear.
1. The General Operating Principle of Avalanche Airbags
1.1 Physical Principles
The core of an avalanche airbag backpack is its airbag. In an avalanche, the so-called “inverse segregation” or “Brazil nut effect” occurs: larger objects are more likely to move to the surface, while smaller ones end up further down. If you deploy the airbag in an emergency, it quickly fills with air or gas and significantly increases your volume. Theoretically, this improves the likelihood of staying on top and not being buried deep.
1.2 How It Works in Detail
- Recognizing the Danger: If you are caught in an avalanche or notice a slab breaking loose, you immediately pull the release handle on your airbag backpack.
- Inflation of the Airbag: A mechanical (cartridge) or electronic (battery/compressor) mechanism releases a large volume of air into the airbag.
- Increased Volume: Within seconds, your body volume expands considerably, which increases buoyancy in the moving snow.
- Reduced Burial Risk: Due to this increased buoyancy and the turbulent motion of the avalanche, there’s a chance you’ll stay closer to the surface.
Important: This effect only works while the avalanche is in motion. Once it comes to a stop, the airbag no longer provides absolute protection against partial or complete burial. That’s why cautious tour planning and risk minimization in the backcountry are essential in avalanche conditions.
2. Construction and Main Systems of Avalanche Backpacks
2.1 Cartridge Systems
With these systems, a gas (compressed air or nitrogen) is stored in a cartridge. When you pull the release handle, the canister is punctured, and the gas flows into the airbag. Some systems also use the so-called Venturi effect, in which ambient air is drawn in to speed up inflation.
-
- Pioneer and inventor of modern avalanche airbags, known for the TwinBag system with two separate airbags.
- Newer product lines like P.RIDE offer improved ergonomics and sometimes partner activation features.
-
- The Removable Airbag System (RAS) 3.0 can be taken out of the backpack and placed into compatible models.
- Very popular and found in many ski touring setups. Easy to maintain and refill.
-
- A particularly lightweight and compact cartridge system.
- Available in different backpack sizes (e.g., 22 L, 30 L).
-
- Dual-chamber system (Reactor) for redundancy in case one chamber is damaged.
- Newer models like the “Reactor Flex” system allow for modular adjustment of the backpack volume.
Advantages and Disadvantages of cartridge systems
- Advantages: Robust, tried-and-tested technology, generally cheaper to purchase.
- Disadvantages: Only one deployment per canister, airline travel requires prior notification, less flexibility for practice deployments.
2.2 Electronic Systems (Battery/Supercapacitor)
Electronic avalanche backpacks don’t rely on gas cartridges but use a blower (compressor or fan) powered by batteries or supercapacitors.
-
- One of the first electronic systems on the market.
- Multiple deployments per tour possible (assuming sufficient battery charge).
- Higher purchase cost, but very practical features.
-
- Uses supercapacitors that are resistant to cold.
- Very fast charging times, efficient weight optimization with the E2 generation.
- You can find this system, for example, in Scott Patrol, BCA Float and Deuter Alproof avalanche backpacks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Systems
- Advantages: Multiple deployments per tour, no cartridge needed, simple air travel, perfect for training.
- Disadvantages: Higher initial costs, regular charging required, weight can be slightly higher depending on the model.
- Caution! Possible interference with the avalanche transceiver, depending on the manufacturer/model and software version of the electric airbag. It is therefore essential to observe the 20/50 rule: keep a distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) when transmitting and 50 cm (20 inches) when searching between the airbag and the avalanche transceiver. Everything you need to know can be found in the article ‘Sources of interference during avalanche rescue’ (German only) on bergundsteigen.com!
This is how the Alpride system works, explained by Deuter:
3. Buying Guide: Which Airbag Backpack Is Right for Me?
Choosing between a cartridge system and an electronic airbag depends on the following factors:
- Intended Use: Longer tours and frequent training favor an electronic system (e.g., JetForce technology). Simpler and shorter excursions may be sufficiently served by cartridge systems.
- Budget: Cartridge systems are often more affordable than high-end electronics.
- Travel Habits: Electronic systems are usually easier to handle on flights because there’s no pressurized container.
Flexibility with Zip-On Systems
Another aspect that might influence your decision: Some manufacturers, such as Ortovox, offer a zip-on system with their avalanche backpacks. This allows you to increase or decrease pack volume as needed. It’s especially handy if you do both day trips and multi-day tours and therefore need a flexible avalanche backpack.
Back length
To ensure that the rucksack fits perfectly, many manufacturers either offer models where you can adjust the back length, or there are different versions of rucksacks with short or standard/long back straps. Our staff will be happy to advise you in the shops and you can filter by back length in the online shop to find the right model for you.
→ Information from Ortovox on the right back length
→ Information from Deuter on the right back length
4. Avalanche Danger and Risk Reduction in the Backcountry
Even the best avalanche airbag backpack is only one component of your avalanche gear.
- Plan your tours carefully and read the avalanche bulletin.
- Watch for warning signs (e.g., wind slabs, cracks in the snowpack, settling noises).
- Learn how to use your avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, and always have them with you.
Avalanche safety also means recognizing and avoiding potential hazards as early as possible.
5. Care, Maintenance, and Training
- Regular Checks
-
- Inspect cartridge, seals, valves, and release handles for cartridge systems.
- For electronic systems, check battery status and possible software updates.
- Test Deployments
-
- At least once at the start of each season to familiarize yourself with the mechanism.
- With electronic systems, you can practice more often without having to replace cartridge.
- Repacking the Airbag
-
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when folding it so the airbag deploys without issues in an emergency.
- Check the cartridge (pressure, weight, seal) or battery charge for electronic systems.
- Storage
-
- Keep the backpack in a dry, clean place.
- Avoid deep discharge of batteries (observe manufacturer recommendations).
6. Transportation and Travel Regulations
- Cartridge Systems
-
- Often must be registered and approved by the airline (IATA regulations).
- Some airlines require safety data sheets or official approvals in advance.
- Electronic Systems
-
- No pressurized container => batteries/supercapacitors are treated as normal electronic devices.
- Pay attention to airline watt-hour (Wh) limits; usually carried in hand luggage.
7. Personal Advice at Sport Conrad
As an outdoor and ski retailer with years of experience, we at Sport Conrad are happy to advise you on choosing the right avalanche backpack—whether cartridge-based or electronic technology. In our three stores in Wielenbach, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Penzberg, you can make use of our expert knowledge on site, check out different models, and even perform test deployments. This gives you a direct feel for how the airbag behaves in an emergency and what matters when packing it.
Of course, you will also find a wide selection of freeride gear, ski touring gear, and everything else you need for avalanche safety in our online shop. Our team is here for you both online and in person, offering help and advice.
8. Conclusion
An avalanche airbag backpack—whether cartridge or electronic—can provide crucial additional safety in an emergency. However, it never replaces careful tour planning, accurate assessment of avalanche danger, and a complete avalanche rescue kit with transceiver, probe, and shovel.
- ABS backpack, Mammut avalanche airbag, Ortovox avalanche airbag, or Alpride E2 – choose the system that best fits your needs and budget.
- Practice regularly with your equipment and deepen your knowledge in avalanche courses.
- Benefit from our advice at Sport Conrad: In Wielenbach, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and Penzberg as well as in our online shop, we’ll guide you step by step to the right airbag backpack and show you everything you need to know to travel safely.
Stay safe and enjoy the winter—with the right preparation and gear!
Do you love snow sports off the beaten track?
→ Ski touring guide – The right skis for your tour