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We purchased the 13 best avalanche backpacks and carried them up and down thousands of vertical feet of backcountry skiing. Our team of guides, avalanche educators, and ski patrollers has been testing avalanche airbag packs since they hit the market more than a decade ago. We scrutinize every detail to help you find the ideal option for any type of skiing or riding, whether a hut-to-hut traverse, a bucket-list heli-skiing trip, or daily laps in your local mountains.
No matter the context, the Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride 28L is the favorite avalanche backpack among our test team. The LiTRIC system is the most advanced fan system on the market. Unlike canister packs of the past, this electric system is rechargeable and travel-friendly. Ortovox's pack design is reasonably lightweight and incredibly comfortable, both uphill and, more importantly, downhill.
There's now an alternative to avalanche airbags – the Raide SB 30L features the innovative Safeback SBX system, which continually supplies fresh air to the burial victim to prolong survival times. This is a new type of avalanche survival system, and nicely integrates into the best backcountry pack our lead tester has ever used.
The Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride 28L combines a lightweight, advanced airbag system with an exceptional pack design fully loaded with thoughtfully designed features – what more could you ask for? This sleek pack houses Ortovox's proprietary LiTRIC airbag system, which is situated near the top of the pack for easy access and turns on via a simple power button rather than a knob. It features a nifty trigger handle that quickly rotates from locked to loaded without fiddling with a zipper and avoids worrying about accidental detonation. The hip belt and integrated leg loop were our favorite of any pack we tested, offering superior comfort on long climbs and descents. The avalanche rescue gear pocket is generously sized and easy to access from the outside of the pack. The helmet and ski carry share a convenient stowaway pocket, and the double ice axe or pole carry also stows away, keeping the pack's back panel clean. Weighing a respectable 5.6 pounds, the LiTRIC Freeride is one of the lightest packs in our review and one you won't mind carrying on big uphill days.
SPECIFICATIONS
Volume
28 L
Measured Total Weight (Including Airbag System)
5.6 lbs
Airbag System
LiTRIC
Frame Sizes Available
One size
Can Airbag Unit or Packs be Purchased Separately?
No
We have only a few qualms with this otherwise outstanding pack. “On this pack, I missed the utility of a hip belt pocket for quick access to essentials like a scraper, snacks, sunscreen, or a multi-tool without taking off my pack,” noted our lead tester. While not entirely necessary because it impedes airbag deployment, having an A-frame carry for dry approaches in the late spring or extended rocky scrambles is convenient. Since the pack is a one-size-fits-all, the adjustment straps (especially the leg loop) are all very, very long when adjusted for smaller users. These minor gripes aside, the LiTRIC Freeride is an exceptional pack with standout airbag technology and an impressive suite of thoughtful features. If you like this design but want more space, the Deuter Alproof 32L is another excellent choice and nearly took the top spot in our review.
The Arva Switch Ride 18L and 32L provides maximum versatility in an all-in-one package. You can zip off one pack and add another in seconds, changing your capacity for different objectives. The 18-liter Ride pack is slim and perfect for lift-accessed or mechanized backcountry skiing, while the 32-liter Tour pack offers more capacity for longer days on the skin track. The base airbag system features a carbon canister that cuts out a significant amount of weight and bulk, enabling both packs to carry a lot of gear for their size. The canister is also situated right along your spine, comfortably distributing weight and making this pack almost unnoticeable on the downhill. “It's super easy to switch between pack modules, and having two packs in one makes this pack a great value,” said our tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Volume
18 L and 32 L
Measured Total Weight (Including Airbag System)
5.8 lbs
Airbag System
Arva Reactor Carbon Canister (canister not included)
Frame Sizes Available
One size
Can Airbag Unit or Packs be Purchased Separately?
No
While we loved the versatility of the Switch Ride system, a few elements left us wanting. The helmet carry is micro-sized, and even a dual-certified ski mountaineering helmet barely fits, let alone a standard-sized ski helmet. On the 18 L pack, the avalanche rescue pocket only zips a short way down, making it challenging to quickly access your shovel and probe. Most notably, the hip belt is challenging to adjust when the pack is on and often ends up lopsided. Nonetheless, the Switch Ride is a solid option for those looking for a slightly cheaper canister pack that can do it all. This modular canister airbag is worth considering against the similarly designed Mammut Tour 30L 3.0, allowing you to switch a single airbag system between various pack sizes.
For simpler days, the 18 L module of the Switch Ride saw us through light and fast alpine missions. It is right at home here on a 13,000' ridgeline in the San Juans of Colorado.
