Discover our guide to choosing the right avalanche backpack to ski safely

Whether you're passionate about freeride skiing, ski touring or splitboarding, choosing an airbag backpack is an essential step towards improving your safety in the mountains. Each system has its own features, and the right choice depends on your priorities in terms of weight, refilling, capacity and convenience.

Don't compromise on safety: choose a backpack that suits your skiing style and travel plans.

What is an avalanche airbag backpack?

An airbag is a system built into a backpack that helps a skier stay afloat if caught in a slide. Whatever the model, the principle is the same: when you pull the handle, one or two balloons inflate within seconds.

It works through inverse segregation: in a slide, large objects rise to the surface while small ones sink. By increasing your volume, the airbag reduces the risk of full burial, and therefore the risk of asphyxiation.

However, an avalanche pack does not protect you from impacts, fractures or other trauma that can happen during a slide.

An airbag system is not "life insurance", but it gives you an extra chance of survival by reducing the risk of asphyxiation.

Gas or electric: which technology should you choose?

Système à gaz :

• Lighter and simpler, with near-instant inflation
• The cartridge or cylinder must be replaced or refilled after every deployment
• Expect €134.99 for an cartouche carbone Ortovox, 149,99 € for an bouteille acier Arva Reactor et 165,99 € for a cartouche carbone Mammut

Electric system :

• No cartridge to manage: you recharge by cable
• You can test the system at home
• A bit heavier and more expensive to buy, but very practical for travel

Our advice: if weight is your priority, gas is hard to beat. If you travel often or want to avoid the hassle of refills, electric is more comfortable.

A few airbag packs available at Montaz

Each brand has its own philosophy. Here is one example per system to show the differences.

• ARVA: the Reactor system, compact and modular

ARVA relies on the Reactor system: a gas-cartridge airbag unit that you move from one pack to another. One system for several pack sizes (from 15 to 40 litres), depending on the day's outing. The complete unit takes up less than 2 litres inside the pack, and its adjustable handle locks along the shoulder strap to prevent accidental deployment on a chairlift or in the car.

Key technical points:

• 150-litre double-volume balloon (2 x 75 L): two sealed, independent chambers. If one is torn by a rock or a tree, the other stays inflated. Its U-shape wraps around the head to protect the neck and airways.
• Venturi inflation in 3 to 4 seconds: the cartridge releases gas at 300 bar and draws in outside air through four snow-protected intakes. The result is a fully inflated balloon even in the middle of a slide.
• Weight: 650 g for the mechanism alone (Reactor 2.0)

Example: the ARVA Airbag Explore 30, a versatile 30-litre pack for touring and freeride.

• ORTOVOX: the Avabag LiTRIC, the 100% electronic airbag

The Avabag LiTRIC system removes the gas cartridge. It runs on super-capacitors rechargeable via USB-C and inflates a 150-litre balloon in 3 seconds using an electric fan.

• Super-capacitors that stay reliable down to -30 °C, with a 25 g mini lithium-ion battery to hold the charge.
• Recharge in about 2 hours via USB-C.
• At least 60 hours of battery life and at least 2 full deployments per charge.
• Weight: 1,100 g for the motor unit and balloon.

Example: the Avabag Litric Zero 27

• MAMMUT: gas-cartridge or electric airbag

Mammut offers two systems for its airbag packs: the Removable Airbag System (RAS) 3.0, a mechanical gas-cartridge system, and the Alpride E2, which is 100% electronic. In both cases the balloon holds 150 litres and inflates in about 3 seconds.

Le système mécanique : Removable Airbag System (RAS) 3.0

A cable triggers a firing pin that opens a gas cartridge (steel, aluminium or carbon). It is the lightest and most affordable option to buy.

Key technical points:

• 150-litre U-shaped balloon.
• Inflation in about 3 seconds.
• Weight: module of about 700 g, very compact.
• Single-use cartridge: it must be refilled or exchanged after every deployment.
• Removable system: you can move it from one compatible pack to another, or use the pack without the airbag.

Example: the Free 28 Removable Airbag 3.0 

The electronic system: Alpride E2

This system relies on super-capacitors rather than a standard lithium-ion battery. You'll find it in the Haldigrat E2 range, designed for freeride and ski touring.

Key technical points:

• 150-litre balloon, inflated in about 3 seconds.
• Recharge with AA batteries or via USB-C.
• Unlimited practice runs, with no cartridge costs.
• Several successive deployments possible.
• Weight: 1,140 g for the system alone.

Example: the Haldigrat 30 E2 Airbag, with no cartridge to replace.

• SCOTT: the Alpride E2 electronic airbag

For ski touring and backcountry, the brand goes electronic with the Patrol E2 range, equipped with the Alpride E2 system.

It's one of the lightest and most compact super-capacitor systems on the market. With no gas cartridge, you avoid the air-travel restrictions that come with gas and can practise as often as you like.

Key technical points:

• Weight: module of about 1,140 g
• Balloon of about 160 litres, designed to maximise buoyancy in an avalanche.
• Built-in electronic self-test to check the system before every outing.

Example: the Pack Patrol E2 30 Kit, a 30-litre pack supplied with its electric system, ready to go.

Which pack volume should you choose?

• 15 to 20 L: day outings, light gear
• 25 to 30 L: the most versatile choice for touring and freeride
• 35 to 40 L: multi-day trips, raids, camera gear or heavy skis

Think about what you actually carry: skins, crampons, a water bottle, a warm layer, plus your safety trio. A pack that's too small is hard to fill properly and uncomfortable to wear.

Completing your safety gear

An airbag pack alone is not enough. The beacon, shovel and probe trio remains the foundation of every off-piste outing.

• Beacon: to choose well, read our Mammut avalanche beacon comparison
• Complete pack: the ARVA Evo5+ Safety Box Pack includes beacon, shovel and probe
• Full selection: avalanche safety gear

Frequently asked questions

Will an airbag pack save you for sure?

Do you have to refill the cartridge after every use?

Can you take an airbag pack on a plane?

Gas or electric: which is more reliable?

Both are proven. Gas is simpler and lighter, while electric spares you the cartridge logistics.

Choose with an advisor

Between gas and electric, 15 and 30 litres, hesitation is normal. Our team will guide you in store in La Ravoire, or by phone on +33 4 79 72 59 69.

Get ready for your next outing with our freeride touring skis and the safety gear that goes with them.