Introduction
Let’s start with an interesting fact. Avalanche airbag backpacks experienced something weird in their earlier phase. An everyday skier came up with the idea of avalanche airbags, and the rest of the people laughed about it. But some good skiers gave this idea a shot, and it came true. Avalanche airbags got popular and soon moved from an unusual rarity to a standard and vital piece of safety equipment. It’s easy to understand why the best avalanche airbags in France provide an extra layer of protection in the event of an avalanche, which is every backcountry skier or rider’s worst fear.
What exactly is an avalanche airbag?
A backpack with an airbag system has a giant balloon or balloons that inflate by just pulling a string, allowing the wearer to rise above the snow surface and avoid being buried in the case of an avalanche. They’ve been proven to operate well and are a solid investment for off-piste skiing.
Now that we know how important it is, let’s learn about the benefits of using and how to buy the best avalanche airbags in France.
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Let's take a deep dive into these 7 best Avalanche Airbags in France
Best Overall Avalanche Airbags in France
TerraWest
A+
Zotezo review
The TerraWest Core Kit Avalanche is a lightweight backpack equipped with essential backcountry travel gear such as a Recco reflector, avalanche shovel, and probe. While praised for its craftsmanship, safety features, and versatility for freeriders and ski mountaineering, some users found the back padding insufficient and noted that accessing the main compartment requires taking the bag off.
Product details
Benefits of TerraWest Core Avalanche Kit
Drawbacks
B+
Zotezo review
The “Bca x Airbag Avalanche électronique Mixte, Vert Mousse, 25 Liter-MD/LG” is a 25-liter backpack with a mixed electronic airbag system, making it suitable for medium to large sizes. While it offers a large capacity and advanced safety features, the limited color options and higher price range may be drawbacks for some buyers.
Product details
Benefits of BCA Airbag Avalanche, 25L, Vert ...
Weaknesses
B
Zotezo review
The SkinStar Sonde d’avalanche 260 or 320 cm et pelle à neige pliable en aluminium léger et compact is a lightweight and compact aluminum shovel that serves as a reliable emergency tool for avalanche situations. It features a LAWEN probe with energy-saving design, quick assembly, easy-to-read markings, and color-coded separation for easy identification. However, it has limited color options and a higher price compared to similar products.
Product details
Benefits of SkinStar Avalanche Probe and Com...
Disadvantages
B
Zotezo review
The ALPIDEX Pelle Neige Telesopique et Sonde Avalanche Aluminium is a telescopic snow shovel and avalanche probe made of aluminum. It has a durable construction, ergonomic T-shaped handle, and is quick and easy to assemble. Users praise its good quality, lightweight and sturdy construction, and ease of use. However, it is noted that it is best for occasional use only and may feel slightly heavy for some users.
Product details
Benefits of ALPIDEX Avalanche Probe and Tele...
Negatives
EVOC Sports GmbH
C+
Zotezo review
The EVOC – Line R.A.S. 20l Lawinenrucksack (Grau) offers perfect weight distribution, ample storage space, increased safety in avalanche situations, and a stylish grey color. However, it has limited color options and a higher price point compared to other backpacks.
Product details
Benefits of EVOC R.A.S. 20l Avalanche Backpack
Cons
MAMQ3|#Mammut
C+
Zotezo review
The Mammut Airbag 3.0 Trigger Test Tool is a useful accessory that allows airbag triggering without the need for a cartridge. It enables users to familiarize themselves with the airbag system and practice triggering, while also facilitating backpack placement and pulling of the triggering handle. However, it has limited availability and a high price.
Product details
Benefits of Mammut Airbag 3.0 Test Tool
Drawbacks
BCAB6|#BCA Backcountry Access
C+
Zotezo review
The Bca pelles sondes Shaxe Speed Pelle is a versatile backcountry tool that combines a shovel and axe in one. Its orange color provides high visibility in outdoor environments, and its durable aluminum construction ensures long-lasting use. However, some users may find its bulky design and limited color options as downsides.
Product details
Benefits of Shaxe Speed Pelle BCA sondes
Weaknesses
Tips for choosing the right avalanche airbags for you
Types of airbags inflation
The best avalanche airbags in France are divided into two types: those that use compressed air or gas to inflate and those that use an electric fan to inflate. Canister-powered airbags differ from electric airbags, including weight and packed size, convenience, pricing, travel capability, and more. As a result, one of your first considerations when selecting whether an airbag is suitable for you will be the sort of power supply.