SBX system also helps in tree well burial or snow immersion
CONS
Not an avalanche airbag
Access to rescue tools takes some practice
It may sound like hyperbole, but the Raide SB 30L is the best backcountry pack our lead tester has ever used – airbag system or otherwise. Raide partnered with the Norwegian company Safeback to integrate their SBX avalanche survival system into the SB 30L, creating the first real alternative to an airbag pack. The innovative SBX system blows fresh air towards the face of a burial victim to postpone asphyxiation for up to 90 minutes, greatly increasing the odds of a successful rescue. Not to be overshadowed by new technology, the Raide pack is one of the lightest, most utilitarian backcountry packs we've ever tested. “I wore this pack for over 50 days this season, including for guiding out of backcountry huts,” said our lead tester. “The features are awesome and almost too numerous to describe, and it's super comfortable for both the uphill and the downhill. This pack definitely lives up to the hype.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Volume
30 L
Measured Total Weight (Including Airbag System)
3.8 lbs
Airbag System
Safeback SBX (not an airbag)
Frame Sizes Available
Small, Medium, Tall
Can Airbag Unit or Packs be Purchased Separately?
Yes
While the Raide SB 30L is nearly perfect in our eyes, there are a few design eccentricities. While we absolutely love the stretchy zippered waist pocket, we couldn't understand why the pocket on the left hip has no zipper – we lost many a multi-tool or ski strap before abandoning use of this pocket altogether. The best access to the rescue tools pocket is through the bottom of the pack, which takes a little getting used to, but works great after some practice. The Arc'teryx Micon LiTRIC 32 is the only airbag that rivals the weight of the SB 30L, but the pack design doesn't hold a candle to the Raide pack. Even though it's not an airbag, we highly recommend the SB 30L as an everyday backcountry pack. There's a lot more to read about this pack and the unique Safeback SBX system, and if you're intrigued, we recommend digging into our full product review.
For a bombproof, fully functional pack that you can toss in helicopter baskets, carry up the chairlift, and wear on a snowmobile, the Backcountry Access Float E2 25L is our top choice for machine-assisted backcountry skiing. This 25-liter airbag pack is well-designed for lift-accessed backcountry and shorter tours; it includes just the right number of features. We loved the innovative side stash pocket for easy access to essential items like a water bottle or skins while on the go. The hip belt and carabiner attachment for the leg loop work nicely together and provide a comfortable fit that feels snug on the way down. Backcountry radios with mic systems also integrate well with this pack, passing through an internal pocket for a more secure attachment. “I loved the comfort added by the wide, vest-like straps,” said our lead tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Volume
25 L
Measured Total Weight (Including Airbag System)
5.8 lbs
Airbag System
Alpride E2
Frame Sizes Available
S/M, M/L
Can Airbag Unit or Packs be Purchased Separately?
No
However, due to its relatively low capacity and heavy-duty exterior, the Float E2 wouldn't be our top choice for primarily human-powered tours. Despite feeling overbuilt, the design pays dividends for durability and still weighs under 6 pounds. The ice axe carry is a bit loose, but this isn't a technically focused pack – likely, we wouldn't be bringing sharps along for the type of skiing and riding suited to the Float E2. Although it impedes airbag deployment, we still like the option of an A-frame carry for snowmobile-accessed skiing, which this pack unfortunately lacks. Another decent option for mechanized use is the Black Diamond Jetforce Pro 25L, a similarly robust pack with decent features but an exceptionally well-designed Jetforce Pro airbag system.
The stylish, functional Scott Patrol E2 30L is our top choice for human-powered ski touring adventures. The Patrol E2, first and foremost, is a great backcountry pack perfectly designed for big days in the mountains. It features an A-frame and diagonal ski carry and can carry your helmet, two ice tools, and a rope for more technical ski mountaineering missions. The Patrol E2 utilizes the innovative Alpride E2 fan system, which is quick to inflate, offers multiple deployments, is only minimally affected by temperature, and recharges in less than 25 minutes. This new system is significantly smaller and lighter than the previous version – 25% lighter and 40% smaller, to be precise – which helps cut weight from this nicely sized 30-liter pack. This 30-liter pack offers ample space for various backcountry missions and is even suitable for hut-to-hut traverses. “It packs quite well, since the E2 system is relatively compact,” said our lead tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Volume
30 L
Measured Total Weight (Including Airbag System)
5.7 lbs
Airbag System
Alpride E2
Frame Sizes Available
S/M, M/L
Can Airbag Unit or Packs be Purchased Separately?
