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Introduction
Avalanche airbags have saved lives by preventing burial when caught in an avalanche.
Airbag systems are built into backpacks and allow the wearer to inflate large airbags in a matter of seconds with the pull of a handle. This helps prevent burial increasing your chances of survival.
How do they work?
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System types
Avalanche airbag system types
A major consideration will be the type of system the airbag uses.
Canister systems use canisters of compressed gas to fill the airbag. Electronic systems use electronically powered fans.
Canister Activation
Traditionally airbags have been inflated by using a canister/cylinder of compressed gas (air or nitrogen). In these systems, the pulling of a trigger handle causes the canister to be pierced. The resulting rush of gas from the canister starts the Venturi effect.
There are several canister-based systems used by different brands. Each brand uses its own specific canister – they are not interchangeable between brands even if they look similar! These canisters require replacing or refilling (depending on design) after use.
Electronic Activation
Electronic systems offer an alternative to the traditional canister-based system. These systems use electronically powered fans which start the Venturi effect that fills the airbag.
These electronic systems bring some real benefits in terms of user convenience as well as making them easier to travel with.
An electronic system encourages regular practice with the system as there is no hassle with replacement canisters. This is a key benefit as regular training is necessary to become familiar with the system, and to be able to act quickly and intuitively in an emergency.
Pros:
Hassle-free user practice
Travel-friendly design
Self-testing diagnostics clearly highlights system status
Cons:
Weight – heavier than most canister systems
Cost – high initial purchase price (although no need to purchase additional canisters)
Li-ion Battery or Supercapacitor
There are now two different types of electronic systems available. Li-ion battery powered systems and supercapacitor powered systems. Both use fans to fill the airbags, but they feature different power delivery methods. Supercapacitors are passive electronic elements.
Unlike Li-ion batteries, they store electrical energy without any chemical reaction. This means they are not subject to any restrictions for transport, shipment, or storage. They are also not sensitive to lower temperatures. This means you get the same performance from -30°C to +40°C and are lighter than current battery options. Although larger and heavier than supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries offer more power. This enables a higher number of deployments off a single charge, the option for a larger airbag, and innovative features, such as the ability to maintain airbag integrity in the event of a puncture. Li-ion batteries do have some restrictions when it comes to travel and shipping but the capacity of the batteries in avalanche airbags allows for them to be transported on a plane in cabin luggage.
Considerations
Considerations When Buying an Avalanche Airbag Backpack
The type of airbag system an avalanche airbag backpack uses is likely to be the most important factor in your buying decision. Hopefully, you will never have cause to pull the trigger and activate the airbag; however, you will spend lots of time wearing the pack. So how it performs day-in-day-out and the additional features it has, will play a big part in your enjoyment of the product. Here are some other things you should consider when choosing an avalanche airbag backpack.
Capacity
Consider what type of skiing you will be doing and then align the capacity of your chosen pack with your intended use. For example, heli-accessed sessions or freeriding near lift accessed terrain requires you to carry less kit than if you were heading out on a full day tour into the backcountry. Below is a rough guide to capacities. This is a guide only as individual requirements/preferences differ:
· Lift served backcountry, heli & cat trips: 15-20L
· Day touring: 20-35L
· Multi day touring: 35L+
Travel
Travelling with an avalanche airbag backpack
Avalanche airbag packs which use electronic systems are well suited to travel. They do not contain any compressed gas canisters or explosives. The Li-ion batteries included in battery power systems are currently all under the watt-hour threshold for carry-on luggage. Electronic systems powered by supercapacitors are even easier to transport. As they store energy without any chemical reaction, they are not subject to restrictions on transport, shipment, or storage.
More careful planning is required before flying with a canister-based system. The pressurised canisters used in avalanche airbags are classed as hazardous goods. Their transportation by aircraft is subject to restrictions and regulations. Thankfully, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulation exists. They permit one canister per person for use with an Avalanche Rescue Backpack.
Before buying your ticket, you should check your airline and airport rules. Different airlines have different policies. Regulations change depending on where you are heading. For example, European, American, and Canadian regulations all vary.
Prior approval is often required by the airline. You should notify them when booking your flight, or at least 14 days in advance. It is advisable to refer to your pack as an ‘avalanche rescue backpack’ as this is how it is described in the regulations. When flying, you will need to make sure that the pack is stored in a manner that prevents accidental activation. The canister must not be screwed in, and the activation handle must be removed/stowed. It can be useful to include a copy of your avalanche airbag safety manual, canister datasheet and IATA information with your pack.
Travelling to or from the United States
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not allow your pressurised canister on board. You will either need a canister that can be discharged so that you can fly with it empty or look to hire a canister on your arrival.
The availability of support in the form of canister hire, refill, and exchange programmes also vary by location. So, it's worth checking in advance if you are going to need access to replacement canisters while you are away.
Replacement canisters
Replacement canisters for avalanche airbags
For canister-based systems, you need to consider how you will manage replacement canisters.
Airbag packs use specific canisters, and these aren’t interchangeable between brands. It is crucial to know which canisters your system uses and only purchase genuine replacements from an approved dealer.
Once you set off your airbag you will need to source a replacement canister.
The version primarily used in Europe is the smaller non-refillable version. This meets IATA regulations to be allowed on-board an aircraft. After deployment, this will need to be returned to the manufacturer for refilling. There is an extensive canister exchange programme in place for this. Customers can take their used canister into participating retailers and exchange it for a new one (a service charge will apply).
The larger refillable version is primarily used in the States where flying with the smaller canister is prohibited. This version has a pressure gauge and can be refilled from a compressed gas tank using a special adaptor. You can do this either at an approved retailer or dive/paintball shop. This means the canister can be emptied before flying and then refilled on arrival to meet TSA regulations.
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