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Bluebird, fresh snow and a untracked clean face – freeriding and ski touring offer freedom and creativity. Rough, gritty and rocky mountain sceneries are transformed into dreamlike playgrounds for skis and snowboards in winter and with a certain amount of snow.
The fun and fascination of skiing off piste leads to an enormous growth and enjoys great popularity, but involves considerable risks. To minimize these risks, avalanche protection equipment consisting of detection devices, shovels and probes as well as airbag backpacks are an essential part of the equipment.
With this blog, we’ll give you an idea of how airbag systems are working and the differences between them.
Index:
The Brazil Nut Effect: How an Airbag System Works
Cartridge, battery, or supercapacitor with the electric compressor?
Airbag systems in detail:
Reactor – Avalanche airbag system from Arva
JetForce – Black Diamond and Pieps
ABS – Avalanche Balloon Secutem
P.A.S & R.A.S – Mammut
Avabag – Ortovox
Litric – Ortovox und Arcteryx
Alpride – Scott, Backcountry Access, Deuter
The Brazil Nut Effect: How an Airbag System Works
The function of the avalanche backpack can be explained by the so-called brazil nut effect: Large-volume objects with low density generate an uplift in the surrounding area of small objects with high density. In this way, an airbag also generates a large volume of low density when deployed, which provides flotation in an avalanche. “The effectiveness of avalanche airbags” a 2014 study shows that an avalanche backpack increases the chance of survival by 11 percent when deployed in an optimal state. The probability of being critically buried is 47 percent without an airbag and 20 percent with an airbag.
Avalanche backpacks are therefore “only” an additional risk reduction and not an absolute guarantee against burials. Airbag systems extend the basic equipment of the locator. Shovel and probe should in no case be used only in a single use. In addition to all avalanche equipment, helmets, and protectors are considered essential components of safe equipment. In addition, airbag systems do not replace terrain knowledge, understanding of weather and snow conditions, or a group’s rescue efficiency.
Avalanche backpacks can be used for various types of skiing, touring, and split boarding. Likewise for freeride, off-piste, high alpine, helicopter or cat tours, one-day or multi-day tours. Depending on what you plan to do, you should choose the right backpack with suitable storage space and system.
If you are not sure what equipment you should always have with you, then check out our guide on the topic: How to choose the right Avalanche-Safety Equipment. There you will find all the important information!
Cartridge, battery, or supercapacitor with the electric compressor?
Indeed, when we first read “supercapacitor”, we also first thought of Back to the Future. Just as there are various manufacturers in the avalanche backpack segment, there are also various airbag systems, which not only differ in weight and price level but also have significant differences in terms of construction. In the following chapters, we will go into detail on the system level, from the air chamber to the deployment handle.
Basically, an airbag system describes only the actual release unit with handle, linkage, cartridge, or battery with fan and airbag. These systems are not all based on a brand level but are installed across the board, such as the Avabag LiTRIC airbag system at Ortovox as well as Arcteryx. Or the Alpride system at Scott and Backcountry Access. Decisive on the right choice is the area of use and the residual pack volume in the backpack, as well as the possibility of using zip-ons.
Cartridge-based airbag systems have been used since the very beginning. The airbag is inflated by opening or piercing a cartridge filled with compressed air or gas. In blower-based systems, the airbag is inflated by a high-speed compressor powered by batteries, an accumulator unit, or supercapacitors. The actuation units used range from pyrotechnic to simple Bowden actuators. All systems are checked and tested under extreme conditions so that their function is guaranteed in an emergency.
Electronically operated systems have significant advantages in ease of use, maintenance, and testing due to airbag filling. No cartridge needs to be changed or refilled after a deployment. This makes the functional check of the system and the condition of the airbag quick and easy. However, this added value results in a significant price difference compared to cartridge airbag systems.
Another advantage of electric systems is that they can be transported by air without restriction. Gas pressure systems are subject to strict safety regulations. To help you with this topic, we have dedicated an entire blog post to transporting avalanche backpacks by air. There you will find all the information and documents you need to transport your avalanche safety equipment without any problems.
For the inspection of both systems, a sharp release should always be made before the start of the season, so that possible cracks or faults in the system can be found. Further information, maintenance, and hazard warnings can be found in the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Airbag systems in detail:
Reactor- Avalanche Airbag System from Arva
Arva avalanche backpacks are equipped with the Reactor System, a 2-chamber system developed by Arva. This compact system consists of a double airbag with a 2 x 75-liter volume and a dual inflation system and comes to a total weight of about 680 grams.
The 2-chamber design of the airbag provides two identical sides, which fill independently and ensure safety despite a defect. The release takes place through the T-handle, which is connected to the internal release mechanism by cable. The airbag is discharged through the top of the backpack and, when inflated, expands the entire volume of the upper body from the waist to above the head. In addition, a shock absorber is located centrally between the air chambers to protect the back of the head.