No
While we loved most elements of the Scott Patrol E2, the waist belt design is a near-fatal flaw. If snow gets into the buckle, which is challenging to prevent in mid-winter, it can either stick shut or not close properly, which is a safety concern. We found it nearly impossible to tighten down while wearing the pack, and since the waist belt is on the narrower side, it doesn't provide much support, and the pack can shift around when charging downhill. Additionally, the clamshell design can make retrieving important items stashed near the bottom tough. It also lacks a hip belt pocket, which would be nice so small essentials could be more easily accessible. Design complaints aside, we enjoyed using this pack and reached for it often, especially on long days or for technical routes. For a more comfortable fit, we also liked the similarly sized Osprey Sopris Pro E2 30L, which has similar features but is a bit heavier.
Sometimes you have to ski the bad snow to get to the good snow. We liked the lightweight carry of the Scott Patrol E2 for long ski traverses where you might encounter less-than-ideal ski conditions.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
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We took these packs far and wide to test their utility in the mountains.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Test Avalanche Airbag Packs
Over the past decade, we have tested nearly 60 individual airbag packs. We research the top avalanche airbags on the market, purchase them at retail, and then put them through head-to-head tests over several seasons. We've directly compared packs while backcountry skiing in the Chugach, the French and Swiss Alps, the Colorado Rockies, the Wasatch, the Cascades, the Canadian Coast Range, and the Sierras. We carried them up and down thousands of vertical feet of skiing across a wide variety of backcountry terrain – from mellow glades to steep, technical couloirs. We tested them on quick laps before work, multi-day trips, personal ski days, and guiding clients. We compared everything from how each pack carried to how well its features work in real-world settings. Our comprehensive review offers expert opinions on the most current airbag technology, and we report our findings in a digestible manner to help you make sense of the best options on the market.
Avalanche airbag packs in their natural habitat. Our team of experts tested these packs over hundreds of days of backcountry skiing.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Our testing of airbag packs is divided into five rating metrics:
Utility (30% of overall score weighting)
Airbag System (25% weighting)
Weight (20% weighting)
Comfort (15% weighting)
Features (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Heading up our review is Kaylee Walden, an AMGA-certified Ski Guide and faculty instructor with the Silverton Avalanche School. Kaylee guides backcountry skiing and teaches avalanche courses in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado – known to many as the “center of the avalanche universe” due to the area's particularly challenging snowpack. Kaylee often uses avalanche airbags for work and personal objectives in terrain of consequence, from guiding expeditions in Alaska to ski trips in the Alps. The foundation of this review was provided by Ian Nicholson, an Internationally-Certified (IFMGA) Guide, avalanche forecaster, and AIARE course instructor. Ian has taught hundreds of avalanche education courses and is passionate about sharing his knowledge about the best gear. Whether for work or for play, he wears an avalanche airbag pack every day he is adventuring far afield. In addition to our review team's expertise, they lean on their community of ski guides, ski patrollers, avalanche educators, and avid recreationalists to contribute their knowledge and further assessment of these packs.
Testing packs in the San Juan mountains.
The Scott Patrol E2 is a comfortable, lightweight pack, albeit one whose performance is hindered by a troublesome waist belt design.
The Black Diamond Jetforce Pro quickly inflates a 200 L airbag, the largest volume airbag currently on the market.
Analysis and Test Results
Our testing process is thorough, comparative, and unbiased. The result is the most comprehensive review available, offering expert recommendations based on real-world testing to help you find the right avalanche airbag pack precisely for your needs. Some packs are great across the board, whereas others really excel in a specific niche. Throughout our rigorous, albeit very fun testing process, a few favorites rose to the top – those award winners are highlighted with in-depth reviews.
How to Choose an Airbag Pack
Airbag packs are a significant investment, and we understand you want to put in the research time to ensure you're buying the right one. Below, we hope to untangle the nuances of each pack to help make that process easier.
First, you'll need to consider the type of system that you prefer. Canister airbags are inflated with compressed air, which needs to be refilled after each time you deploy the airbag. They are typically less expensive, but also less convenient. You can't take a full canister on a flight (or ship one, for that matter), and it is often inconvenient to find somewhere to refill the canister (unless you live near a dive or paintball shop).
Supercapacitor fan airbags are use lithium-battery-powered fans. These have become the gold standard for avalanche airbags and are generally lighter weight than canister packs. They can be inflated several times on a single charge, which allows you to easily practice pulling the handle to inflate the bag.
