AIRBAG BACKPACKS

Powder, powder, powder – lots of fresh snow over night and heading up the mountain in the morning, sounds great doesn’t it? Unfortunately, lots of snow usually also means that the danger of avalanches increases. And this should not be underestimated. Each year, you hear of several cases of avalanche burials, who hopefully survived. How could you increase your chances? With an avalanche backpack. The backpack should NOT be your only means of safety equipment, instead it should be used additionally to your tracker beacon, shovel and probe.

More Airbag Backpack Facts

Avalanche backpacks by Sport Conrad for greater safety when skiing

Winter, vast white snowy landscapes, and ski touring or freeriding simply belong together, right? Right! But safety comes first, especially away from the groomed slopes. Whether you're traveling alone or with a touring partner, avalanche backpacks are indispensable companions for greater safety in the endless expanses of snow.

The life-saving airbag systems significantly increase your chances of survival in the event of an avalanche. So enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery and experience the thrill of skiing—but always with the protection of an avalanche backpack at your side.

What are avalanche backpacks?

The avalanche backpack is an important part of complete avalanche equipment. Because if you are buried by an avalanche, every second counts. Avalanche backpacks therefore have an integrated airbag system. This integrated avalanche airbag is designed to be triggered in the event of a burial, thus preventing the burial or at least reducing its impact.

How do avalanche backpacks differ from normal backpacks?

The difference lies in the airbag system. A normal backpack or ski backpack does not have an avalanche airbag, which means that it cannot be triggered in an emergency. The advantage of an avalanche backpack is therefore its function as a conventional backpack, as well as its function as an avalanche airbag.

Avalanche backpacks by Sport Conrad for greater safety when skiing

What else is included in basic avalanche equipment?

In addition to an avalanche backpack, there are other components of a complete avalanche kit. Knowing and, above all, owning these items can potentially save lives. Emergency equipment therefore also includes:

Tracker beacons

Avalanche probes

Shovels

These items can help ensure that you are found in the event of an avalanche, but also give you the opportunity to free yourself.

At Sport Conrad, you will find avalanche backpacks as well as everything else you need for a complete emergency kit.

Why are avalanche backpacks important?

Basically, the answer is quite simple: Avalanche backpacks can save your life and increase your chances of survival! When the avalanche airbag in your backpack deploys, it gives you buoyancy, which reduces the depth of burial. Ideally, this means you can be found more quickly or even free yourself from the snow.

Physicists refer to this as the nut or muesli effect: in a mixture of large and small particles, the small ones sink to the bottom when shaken, while the large ones remain at the top. An avalanche backpack works in a similar way. The inflated airbag increases the volume of your body – you are pushed upwards while the snow slides under you. In addition, the airbag protects your head, neck, and back and creates a small breathing space when deflated – which can be vital in an emergency.

What else is included in basic avalanche equipment?

Different avalanche backpack release systems

Avalanche backpacks or avalanche airbags can basically be divided into two types. On the one hand, there are mechanical airbags, which are filled using gas pressure. On the other hand, there are electronic systems, which fill the airbag using a blower.

Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself which system is right for you. In principle, both systems are equally suitable for use in avalanches and can help you find a way out of the snow in an emergency.

FAQs

Mechanical System

The mechanical systems of avalanche backpacks work with gas pressure or compressed air. This means that the gas is drawn from a cartridge, which you must attach to your avalanche backpack in advance.

Electronic System

The electronic system uses a powerful blower that can inflate your avalanche airbag in a few seconds. Here, you do not need any additional materials, such as a cartridge, and you can use the airbag again after a short time.

How do I activate the different systems?

Both variants work in the same way, because all you have to do is pull a release handle by hand. Pulling the handle triggers the automatic inflation of the airbag and you get the corresponding buoyancy.

What should I look for in the release systems?

When choosing an avalanche backpack, it is important to consider which system you would like to try. Avalanches usually occur quickly and unexpectedly, so you should be familiar with your system to ensure quick release and increase your chances of survival.

With mechanical systems, it is important that you regularly check your cartridges for sufficient pressure. In addition, your cartridges should not exceed their expiration date. It is also important to know that you need one cartridge per activation. Although these can be refilled by special manufacturers, this also means that you can only activate your airbag once. With electronic systems, it is important to know how your blower is powered. Most models work by charging a battery from a conventional power outlet and by adding additional batteries. This combination gives the electronic system a running time of up to three months. However, make sure that the system is actually charged and ready for use. A major advantage of electronic systems is that they can be removed from the backpacks and, depending on the type, are compatible with other airbag backpacks.

Size, volume, weight: How do I find the right avalanche backpack?

In principle, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what your avalanche backpack should look like. Depending on what you plan to do, how long your tour will last, and, above all, where you will be traveling, the right avalanche backpack for you may vary.

In principle, an avalanche can occur anywhere where the snow on a slope becomes so heavy that it no longer adheres to the snowpack below and breaks loose. This happens particularly often when there is a lot of fresh snow or when the snow is very wet. However, gusts of wind, ground conditions, and the slope of the hill can also contribute to an avalanche.

For a short day ski tour, even small backpacks with a volume of 18L may be sufficient. This small version of the avalanche backpack allows you to easily carry your safety equipment as well as snacks and drinks. For long ski tours, you should opt for a 25L backpack, and for multi-day tours, a 35-45L backpack. When choosing your avalanche backpack, make sure there is enough space for your equipment. A good compartment layout will help you store everything neatly. The weight of the backpack also plays an important role in carrying comfort.

Therefore, think carefully about what you expect from your avalanche backpack, but also what you need.

Avalanche backpacks should be part of your standard equipment, especially if you plan to go ski touring, have discovered a passion for freeriding, or have taken up snowshoeing. Our Online shop offers a wide selection of avalanche backpacks that provide you with greater safety. Choose the models that suit you and your needs and benefit from the reliability of the airbag systems.

For greater safety in the snow – avalanche backpacks at Sport Conrad

Find products from top brands such as Black Diamond, Mammut, Ortovox and many more. In our shop, you will also find many other products to equip you for your next adventure. From ski apparel, skis or ski helmets you will find everything you need for your favorite winter sport.