Canister airbags
The canister, also known as a cartridge, is a metal or carbon fibre cylinder containing highly compressed gas to inflate the airbag. Canister airbags are robust and reliable, but the main disadvantage is that the canister only has one use before refilling or replacing it, which makes extensive practice difficult. If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll probably have to jump through a few more hoops at the airport. Currently, several manufacturers offer user-refillable canisters that you may fill with compressed air at specific stores, while others do not and must be returned to a dealer to be refilled.
Electric fan airbags
New airbag packs use battery-operated fan systems to inflate the airbag, eliminating the need for cartridges. A high-speed fan inflates the airbag, which can be used numerous times on a single charge. This technology makes flying with your airbag easier. It allows you to practice inflating your airbag at home or in the snow because each battery charge allows multiple activations.
Air travel
As briefly mentioned above, Avalanche airbags can add an extra layer of a headache to air travel if you frequently travel by plane to ski. Make sure you purchase something lightweight and portable, like a bag with an electric fan. A skier has to run through all the restrictions mentioned by the air rules before buying any best avalanche airbags. Generally, it is prohibited to carry compressed airbags, so you must empty your canister airbags before flying. Then you need to look for a place to get it filled again. So, it’s best to prefer electric fan airbags if you travel frequently.
Size
Your preferences and planned use determine the size of your bag. If you’re primarily interested in heli- or cat-skiing, a 20-liter pack should be plenty for storage without troubling your movement. To carry everything for a more extended tour, you’ll need 35 liters. Longer expeditions and hut-to-hut journeys will necessitate at least 50 liters of storage capacity. Buy according to your trip and destination.
Weight
The bigger the size of an avalanche airbag, the heavier the weight. Hence, ensure you get a lightweight enough bag to wear all day. Remember, this is a potentially life-saving tool, and you don’t want to leave it behind just because it’s too heavy. Going smaller or lighter ensures you will wear it.
Transfer mechanism
Many manufacturers allow you to swap the airbag and its mechanism between numerous packs, allowing you to select the most appropriate size for each trip without buying an entirely new pack with a second airbag mechanism. Airbag mechanisms can be swapped between compatible packs or simply removed when the avalanche threat is low.
Fit
You’ll be carrying your avalanche backpack for a long time regularly. You should make sure the specific model fits your physique, just like you would for backpacking packs or anything else. Everyone’s body is slightly different, and specific models may not suit you for various reasons. After purchasing, it’s better to work this out before going on a backcountry hut excursion.
Additional features
Aside from the airbag, your pack should still contain elements that will assist you on days spent in the mountains or the backcountry. Shovels, probes, transceivers, and snow study equipment will all have their own pockets to keep your gear organized and help you remember everything. On most journeys, you will require attachment points for transporting your skis, snowboard, ice tools, or helmet. Make sure you have these in your pack and that they are suitable for your tastes.
Products listed here are carefully reviewed and tested by our expert authors and reviewers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our editorial process.
How we reviewed these products
Advantages of using avalanche airbags
Saves life
The best avalanche airbags in France have the potential to save a large number of people’s lives. The avalanche airbag is unique among avalanche rescue equipment since it is the only way to avoid full-body burial, which is the most common cause of avalanche death.
It helps you take the risk
Passionate skiers always want to reach where no one has ever been. Dangerous places have more chances of avalanches, but with avalanche airbags, you can risk a little bit to fulfill your wishes. Remember, there is no way you should depend on your avalanche airbag and risk your life. They will protect you, but nature has its way of destruction. Remember to be safe.
Adventurous
When you risk skiing in such a dangerous place, it ultimately gives you adrenaline. It somehow makes your dream come true, and your trip turns into more adventure than ever before.
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Frequently asked questions on avalanche airbags
1. Are avalanche packs effective?
2. Are Avalanche airbags worth it?
3. What makes avalanche backpacks so costly?
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Conclusion
Avalanche airbags are essential equipment for backcountry and avalanche terrain skiers and riders. It is necessary to use in conjunction with other vital rescue gear like beacons, shovels, and probes not in place of them.
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