How does an avalanche backpack work? What's in an avalanche man's backpack? Avalanche equipment review
Thanks to the efforts of the community, the beeper, probe and shovel no longer seem like alien equipment. It has become a rule of good manners to attend avalanche courses before the season. This is more joyful than ever. Now let's talk about avalanche backpacks and everything connected with it.
Let's immediately define the term " avalanche backpack" in this article. By this we mean any backpack designed for riding, hiking or traveling in avalanche-prone areas. Such a backpack must take into account the characteristics of the terrain and the type of activity for which it is intended and must have the ability to quickly access avalanche equipment, and often have built-in avalanche equipment (for example, the Black Diamond Avalung system). That is, in fact, any backpack for off-piste skiing now is an avalanche backpack, because almost any backpack has space for a probe and a pocket for a shovel. In principle, this is true, but with reservations. Sometimes this is a purely nominal place (for example, as in Dakine backpacks), not defining or functional, but simply for the sake of it. In the backpacks that we will look at, everything is quite the opposite. Here the content determines the essence, and colors and shapes are secondary. Let me make a reservation right away that we will limit ourselves to choosing the Russian market.
1. Avalanche backpacks with passive protection.
Arva backpack with motorcycle back protection. 
In ABS backpacks, the following elements are used.
1- two independent airbags located on the sides of the backpack. The volume of each airbag is 85 liters.
2 - disposable safe gas cylinder. It is not specified which one.
The cartridge (cylinder) can be either steel with a working pressure of 300 bar, or carbon with a pressure of 340 bar. The second is much easier, but also more expensive. The cartridge can only be refilled by an authorized ABS center (there are none in Russia).
3 - Piercing block, gearbox striker, which pierces the gasket in the cylinder and is activated by a disposable pyrotechnic handle.
4 - Lines going from the gearbox to the pillows.
5 - Inflation valve and pressure release valve in the airbags. The device stands on each of the pillows; they are independent of each other.
6 — Activation handle mounting board. Usually located on the left strap, but it is possible to move it to the right.
7 - Activation handle. Contains a disposable squib. Once activated, it must be returned to the dealer for refilling.
8 — Mechanism for adjusting the height of the activation handle.
9 - Foot strap. The strap passes between the legs. Prevents the backpack from being pulled over the head when caught in an avalanche and the system is activated.
10 — Metal buckle for fastening the waist belt.
In order to activate the backpack, you need to pull the handle - the squib will fire, which will activate the needle striker in the gearbox. The pgla will pierce the gasket and release compressed air through the lines to the pillows. Accordingly, the pen and cylinder must be returned to dealers for replacement and refilling.
I note that at the time of writing this article a new modification of the handles was released. Its main difference is remote opening via radio channel. I deliberately did not talk about them, because I don’t yet understand all the nuances.
Snowpulse Highmark 22 backpack with LifeBag system As you can clearly see in the photo, Snowpulse backpacks use a different construction scheme.
Main features:
1. There is only one life pillow, and it is more correct to call it a life vest, since it is inflated around the cervical spine and head.
LifeBag open When folded, the pillow is not in the backpack, but in special pockets built into the backpack straps, i.e. it uses less volume of the backpack. The pockets are fastened with a zipper, which opens when activated. Once activated, the airbag can be deflated and driven to a safe place. The pillows are placed in the pockets according to a certain pattern, which is worth describing in a separate note.
SnowPulse ProRider backpack folded 2. Compressed air cylinder. Depending on the sales region and configuration, there may be several types.
Let me make a reservation right away that before the 2011 model year, Snowpulse backpacks used a different launch and activation mechanism. Cylinders produced before 2011 are completely incompatible with later ones. They have a different structure of the gearbox and trigger mechanism. Therefore, if you are offered to rent a cylinder on the spot, check what year it was made.
Photo1. All types of cylinders for Snowpuls backpacks. From left to right. 1- disposable cylinder of the new standard 300 bar. 2-reusable cylinder of the new standard 300 bar, 0.25L. 3-reusable cylinder of the new standard for the USA and Canada 3000 psi (about 210 bar), 0.36L, aluminum. 4-cylinder of the old standard (for backpacks produced before 2011) for Europe. Artyom Oganov
An avalanche backpack (airbag) confidently becomes the fourth item in the list of basic equipment for a freerider, along with a transceiver, a shovel and a probe. If you get into an avalanche, you need to pull the heap on the shoulder strap of your backpack, and the balloon or electric hair dryer will inflate a cushion, which will help you stay on the surface of the snow and be more visible to rescuers.