We also tested the Safeback SBX system. While not an airbag, this system is an innovative alternative to an avalanche survival system. In the event of a burial, the SBX system blows fresh air towards your face, increasing the amount of time rescuers on the surface have to dig you out.
After determining your preference for a system, you'll want to decide on what capacity best suits your needs. For our test, we chose bags with a capacity of roughly 30 liters. (It's worth noting that the airbag system itself generally takes up 4-7 L of pack space, depending on the design. So they have less capacity than other non-airbag backcountry packs.)
For lift-accessed skiing, you often don't need as much capacity and want to prioritize downhill comfort. In this context, something in the 15- to 20-liter range may be sufficient. Although we didn't test any for the sake of direct comparison, vests offer a close fit that mechanized riders might prefer.
For everyday backcountry touring, a pack in the 28- to 35-liter range is generally a great size for most day outings. If you're frequently out for longer days or overnight trips to backcountry huts, something in the 35- to 45-liter range will offer you more space to pack extra essentials. As far as comparing the finer details, tradeoffs, and best uses of the packs we tested, we'll deep dive more into that below.
Your system preferences and style of skiing will help you choose the right airbag.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
What's the Best Value?
Avalanche airbag packs are by no means budget-friendly pieces of gear. You'll want to weigh all of the pros and cons of versatility versus specialization, as mentioned above. The Arva Switch Ride essentially offers two packs in one and can quickly transform from an 18-liter to a 32-liter pack, with interchangeable pack modules that zip onto one base airbag system. This pack can readily adapt to a variety of missions, making it a solid value. The Arva Switch Ride is powered by a carbon compressed air canister, which, unfortunately, like all canister packs, must be purchased separately and refilled after each airbag deployment. Supercapacitor-fan systems are more expensive than canister systems but are a single-purchase option, can be deployed multiple times, and only require a battery recharge. The BCA Float E2, featuring the industry-leading Alpride E2 system, offers modest savings over other supercapacitor packs in this review. The most affordable overall airbag pack we tested is the BCA Float 32.
The Arva Switch Ride maximizes value with two packs in one.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Utility
While airbag packs obviously serve an additional purpose compared to your average backpack, they still need to be fully functional for backcountry use. Assessing a handful of crucial features was the hallmark of this metric. The first is an avalanche rescue gear pocket, which is used to carry your shovel and probe. For this pocket, we require unimpeded access and ample space. Another key consideration is the efficacy of the ski or snowboard carrying system on the pack, as well as whether it has a place to stow your helmet. Lastly, we consider space for more technical items, like a rope or ice axe.
Packs received higher marks if they provided easy access to our rescue gear and if we could pack their main compartment full of other backcountry essentials without them feeling overstuffed or cumbersome. The Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride, Deuter Alproof, Osprey Sopris Pro, BCA Float E2, Black Diamond Jetforce Pro, and Raide SB 30L all have large gear pockets that could hold almost any size shovel blade and a 300 cm probe.
The exterior rescue pocket on the SB 30L can be accessed in a few different ways. The main way is from the bottom, so we packed our rescue gear upside down for faster access.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
We also particularly liked packs that highlighted the zipper on the rescue equipment pocket, which is considered to improve efficiency in the event of an emergency. One of our favorite rescue pockets was on the Scott Patrol E2, which is externally accessed with a bright orange zipper that's easy to grab even with gloves on. The rescue gear pocket also features a zippered mesh pocket for small additional emergency extras, like a Garmin inReach, lightweight tarp, or first aid items.
We loved the large rescue gear pocket on the Scott Patrol E2 for its easy accessibility and organizational features.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
On the flip side, a few packs came up short when it came time to access avalanche rescue equipment. Notably, the 18-liter size of the Arva Switch Ride has only a short zipper and a small opening for its dedicated gear pocket, which could greatly hinder your access in the event of an emergency. The Mammut Tour 3.0 has the only rescue gear pocket that isn't externally accessible, requiring you to open two zippers instead of just one to get to your shovel and probe. The rescue pocket is also on the smaller side, which makes getting gear in and out more cumbersome, especially if the internal pocket is fully packed.