Compatible Arva cartridges are available in a lightweight carbon as well as a steel version, but can only be refilled by the manufacturer.
JetForce – Black Diamond and Pieps
The JetForce system uses a battery-powered jet blower that fills the 200-liter airbag in 3.5 seconds. The airbag can be tested and repacked. Self-diagnostic LEDs display all necessary information at system startup. With the lithium polymer battery, the JetForce system offers a compact, rechargeable, and travel-friendly solution. The capacity of the battery supports 4 or more trips per charge.
After the airbag has been deployed and completely inflated, it is supplied with air for another three minutes to reduce possible pressure loss. The airbag then deflates again to create cavities with oxygen in the event of a spill.
Black Diamond’s airbag models offer the full range from 15 to 35 L volume for free-riders and ski tourers – just like the Pieps models.
ABS – Avalanche Balloon Secutem
ABS, the pioneer of airbag systems, equips its backpacks with the TwinBag Airbag System, which is issued on both sides. The airbags fill independently with 2 x 85 liters. The ABS cartridge is triggered by a piercing unit, releasing the internal gas in the TwinBags. ABS cartridges are available in both steel and carbon but are not self-refillable.
In ABS Pyrotech deployment units, an explosive cartridge built into the T-handle creates a pressure wave when activated, which punctures the cartridge in the backpack and fills the airbags. This system is extremely reliable and temperature-independent but requires the replacement of the handle and cartridge after deployment. Backpacks with ABS-Easytech trigger units come without a cartridge and trigger via an internal piercing unit, here only the cartridge must be replaced.
P.A.S & R.A.S – Mammut
Mammut equips its avalanche backpacks with two different airbag systems, depending on the model. The Mammut Protection Airbag System (P.A.S.) is one of the two systems. This system features a 3D molded airbag, which is made of rugged, tear-resistant nylon and designed to provide as much protection as possible. The P.A.S. airbag deploys around the head, neck, and chest, providing additional protection from injury.
The main difference between R.A.S. and P.A.S. is the positioning of the airbag system when inflated. Because backpacks with R.A.S. systems are optimized for weight reduction, the airbag is located behind the head and upper body after deployment. The entire airbag system with carbon cartridge comes to a weight of 1.5 kg.
Both systems are based on gas pressure filling, controlled by a Bowden cable with T-handle. However, the cartridges, available in a steel or carbon version, cannot be filled by the user.
Avabag – Ortovox
The Ortovox Avabag system has been on the market since the winter of 2016 and offers a gas-pressure version with 690 grams (without cartridge) and is a lightweight alternative with a small pack size. The release is mechanical via a T-handle and a robust, closed unit. The cartridge must be replaced after each sharp release. Without the cartridge screwed in, the release can be practiced as often as desired.
Litric – Ortovox & Arcteryx
Developed in cooperation between Ortovox and Arcteryx, the Litric system (release planned for Fall/Winter 2023/2024) is a supercapacitor-powered blower fill, and this makes it an electric alternative to classic Ortovox Avabag models. With Ortovox Litric systems, different zip-ons are available depending on the backpack model, to provide the right transport volume for each area of use.
The system is charged on USB-C in just 25 minutes and has a capacity that provides energy for two releases. Test releases are easily possible and an LED indicator informs about the system status.
Alpride – Scott, Backcountry Access, Deuter
The Alpride airbag systems are in use in three versions. For airbag backpacks that have a low weight, the gas pressure system “Alpride System 2.0” is used. From Alpride E1 and E2, a supercapacitor-powered high-performance blower fills the airbag.
The mechanical gas pressure system 2.0 comes to a weight of 690 grams and a useful volume in the backpack of 1.7 liters. The Alpride E1, which weighs 150 grams more, uses a radial compressor powered by supercapacitors. This system offers multiple triggering without the need to replace cartridges and recharges in just 20 minutes via micro-USB. Alternatively, two AA batteries can be used to charge the capacitors on the go. An LED status indicator provides information about the system status.
The built-in supercapacitors have the advantage over lithium-ion or poly batteries in that they store electrical energy without chemical reaction. This means that low temperatures do not affect their power release. In addition, supercapacitors are lighter than conventional batteries.
Scott uses Alpride systems in all E1 avalanche backpacks and E2 systems for the 2023 season. The Blackdiamond Jetforce Tour 26 also has room for the E1 system. Backcountry Access and Deuter also use Alpride and also rely on the E2 system, which is 40 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the E1 version.
More interesting articles on the topics of avalanche equipment:
→ How to fly with an Avalanche Airbag
→ How to choose the right Avalanche-Safety Equipment
→ RECCO®: rescue system – small technology that can help big times