How does this work
A properly worn and activated airbag increases your chance of surviving an avalanche. The operation of the device is based on the principle of reverse segregation, or the effect brazil nut. The point is that in a moving mixture of large and small objects (an avalanche, for example), larger objects rise upward. Try shaking a bowl of unshelled nuts: pine and hazelnuts will sink, while walnuts and Brazil nuts will float. A triggered backpack makes you much larger and significantly increases the likelihood of ending up on the surface of the avalanche when the avalanche stops.
Don't forget that an airbag does not guarantee survival; this requires the ability to make smart decisions to avoid getting into an avalanche altogether.
Several large companies are involved in the production of avalanche backpacks. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses, and they differ in design, convenience and price.
What to think about when choosing an avalanche backpack
What kind of skiing do you need a backpack for? For heli you need a smaller and simpler airbag than for multi-day ski touring.
-Where will you fly with him? Each airline has its own rules and requirements for the transportation of airbags and cylinders, please read them before your flight. In some cases, you will need to fly with an empty tank and refill it on the spot. Availability of cylinders and refills may vary greatly depending on the destination.
- Do you need the ability to rearrange the pillow and filling mechanism from one backpack to another? There are brands and models that allow you to combine the same airbag with backpacks different sizes and types.
- Is the size appropriate for your height or anatomy? Some models offer various options length.
- What is the budget? Airbags vary greatly in price.
- Is your existing ski and board carrying system suitable for you? Some backpacks have a limited number of ways to secure gear to avoid blocking the pads.
- Is the weight of the backpack comfortable given the typical contents?
Activation type
Cylinders/Cartridges
Cylinders, canisters and cartridges are metal or carbon cylinders of high pressure (2700-3000 PSI) gas that inflate a cushion. Currently, BCA, Mammut/Snowpulse and WARY offer models with cylinders that can be filled with compressed air in some ski shops, as well as in dive centers and paintball clubs. ABS cartridges contain compressed nitrogen, and they are disposable; the dealer gives a discount on a new one for a returned empty cylinder.
The rules of some airlines (for example, in the USA) require that cartridges be transported empty and disconnected from the pillow. You will have to fill the cartridge on site or buy a new one there. If the model has a reusable cylinder, it makes sense to carry with you the adapters, sealants, gaskets and lubricants necessary for refilling. If it is an ABS airbag, you need to present an uncharged handle (there is a squib in the activation mechanism handle, and it is replaced along with the canister). Other airlines do not have clear rules or airport staff do not know them, which sometimes leads to long, anxious negotiations.
Electric compressor (hair dryer)
New airbags from Black Diamond (JetForce) and Arc'teryx (Voltair) have battery-powered pumps. Without cylinders, everything looks more fun: the pillow is inflated with a super-powerful “hair dryer”, the airbag can be used several times on one charge. With such a system it is much easier to fly airplanes. But the most important thing is that you can test and practice with it, knowing that there are several activations in stock.
Major manufacturers and their systems
ABS has the longest history of development and success in the avalanche backpack market, and the most extensive survival statistics. The TwinBag system consists of two pillows (in case one is punctured), and a small squib is built into the activation handle, which pushes a needle that pierces the cartridge cover. Used cylinders are refilled only by the company itself; they can be returned as containers from dealers. ABS has both built-in Inside and removable Vario systems. The list of partners is constantly expanding and now includes DaKine, Ortovox, The North Face, Arva, Quicksilver, Mountain Hardwear and Salomon.
At one time, Mammut acquired industry pioneer Snowpulse, and offers two airbag systems. Protection (P.A.S.) - developed by Snowpulse, has a pillow that protects the head. R.A.S is a removable system with one overhead pillow, installed on any R.A.S.-compatible backpack. Since 2014 P.A.S. can also be installed in any backpack of its system. Mammut cylinders can be refilled at a dive center or paintball club if an adapter is available.