The size of the access to the rescue pocket comes up a bit short on the 18L version of the Arva Switch Ride. Though, we should note, the zipper on the 32L pack is much larger.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
While we liked some elements of the Arc'teryx Micon LiTRIC, it also fell short in terms of its rescue gear pocket. Access to the pocket is hindered by the compression straps on the outside of the pack, creating an extra step in a moment when every second counts. The position of the exterior zipper also makes it challenging to get to your probe. There is an option for interior access, but that pocket is small and cumbersome to reach. While this pack is undoubtedly much lighter than other packs in our lineup, difficult access to rescue gear is a critical failure when it comes to backcountry utility.
While the Micon is impressively light, the design of the rescue tools pocket has some critical flaws.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Ski or Snowboard Carry
The ability to carry skis or a snowboard uphill while bootpacking is an essential element of any backcountry pack. When traveling in or around avalanche terrain where airbag deployment is possible, it's better to carry your skis or splitboard diagonally or flat against the back of the pack rather than A-framed on the sides. This is so the skis or board won't interfere with airbag deployment. All the packs we tested offer the ability to carry skis diagonally. However, for those who find themselves hiking longer distances where a diagonal carry is less comfortable (think dry approaches in late spring or scoured terrain), the Scott Patrol E2, Raide SB, Deuter Alproof, Mammut Tour 3.0, Osprey Sopris and Arva Switch Ride all offer an A-frame carry system in addition to the diagonal carry.
For lowlands approaches or long climbs in rocky terrain, an A-frame carry can be a more comfortable option. But be aware that it prevents your airbag from detonating properly.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Most splitboarders will use these same systems with the board still “split” for diagonal carry, although most packs in this review offer the option to carry your board solid if you prefer. All of the packs in our review – with the notable exception of the Black Diamond and Arva packs – offer split and solid board carrying options.
A traditional A-frame carry can impede proper airbag deployment, so many of these packs, like the Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride, opt for a diagonal carry system.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Airbag System
While all airbag packs statistically make it more likely their wearer will end up on the surface, understanding which system and model best suits your specific needs is important. Airbag system design has rapidly advanced in recent years, and they are continually becoming lighter, faster to deploy, and easier to use.
Airbag Designs
Let's tease apart the details, untangle any confusion about design differences, and applaud the specific merits of certain airbag systems used in various packs. This might feel like a dive down a rabbit hole, but there is some essential information related to design to better make sense of which pack best suits your needs. When considering a supercapacitor-powered fan airbag versus a canister, it's essential to weigh the macro-level pros and cons.
Test Your Airbag for Proper Function
Keep in mind that all airbag systems, no matter their technology, should be tested at the beginning of each season to ensure they're working properly. If you have to deploy one of these packs during an avalanche, it is equally important to test them afterward, too.
Comparing and contrasting different airbag systems during a backcountry hut trip on Red Mountain Pass.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Alpride E2
Alpride is a Switzerland-based company that licenses its airbag system design to other pack manufacturers. The E2 system – which is 25% lighter and a whopping 40% smaller than their previous E1 system – is powered via an electric supercapacitor fan and two backup alkaline (or lithium) AA batteries. Despite being lighter weight, the airbag itself is 12 liters larger than the previous E1 system. Many airbag packs in this review use the Alpride E2 system, including the Osprey Sopris Pro,Scott Patrol E2, Deuter Alproof, and the BCA Float E2.
The Alpride E2 system uses a trigger very similar to the traditional design found on canister packs.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Alpride E2 system greatly improves upon the Alpride E1, which paved the way as the first airbag system to utilize a supercapacitor to power a fan instead of an ultra-powerful lithium-ion battery or some form of compressed gas. The E2 supercapacitor fans can fill a 162-liter airbag balloon in 3-4 seconds (even in very cold temperatures) and can be detonated multiple times on a single charge. Since the Alpride system doesn't require as much power, you can recharge your airbag in around 30 minutes when plugged into a normal USB wall charger or in 45 minutes when plugged into an auxiliary battery pack, which is handy for hut or winter camping trips. The backup batteries provide passive recharging to top up the internal battery and also enable additional detonations. To deflate the airbag of the Alpride E2 after it's been deployed, you'll have to press in and hold open the deflation valve located on the supercapacitor. It's worth noting that the deflation and repacking process is a slight hassle relative to the other supercapacitor systems.
