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Backcountry Safety: Airbags Within Reach

There’s snow on the ground, folks. Not enough to fill the back bowls but enough to dream. Time to check the forecast, tune up your gear – and avoid jumping into marginal early-season conditions.  Manage the stoke and ride with back-up including wise companions and the right avalanche tech.

Airbags; blown out of proportion?

Avalanche packs increase your chance of survival when you pull the cord: in three seconds, volume-increasing airbags minimize your risk of burial while also protecting neck and head. Though all avalanche airbags protect the skier or rider, features, technology and style influence the price.  The Active Junky team glides in with three avalanche packs: bargain, mid-range and high-end.

BCA Float 22 Pack: Get In The Game Now

 

At only 22L, this BCA Float 22 Pack is far from a high-capacity pack but is well suited for sidecountry and quick backcountry expeditions. Last year’s style is discounted, putting it among the few under $400. BCA’s been on the forefront of the backcountry movement for years so this easy-to-use compressed air system is a viable option for folks looking to up their out-of-bounds security. If you still can’t justify the price, remember; a single-mountain season pass costs more.

Best For: Backcountry adventure on a budget.
Earn cash back on the BCA Float 22 Airbag Backpack

Mammut Ride R.A.S. Avalanche Airbag Pack 30L: Security + Carry Capacity

Mammut’s success in alpine pursuits is evident in this functional pack complete with a Removable Airbag System. At $700, the 30L, mid-range pack provides ample storage for full-day BC sojourns. Intuitive straps personalize the fit while R.A.S. technology allows you to jettison weight on resort days. Give serious consideration to this innovative and Active Junky-approved pack from the trusted folks at Mammut.

Best For: Serious skiers and riders who alternate between resort, sidecountry and backcountry days; longer BC day-trips.
Earn cash back on the Mammut Ride R.A.S. Avalanche Airbag Pack

Dakine ABS Signal 25L: Riding Strong And High

At $1249.95, Dakine’s ABS Signal Pack is not for the faint of wallet. Dakine’s high-end 25L is a sleek package, organized around the essentials needed for a day in the backcountry including goggle pocket, helmet pouch, waist pocket, shovel pocket and ice axe loops. A collaboration between backcountry powerhouses ABS and Dakine, Signal offers powderhounds the pinnacle of avalanche protection; guides and hard-core BC travelers need to give this one a second look.

Best For: Guides, mountaineers and serious skiers/riders looking for unparalleled backcountry safety.
Earn cash back on the Dakine AbS Signal Pack

Final Thoughts:  Start Smarter

Get educated through an avalanche safety course, follow local forecasts religiously, explore with experienced companions and, of course, make sure you’ve got the right gear. Airbag packs only mitigate the danger of an avalanche, over 90% of which are started by those they sweep away. Good decision-making is the start as avalanche packs simply function as a secondary level of security.