Which Avalanche Airbag Should I Choose? A Freerider’s Guide

Avalanche airbags have become a common sight among freeriders and ski tourers in St. Anton and throughout the Arlberg. But with so many different backpacks and systems available, choosing the right one is not always easy.

Do you need an electronic or cartridge system? How big should your backpack be? And is weight more important than volume?

Here are the main things to consider when choosing an avalanche airbag for freeriding or ski touring.

First: What is an avalanche airbag for?

An avalanche airbag is designed to help you remain closer to the surface of moving avalanche debris when deployed.

It is an additional piece of safety equipment, not a substitute for avalanche knowledge, good decision-making or essential rescue equipment.

Every member of a group entering avalanche terrain should carry a transceiver, shovel and probe and, most importantly, know how to use them.

Electronic or cartridge avalanche airbag?

One of the biggest decisions today is choosing between an electronic airbag and a traditional cartridge system.

Cartridge systems

Cartridge airbags use compressed gas to inflate the airbag.

Modern cartridge systems can be relatively light, simple and reliable. Depending on the manufacturer, the cartridge must be refilled or replaced after deployment.

If you regularly travel by air, check the latest airline regulations as well as the manufacturer’s travel instructions before your trip.

Electronic systems

Electronic airbags use a powered blower instead of a compressed-gas cartridge.

Depending on the system, they use batteries, supercapacitors or a combination of technologies. A major advantage is that many electronic systems allow practice deployments without replacing a gas cartridge.

This makes it much easier to become familiar with pulling the trigger before you actually need it.

Electronic systems can also offer multiple deployments, depending on the particular technology and available power.

Neither technology is automatically better. The right choice depends on how and where you ski.

How big should your avalanche backpack be?

Think about what you will actually use the backpack for.

For lift-accessed freeriding around St. Anton, Zürs or Lech, a relatively compact pack may provide all the space you need.

If you regularly go ski touring, you will probably want more room for skins, spare clothing, food, water and additional touring equipment.

As a general starting point:

Freeriding: approximately 18–25 litres
Ski touring: approximately 25–35 litres or more

These are only guidelines. How efficiently a backpack is designed can matter just as much as its stated volume.

Weight matters

An avalanche airbag only helps if you actually wear it.

A heavy or uncomfortable backpack can become annoying on long days and even more noticeable when ski touring.

Compare the total weight of the complete setup, including the airbag system, cartridge or electronic components, rather than looking only at the weight of the backpack itself.

At the same time, don’t choose solely by weight. Fit and comfort are equally important.

Make sure it fits properly

The best avalanche backpack is one that fits your body well and remains comfortable throughout the day.

Try the backpack with the clothing you normally ski in and adjust the shoulder straps, waist belt and leg loop correctly.

Different manufacturers offer different back lengths and fits, so a backpack that is perfect for one skier may be uncomfortable for another.

Check the ski and snowboard carrying system

If you plan to hike or ski tour, look carefully at how skis or a snowboard attach to the backpack.

You should also have easy access to your shovel and probe.

A well-designed avalanche backpack should allow you to organise your safety equipment separately from clothing, food and other equipment so that it can be accessed quickly.

Practise pulling the trigger

Whichever system you choose, practise using it.

In an avalanche you may have only a very short time to react. You should know exactly where the trigger is and be comfortable reaching and pulling it while wearing gloves and ski clothing.

Electronic systems can make practice deployments particularly convenient. With cartridge systems, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for test deployments, inspection and replacement or refilling of the cartridge.

Always follow the specific maintenance instructions for your system rather than relying on general advice.

What about travelling with an avalanche airbag?

If you are flying to the Arlberg with an avalanche airbag, check the current rules before travelling.

Requirements can vary depending on the airbag technology, cartridge, battery and airline.

Do not assume that because you travelled with the same backpack last season the requirements will automatically be identical this year.

Check both the manufacturer’s current travel information and the rules of your airline before departure.

Don’t forget your transceiver, shovel and probe

An avalanche airbag does not replace your essential avalanche rescue equipment.

When skiing in avalanche terrain, you should carry:

• a modern three-antenna avalanche transceiver
• a metal avalanche shovel
• a probe

And you need to know how to use them.

Regular avalanche rescue practice is one of the most useful things any freerider or ski tourer can do.

So, which avalanche airbag should you buy?

There is no single best avalanche airbag for everyone.

When comparing different models, consider:

1. Fit
Does the backpack fit your body comfortably?

2. Weight
Will you happily wear it all day?

3. Volume
Do you mainly freeride from the lifts or go on longer ski tours?

4. Airbag technology
Do you prefer a cartridge system or the convenience of an electronic system?

5. Organisation
Can you access your shovel and probe quickly?

6. Ski or snowboard attachment
Does the carrying system work for the way you use the backpack?

7. Travel
How practical is the system for the type of travelling you normally do?

The best approach is to try several backpacks in a specialist shop before buying. A technically impressive system is of little benefit if the backpack does not fit you properly.

Off-piste skiing in St. Anton and the Arlberg

Good equipment is important, but equipment alone does not manage avalanche risk.

Snow conditions, weather, avalanche danger, terrain and the ability of the group all need to be considered when heading off piste.

For over 25 years, Piste To Powder has been connecting guests with experienced, independent IFMGA mountain guides in St. Anton and throughout the Arlberg.

Your guide independently plans the day and chooses appropriate terrain according to the current conditions, your ability and their professional assessment.

If you are new to off-piste skiing, your guide can also help you become more familiar with your avalanche safety equipment and explain how it is used.

Safety equipment with Piste To Powder

A transceiver, shovel and probe can be provided by your guide.

An avalanche airbag is an additional layer of protection and can be a worthwhile investment for anyone who regularly skis or tours in avalanche terrain.

But remember: the most important safety tools are knowledge, good decisions, appropriate terrain choices and knowing how to use your rescue equipment.