The Alpride E2 system is powered both by backup batteries and an internal charge.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Ortovox and Arc'teryx LiTRIC
Ortovox, a German company that has been a primary player in the snow safety game for decades, partnered with Arc'teryx, a Canadian outdoor apparel company, to develop their proprietary LiTRIC system. Similar to the Alpride E2, the LiTRIC system also utilizes a high-powered supercapacitor fan powered by just one small, internally placed lithium-ion battery. The electronic system can be fully charged in approximately 30 minutes via USB-C and can be detonated several times at a 60-hour charge. We also like how the LiTRIC system is positioned near the top of the pack, enabling you to easily turn it on and off without shuffling all of the contents of your pack, which is a major bonus. To deflate the airbag in the event of a deployment, use the orange deflation tool located in the top pocket of the pack to press the deflation valve on the supercapacitor unit. Relative to other systems, the deflation and repacking process with the LiTRIC is relatively smooth. One slight potential flaw with this system is that the airbag is slightly smaller and seemingly lighter-duty, but we did not puncture our airbags to test material durability.
The twist-lock mechanism on the trigger for the Ortovox LiTRIC has the most hassle-free design. Black means locked, orange means ready to go.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
We prefer the traditional power button on the LiTRIC system compared to the dial on the Alpride E2 units. It features an LED backlight and a melodic tone, so you know for sure when it's on and when it's off. There's also a rubber cover that conceals the power button and charging port to ensure it doesn't accidentally turn off. A handy twist-lock mechanism for the trigger sets the LiTRIC system apart from the crowd. This trigger is especially useful while wearing thick gloves, as you don't have to mess with a zippered pocket, and the bright orange highlight ensures you know when the system is armed. The only pack in our lineup currently using this innovative system is the Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride 28L.
The Litric system is easily accessible from the top of the pack, and turns on quickly with a traditional power button.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Black Diamond Jetforce Pro
Black Diamond has continued to refine and improve its Jetforce system through the years, and the newest system is lighter and better designed than previous iterations. Compared to the above supercapacitor options, Jetforce also offers Bluetooth capabilities, which can help you run diagnostics and see battery levels on your airbag from an integrated Pieps phone app. The airbag itself is reinforced with Cordura fabric, which adds a bit of weight compared to the above systems but makes the airbag itself more rip-resistant. This is an important consideration if you frequently ski below treeline or in rocky terrain. As with the other electric-fan systems, you can deploy your airbag multiple times on one charge. Initially, we were confused about where to charge this system, as the port is actually located in the zippered shoulder pocket on the opposite side of the trigger. It also turns on and off directly from the trigger handle, which is an incredibly handy feature, saving you from having to drop and open up your pack to turn on your airbag.
Conveniently, you can turn the Jetforce Pro system on directly from the trigger handle, though we do think that the more traditional orange t-handle is easier to grab than this design under duress.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Jetforce system is marginally heavier than either the Alpride E2 or Ortovox LiTRIC, but is still a great option for a supercapacitor bag. A nice feature of the Jetforce is that the airbag will deflate automatically, so no need for manual deflation. In the event of a full burial, this means that the airbag could also help preserve an air pocket beneath the snow. The Jetforce system utilizes a 200L airbag, the largest of any packs currently on the market. We greatly prefer the U-shape of this airbag, which is stored around the top of the pack for better weight distribution. In our experience, this system is also the easiest to repack. The Jetforce Pro system is only utilized by the Black Diamond Jetforce Pro 25L.
The Jetforce Pro has the largest airbag of the test, at an impressive 200L. We liked this shape and size the best of any other option.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Safeback SBX
We also tested the Safeback SBX system, which is integrated into the Raide SB 30L pack. An airbag system intends to keep you on the surface in the event of an avalanche. Alternatively, the SBX system intends to prolong the survival time of someone buried underneath the snow. The SBX system pumps fresh air towards your airway to combat asphyxiation from rebreathing exhaled CO2. This system can also be used in the event of other snow immersion incidents, like falling into a tree well. While it's also triggered via a handle at the shoulder, that's where the similarities end. The SBX system is smaller, lighter, and cheaper than an airbag, taking up only about half of a liter of pack space. It can run for up to 90 minutes once the system is activated, at temperatures as low as -30°F. The Safeback SBX system is powered by six lithium batteries.
While the Safeback SBX system is also triggered via a handle, instead of inflating an airbag, it pumps fresh air towards your face through tubes in the shoulder straps.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Compressed Air Canisters
Though the avalanche airbag industry is moving away from compressed air canisters in favor of supercapacitor fans, most brands still offer a canister option, which is often more affordable. However, compressed air has several drawbacks compared to a supercapacitor fan system. First, supercapacitor fan airbags can stay inflated with up to a six-inch rip in the airbag itself since they continue to blow air rather than one quick burst. Second, you can only deploy the pack only once with a compressed air system, and then you have to refill the canister. This makes it more challenging to test the system or, in the event of an emergency, deploy the system more than once in the field. Third, canister bags can be more of a hassle to travel with, especially domestically. We have a few compressed air canister packs in this review, including the Arva Switch Ride, Mammut Tour 30L 3.0, and BCA Float 32. We vastly preferred the Arva system since the carbon canister is nearly half the weight and situated along your spine for improved weight distribution and maximum riding comfort.