Backcountry Access promotes the Float system - backpacks of different sizes and volumes. The cylinders are filled just as easily as with Mammut, you only need an adapter. Latest versions Well thought out and good prices.
Black Diamond
Pilot, Halo and Saga JetForce airbags inflate airbags with a powerful battery-powered compressor, eliminating the hassle of cartridges and simplifying air travel. The backpack can be powered up to four times on a single charge.
Arc'teryx
The company burst onto the market in 2016 with its Voltair electrical system and offers cool and expensive backpacks with a volume of 20 and 30 liters.
Max Pankov tells us what an avalanche climber must have in his backpack. And we, together with AlpIndustry expert Elena Roshchupkina, are assembling the correct set from the assortment of our stores according to Max’s instructions.
During my time working in the avalanche service, I formed a clear idea of what the most necessary things should be in my backpack to successfully complete the main task - ensuring avalanche safety at the resort. The equipment is basically similar to what guides and experienced freeriders use in their work and riding, but there are also significant differences, since I work in one place ( Since January 2014, Max has been working in the avalanche service of the Mountain Karusel resort - editor's note.). Moreover, we're talking about about the resort using ski lifts, which means we have the opportunity to quickly return to the base to take or change something.
Everything that is written here is just my personal opinion, formed over many years of work in the mountains.
Max Pankov
|
Avalanche equipment can be divided into two groups:
- The main equipment that is in the backpack all the time, every day, on every exit and every descent.
- Additional equipment, optional, but may be useful in certain situations or special exits.
List of basic (everyday) avalanche equipment
- Avalanche backpack
- Avalanche shovel
- Avalanche probe
- Snow saw
- Testing set + notepad for writing
- Rope 30 m
- Lightweight ski touring harness
- Loops (2-4 pieces, 40 cm each)
- Climbing carabiners (2-4 pieces)
- Petzl Tibloc Clamp
- Thin wind-stop gloves
- Radio station
- Mobile phone
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Screwdriver (multi-tool) + spare parts for snowboard bindings
- Spare batteries
- flare
.JPG)
Avalanche backpack
For my daily work, I use the Scott backpack model (32L) with the Avalanche airbag system.
I wrote about the advantages and disadvantages of an avalanche backpack: the weight of the system, the inflation speed, the capacity of the backpack and the location of the pillow relative to the center of gravity of the person + backpack system are important. If the pillow is positioned during activation in such a way that the center of gravity is at the bottom, thereby placing the person always head up, this, in my opinion, is very significant.
Avalanche shovel
It’s probably not worth writing about the need for your backpack if you are engaged in freeride, ski touring, or are an avalanche and rescue service employee. This gear is a must!
Priorities in selection:
- Scoop shovels can be metal or plastic. In my opinion, metal is more practical, because... They can be used to chop and chop dense or frozen snow. Plastic shovels are springy and can do little to help, although they are durable. With modern technology, the differences in weight are minimal.
- Cuttings single-arm or telescopic are available, i.e. sliding Telescopic ones are much more convenient to use, and then you can always shorten them if necessary.
- Handles shovels may be different shapes: D-shaped, T-shaped and L-shaped. The choice is yours. But do not forget that it is impossible to fully operate a shovel with a T-shaped handle while wearing mittens. Nowadays, however, they produce hybrid T-shaped handles with an “undercut” for hand gripping and an offset from the main axis of the handle, but still this point should not be overlooked. And if this seems like a small thing to you, then believe me, in a critical situation this little thing will blow your mind.
In my work I use an avalanche shovel.
Avalanche probe (probe)
Just like an avalanche shovel, it should be a must-have piece of equipment in your backpack.
Priorities when choosing:
- Probe length. Probes are available in different sizes, mainly in the range of 2-3 meters. There are no special recommendations here. Everything is at your discretion.
- Tube material and diameter. There are also options here: carbon and metal. Metal ones are much stronger. The same applies to the diameter and thickness of the tubes: thin probe tubes very often break, especially with inept probing, because The probe often encounters frozen, dense layers of snow, clods, etc. on its way.
- Features of assembly into working condition. It is very important here that the probe, like any other avalanche equipment, should work for you, and not you for it. That is, the question of how to assemble the dipstick into working condition should not cause you any difficulties or any modifications, such as putting a knot in the slot, tightening the washer, nut, etc. Everything must be assembled and put into working order quickly.
