What are avalanche airbag backpacks?

Airbag backpacks are a very useful tool for increasing safety in sports such as skiing, mountaineering, or hiking. In fact, today there are innovative models that offer simpler and more comfortable airbag inflation systems, as well as different designs that better adapt to each person and the activity they are used for. Are you planning to visit Baqueira Beret and enjoy experiences in the snow? Do you want to be fully equipped and also have safety guarantees? At Alma de Nieve we give you some advice.

What are airbag backpacks?

This type of backpack is associated with the principle of reverse segregation. This means that, by increasing volume, a person can stay more easily and longer afloat in the event of a snow avalanche. That is why these backpacks include a bag that inflates and acts as an airbag. This significantly increases the volume of the wearer, giving them a better chance of avoiding being buried under snow. Of course, this is a preventive device that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

What is the origin of airbag backpacks?

The first backpacks with airbags appeared in 1985. Nearly forty years have passed since the first avalanche airbag backpacks were introduced. At that time, the ABS manufacturer released a model with two airbags, one on each side. This is a design that has evolved significantly to the present day. Although ABS still manufactures backpacks with two side airbags, most of today’s models include a single airbag in the upper part. This is because it also helps protect the head and neck in accidents, and it can often be removed or installed on another backpack (usually from the same brand). Thus, avalanche airbag backpacks are safety devices that not only help prevent burial in a snow avalanche but also protect the back and head from possible injuries.

Their bright color helps rescue teams locate a skier or mountaineer more easily; and, as a complement to other tools such as shovels, they provide an additional level of safety.

How avalanche airbag backpacks work

They are very easy to use. You simply need to locate a trigger or lever on the shoulder strap, which is where you activate the airbag when you sense danger. Some designs include a sensor that detects a possible avalanche and inflates the airbag automatically. Once activated, the airbag inflates using two systems: compressed gas or electric power. In the first case, after use, the gas cylinder must be refilled in order to use it again. In the electric system, the airbag inflates using a fan that generates airflow. The electric system is lighter and does not need to be recharged after each use. It is also more experimental, so only some brands manufacture it.

Advantages of backpacks with airbag systems

Although they are more expensive than conventional backpacks and heavier—reasons why some people may not be attracted to them—it is important to highlight their benefits:

• They are reusable. In gas-powered models, the cylinder must be refilled. In electric ones, there is no need to recharge after each use.
• They come in a variety of designs. They can be adapted to each person according to their tastes, characteristics, and needs.
• They are versatile. Their main function is the airbag, but when it is not deployed, they can be used as a regular backpack.

In short, airbag backpacks are increasingly becoming a necessity for practicing alpine sports that involve a certain level of risk. At Alma de Nieve, in the heart of the Aran Valley, you can find accommodation for skiing or hiking in a spectacular natural environment. Discover us!