For canister packs, like BCA's Float 2.0 system, you can read the charge via a gauge on the compressed air canister.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Triggers
Most right-handed skiers and snowboarders prefer to use their right hand to pull a trigger located on their left shoulder strap. Trigger location is worth considering when comparing airbag packs. Some packs feature a fixed trigger on the left shoulder, but many manufacturers offer you the option to switch the trigger to the shoulder you prefer so that you can quickly pull the trigger with your dominant hand. Snowmobilers – who represent at least half of the market for airbag packs – usually prefer to pull with their left hand to keep their right hand on the throttle because they're generally using the speed of their sled to try and escape the avalanche. On the uniquely designed Black Diamond Jetforce Pro, you can actually turn the airbag mechanism on and off via a button at the base of the trigger without even having to open the pack, which we found supremely convenient.
The traditional, big orange handle sticking out from your shoulder is the universal symbol of an airbag pack.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Weight
For avalanche airbag packs – and any gear you're hauling into the backcountry, for that matter – weight matters. Ounces lead to pounds, and pounds lead to pain, as they say. For most users, extra weight on the uphill is the primary reason why they'd choose to forgo an airbag pack versus a traditional backcountry pack. This is perhaps the area where airbag pack technology has progressed the most over the years.
The lightest options in this lineup are the Arc'teryx Micon LiTRIC, Ortovox LiTRIC, Scott Patrol E2, and Arva Switch Ride, although there have been massive advancements in weight reduction of avalanche airbag packs across the board in recent years. Our entire testing lineup comes in below 6.5 pounds, which is only 2-3 pounds heavier than your average lightweight backcountry pack. The Patrol E2 felt like it was the lightest to carry uphill and is more geared towards fast-and-light missions and ski mountaineering.
IFMGA Guide Josh Jespersen, a self-professed gram counter, was willing to carry the Scott Patrol E2 even on big days with sizable vertical gain.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Arva Switch features both 18-liter and 32-liter modules, and the larger version is the lightest avalanche airbag pack over 30 L currently available. As a standalone airbag system – that is, without the pack – Arva's Reactor compressed air carbon canister system is also technically the lightest airbag system on the market. Although the Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride is a bit heavier than the Arc'teryx Micon LiTRIC, it hosts an impressive suite of features for its weight and doesn't have the same issues as the Micon in terms of comfort and utility. Ortovox offers even lighter versions of this pack that can be zipped onto the same base system for even more versatility.
The LiTRIC Freeride is comfortable, feature-filled, and doesn't weigh you down on long uphills.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The lightest pack on the list is the Raide SB 30L, weighing just 3.8 pounds. But this isn't necessarily a fair comparison; since this isn't an airbag pack, it doesn't have to account for the weight and bulk of the airbag itself.
The SBX unit in the SB 30L is even smaller than the LiTRIC fan unit, which not only lightens the load but gives you more room to pack.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Comfort
For this metric, we compared how well each pack carried on the way up, as well as how comfortable and well-shaped the back panel and shoulder straps were. We gave higher scores to packs with higher-quality padding and articulated shoulder straps. Of course, we also rated how each pack felt and moved with us while skiing and snowboarding. We gave higher scores to packs we hardly even noticed during the descent.
The Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride lives up to its name and is especially comfortable on the downhill. It stays in place without swaying around, but also doesn't inhibit our movement. An ergonomic back panel, padded shoulder straps, and the best waist belt adjustment of the bunch all come together in a symphony of superior comfort.
For fast and steep descents, we especially appreciated the LiTRIC Freeride for a smooth ride that didn't jostle us around.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Osprey is, first and foremost, a backpack company — so it's no surprise that they've dialed the carrying comfort of the Osprey Sopris Pro, the only airbag in our lineup with a women's specific fit. We handed these packs out to skiers of all sizes and genders, and our female testers noticed that the shorter frame and ladies' specific shaping on this pack was worthwhile. Larger or taller testers noted that the men's version, the Osprey Soelden Pro 32, also fits well, and both have nicely articulated shoulder straps with supportive padding.