I use the BCA Stealth 300 Avalanche Probe.
Snow saw
Possible uses:
- Organization of insurance during ascent and descent.
- In rescue work.
.JPG)
Snow cover research.
First aid kit
The composition of medicines and first aid items can cause a lot of controversy. I will write my personal opinion:
- Bandages (4 pcs.)
- Elastic bandage (1 pc.)
- Set of cardboard tires (1 set)
- Rescue blanket
- Painkillers tablets (your choice)
- Plaster in roll (1 pc.)
- Painkillers in ampoules, syringes (4 pcs.) - disputes and questions are possible here
You do not have the right to inject medications into a person without having an education in the field of medicine, since some drugs have side effects and can worsen a person’s condition, or worse. In most cases, this concerns providing assistance to people you do not know, when nothing is known about the person and his tolerance to medications. But I still take painkillers in ampoules with me in the medicine cabinet and use them if necessary.
Radio station, mobile phone
In my opinion, necessary thing for my work and communication. Cases are different, but sometimes one is enough... It is unlikely that someone will give you the operating frequencies of rescue and avalanche services, but otherwise when using communications:
- There must be one frequency for all group members that does not interfere with other groups and services in the area.
- You must know the telephone numbers of the local rescue service and its location.
Flashlight
Spare straps, screws, etc. for snowboard bindings
In fact, I always have them in my backpack, because... There are cases of breakdowns and at the most inopportune moments.
Spare batteries
Everything is simple here. Equipment such as a flashlight and an avalanche transceiver may require battery replacement during active use.
Thin gloves
Well, that's probably all I wanted to say. These are not just words, but part of my experience. Therefore, when leaving or going to the mountains to ride, think about what is in your backpack? This will help you get out of a difficult situation or save your life!
Sample set of avalanche equipment
Always check your gear and equipment before heading to the mountains. Don't forget to update outdated and worn out models. And remember that even the highest quality and tested avalanche equipment does not provide a 100% guarantee of survival when caught in an avalanche. Therefore, always be careful and take care of yourself!
Snowboard backpacks ABS Signal 25L
Tags
#ABS included#Expensive
#For big mountains
Dakine has been cooperating with ABS for a long time and the result of their work is the ability to integrate the airbag system into Dakine winter backpacks. Basically Dakine makes backpacks compatible with ABS, but without the pads themselves. ABS Signal 25L already includes this system. So you just buy this backpack and don't think about how to install everything correctly. This avalanche backpack combines the functionality of the Pro II model with the modern design of Arc.
In the event of an avalanche, you need to pull the special handle and thus open the air bags. The cushions increase the contact surface area on both sides of your body and help you stay horizontal and out of the snow.
The Signal series backpack has an Airstripe system (soft back with foam pads), padded, adjustable shoulder straps, sternum strap, waist strap and leg strap. Thanks to such a serious fastening system, the backpack fits your body like a glove, but without restricting your movements. It has been tested and approved by the TÜV organization, which specializes in quality standards for components in extreme sports. The ABS backpack is made of durable 1260D and 640D nylon.
Signal is also adapted to accommodate avalanche equipment: shovels, probes, icebreakers, etc.
Dakine has equipped the Signal with shovel pockets, a front convex optics pocket, a helmet pouch, and a belt pouch for snacks or a camera. In icy areas, icebreaker loops will also be useful. A safety whistle on the chest strap can be useful in case of an emergency.
Functional
- integrated ABS Twin airbags.- Airbag deployment handle.
- Security system fastening system.
- One convex pocket, one side pocket for spade/probe peg, one helmet pouch, one belt pouch.
- Hinges for icebreaker
- Rescue whistle on chest strap
Characteristics
Volume - 25 l.Dimensions - 53 x 23 x 23 cm.
Composition: 630D Nylon, 1260D Ballistic Nylon.
Please note the restrictions when transporting ABS systems: the cylinders are filled with nitrogen, so only land transport methods are allowed for them. Those. You will most likely not be allowed on the plane.
This air bag system does not guarantee safety and survival in the event of an avalanche. Get the necessary training, take an avalanche course, and bring the right equipment. Do not ride off-piste on your own and be careful.
And finally, a video with an avalanche and this very backpack: