Raide SB 30L Review

The Raide SB 30L combines Safeback SBX technology with a lightweight, comfortable, richly featured Raide pack. The lithium battery-powered system is activated by pulling a handle at the shoulder, just like an airbag pack. The 30-liter pack (it's also available as a 40-liter pack comes with a roll top which increases carrying capacity, includes an easy-access back panel, hip pocket, double ice tool carry, and, frankly, too many thoughtful details for me to list them all here.

Utility

SBX technology aside, the Raide SB 30L is a highly utilitarian backcountry pack. The unique construction and design make it feel like this pack offers much more capacity than just 30 liters. The roll-top maximizes space, while multiple access points allow me to strategically pack so that I can always access my important gear (and snacks). Compared to other airbag packs I tested, the Safeback system takes up significantly less space, which opens up more room for other essentials. I had no issues packing the SB 30L for a day of ski guiding; it was easy to carry essentials like a rescue sled, extra layers, and a first aid kit, and have plenty of room left for snacks and water.

I essentially have only positive things to say about the SB 30L relative to its utility. So when it comes to criticism, I'm really splitting hairs here. While you can get into it from the top, this exterior pocket is really designed to be accessed from the bottom of the pack – I just started packing my shovel handle and probe upside-down. It takes some practice to get used to ensure a speedy response time, but I ended up liking this unique design.

Raide recommends that you pack your probe in a separate, quick-access pocket if you're frequently taking snow depths and assessments. However, I preferred to pack my snow saw in this separate pocket so that I didn't need to open two different pockets to access my probe and shovel. Raide also claims that you can access your tools with the pack on by taking off the shoulder straps and spinning the pack around. I admit that I couldn't quite get the hang of it during the testing period, but I'll keep practicing and report back.

Airbag System

This metric is admittedly a bit challenging, because it's not and airbag pack. Even though I couldn't rate the SB 30L in the same way as other airbag systems, I want to emphasize that the system is effective, intuitive, lightweight, and intelligently designed. While it isn't designed to keep you on top of the snow, the Safeback SBX system has been proven by research to improve your chances of survival beneath the snow. It scores lower here simply because it is not an airbag.

The Safeback SBX system features two hoses zipped into mesh pockets on each shoulder strap. When you pull the handle, the fan system takes in air from the snow – remember, snow is highly porous – and blows clean air towards the user's face. It will continue to blow for up to 90 minutes to postpone asphyxia, and it is designed to work in temperatures as low as -30°F. It's worth mentioning that the system, unlike an airbag, could be pulled preemptively at the top of the run, if you felt it was necessary.

Weight

I weighed the Raide SB 30L at just 3.8 pounds with the SBX system installed. That makes this the lightest pack in our lineup by far. However, this is another metric where I can't make a fair, apples-to-apples comparison to other airbag packs. Even though the SBX fan unit is similar in size to the LiTRIC electric fan, the SB 30L doesn't include an airbag. Most airbags inflate to around 200 liters, which is inevitably a lot of bulky material to stash away, and consequently, a lot of extra weight.

Despite this obvious advantage in absolute weight, the construction of the Raide SB 30L still deserves a nod of recognition. The durable Dyneema exterior is abrasion-resistant and waterproof, while also being lighter than most ripstop nylon. This allowed Raide to add an articulated back panel for improved access and airflow, without making the pack feel overbuilt or heavy. It's impressive that the SB 30L has so many features, all while keeping the base weight incredibly low.

Comfort

Raide nails it here by striking a nice balance of comfort without adding unnecessary foam or excessive frame weight. The SB 30L comes in three different sizes to help you pin down the perfect fit for your torso length, and features a lightweight, aluminum frame that adds structure to the pack. It carries comfortably, even with a heavy load, and on long climbs, I felt like this pack was a natural extension of my body.

If you frequent technical terrain and tend to find packs with a rigid frame bothersome, you can easily remove it. I kept the frame in for everything but very steep, technical climbing, where I felt like it inhibited my movement a bit. The adjustment straps helped me dial in the perfect fit for both the up and down – I never felt like this pack was bouncing around. The back panel molded well to my spine, and the circular pads allow for good airflow despite their low profile.

Features

All Raide packs say “Research and Development for Steep Terrain” on the back panel. And it's true; they have thought of just about everything when it comes to useful features for a backcountry pack. I felt like I continued discovering little bells and whistles on the SB 30L throughout the testing period.

The SB 30L includes: Back panel access, an exterior rescue pocket, A-frame and diagonal ski carry, dual hip belt pockets, a roll top for extra storage, and a stretchy pocket for storing your helmet (which can double as a quick-access pocket for skins). Rather than gushing over every thoughtfully designed detail, it's much easier to describe the very few qualms I had with this pack.

The one feature I didn't necessarily love is the stash pocket on the left hip. It doesn't have a zipper closure, and I lost a few sunscreen sticks, ski straps, and multitools before I eventually stopped using this pocket. It only works well with items that fill it completely — like a pair of liner gloves – in which case it's a pretty useful stash spot. Still, I'd rather just have another zippered hip pocket.

Should You Buy the Raide SB 30L?

If you're looking specifically for an airbag pack, there are plenty of other options in our lineup. This is not an airbag, but rather an airbag alternative. Raide makes an incredibly well-designed backcountry pack; the Safeback SBX system provides a bit of security in the case of an avalanche burial or immersion in a tree well. Put together, it's the pack I take ski touring every day.

What Other Avalanche Airbag Pack Should You Consider?

Our favorite avalanche airbag is the Ortovox Litric Freeride 28L. At nearly the same capacity, it's the only supercapacitor fan pack that comes close to matching the lightweight of the SB 30L. For a bit more carrying capacity without much of a weight penalty, the Deuter Alproof 32L is also a fantastic choice.