Female testers enjoyed the comfort provided by women's specific sizing of the Osprey Sopris.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Deuter Alproof proved super comfortable even when carrying and skiing with heavy loads. It could sufficiently carry a full guiding kit and overnight supplies for a full-service hut without ever feeling uncomfortable on the uphill or throwing us off on the downhill. Adding squishy yet supportive foam inserts strategically placed on the back panel improves comfort, suspension, and airflow.
The Deuter Alproof remains comfortable for uphill touring and downhill skiing, even when fully loaded with overnight gear for three days of skiing at a backcountry hut.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Features
We compared additional features that made a pack easier to use – perks that were worthwhile additions but not necessarily the typical essentials of a backcountry pack. We gave higher scores to packs with thoughtfully designed pockets and compartments, fleece-lined goggle carriers, and hip belt pockets, one feature that always comes in handy for stashing essentials like a scraper, multi-tool, ski straps, and snacks.
We always like packs that include additional soft, non-scratching fleece-lined goggle pockets, which help to protect our eyewear while still keeping it accessible. Among other useful features – like stowable helmet, ski, and ice axe attachments to keep the outside of your pack sleek – the Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride has a nice, soft fleece-lined satchel inside that can keep your goggles and sunglasses safe from scratches when you're not wearing them.
We always appreciate packs that have integrated fleece pockets for our goggles or sunglasses.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Deuter Alproof includes all of the pockets you could want: a fleece-lined goggle holder, pocket compartments, hip belt stashes, gear loops, and an impressively large rescue gear pocket adorned with useful emergency information. The mesh helmet carry has an integrated stuff sack of sorts to help carry even more gear when needed. We especially like how the top pocket is large enough to stash a small water bottle, snacks, and your radio. All of this comes with a minimal weight penalty for this 32-liter pack.
The Deuter Alproof has features galore, including an extra-large and easily accessible pocket for rescue gear and an interior zip pocket for other essentials, like an inReach.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
The Scott Patrol E2 arguably offers the best features specific to ski mountaineering. It can easily hold your skis, two ice axes, a rope, and additional gear for steep and technical days in the mountains. It also features fixed daisy-chain sewn gear loops on the exterior that you can easily modify based on your planned trip. Technical features aside, the pack is also well organized and has plenty of pockets to stow all of your backcountry equipment and extras. The Raide SB 30L is one of the most richly featured packs on the market, especially in mountaineering and steep skiing contexts. It includes options for A-frame or diagonal ski carry, two ice tools, a hip belt pocket (which many airbag packs lack), several external access pockets, back panel access, and so many more thoughtfully designed features.
For extra-long uphills where you don't need to deploy your airbag, an option to carry in A-frame mode can be more comfortable.
Credit: Kaylee Walden
Modular Pack Systems
One cool feature of some packs is the ability to buy one airbag system to use across several pack sizes. Owning two or more packs is no doubt more costly, but these modular systems can save money if you need the versatility of different packs for a range of objectives. The Arva Switch Ride is a great example of this – it comes stock with both an 18- and 32-liter pack that you can choose from depending on the day's objective and how much gear you need to carry. The packs easily change out within just a few seconds, thanks to a nifty interlocking zipper design. The Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride can be swapped out for different pack modules, although we only tested the 28 L pack for this review. The Black Diamond JetForce Pro can also be swapped out for different packs on one base model – for this review, we tested both the Jetforce Pro 25L and the larger Black Diamond JetForce Pro 35L. While a slightly different modular option, the airbag component can be swapped between packs on the Mammut Tour 3.0.
The smaller Ride 18 L pack is great for lift-accessed backcountry skiing or light tours.
The larger Tour 32 L pack offers additional carrying capacity for longer day tours or objectives that require carrying more technical equipment.
The Arva Switch Ride can quickly transform from 18 to 32 L for bigger objectives.
Conclusion
Deciding what avalanche airbag pack to purchase depends on your specific backcountry needs. This review is intended to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the options available today, and we hope we've helped you straight to the best pack for you.
Remember that an avalanche airbag pack is just one piece of the puzzle of navigating risk in the mountains. Before you venture into avalanche terrain, consider taking an avalanche course, and make sure you're always carrying an avalanche beacon, a shovel, and a probe. Of course, you'll also need a pair of backcountry skis or a splitboard to get where you're going out there. Happy turns!
We hope this in-depth review has you looking in the right direction for your next avalanche airbag pack.
