Here is a look at the Top 5 Airbag Packs on the market today.
1. WARY: AviPack 23L $799.00
Pros: Designed by Alaskan heliski guides the AviPack 23L is a well thought out pack built from the ground up with one thing in mind, avalanche safety.
Cons: WARY products can be hard to find but you can pick up any of their products via their website thewary.com
2. ABS: Vario 25 $1,099
Pros: ABS has been designing and testing airbag systems for longer than just about anyone. Drawing on all this experience ABS has come up with the Vario base unit. The Vario base unit (catridge of nitrogen and airbag) has six zip-on packs ranging from 5-40 liters. This means you can adjust the size of your pack based on how long you plan on being in the backcountry.
Cons: At just under seven pounds the ABS Vario 25 is heavier than other systems on the market.
3. Backcountry Access: Float 22 $675
Pros: This lightweight (5.5 pounds) airbag pack is one of the most affordable on the market today.
Cons: At just 22-liters the Float 22 Airbag Pack is a small pack for anything more than a short day trip into the backcountry. However, the airbag system and cylinder is interchangeable with the larger Float 32.
4. The North Face: Patrol 24 ABS $1,179
Pros: The twin airbag systems adds an extra layer of safety in the event that one airbag is punctured.
Cons: With a price tag of $1,179 it’s obvious your paying for the North Face name.
5. Mammut: Ride R.A.S. 30 $874
Pros: The lightweight R.A.S. (Removable Airbag System) 30 weights in at just 5.3 pounds but still has plenty of room for a day out in the mountains.
Cons: No dedicated loop for diagonal ski carry.