The 7 Best Avalanche Airbags of 2022-2023
By: Jordan Berde: Assistant Ski Buyer | October 26, 2022
Just a few years ago, avalanche airbag backpacks were a rare sight in the mountains. They were used by pro skiers and snowboarders but were somewhat inaccessible to the general public. But, since then, technology has advanced to the point where airbags are available to even novice backcountry skiers. It’s exciting to see this potentially life-saving technology become more mainstream. But, with more availability comes more challenges when you’re shopping for an airbag pack. There are more options than ever, and it can be hard to choose the best avalanche airbag.
New This Year:
Luckily, this year’s crop of avalanche safety airbags is better than ever before, and each one has its strengths and weaknesses that we’ve laid out in this list. Notably, most of the packs on this list use a supercapacitor to fill the airbag, instead of a canister. This means that they’re easier to practice with, you don’t need to find expensive canister refills, and most importantly, you can fly with them. They’re also more modular than before, as brands design airbag systems that can be moved from pack to pack depending on what sort of tour you’re going on. So there’s never been a better time to shop for an airbag pack, and there’s never been a better place to find that new pack than this list of the best avalanche airbags.
Black Diamond Jetforce 35L Pro
The Black Diamond JetForce 35L Pro Pack is the latest rendition of Black Diamond's excellent line of battery-powered airbag avalanche packs. Unlike traditional canister-powered packs, the JetForce system is rechargeable and allows for multiple deployments, giving you no drawback practice sessions and eliminating any moment of doubt that might prevent you from deploying the bag in a 50/50 scenario. Additionally, the battery-powered system is easy to travel with, and lighter and more durable than ever. The pack itself is streamlined and perfected for backcountry use and has a modular design to allow you to swap out for different volume pack faces depending on the needs of the day. The JetForce Pro has led the market for a few years for good reason, it’s a great pack that’s practical and easy to use.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 35L | Rechargeable | $1,499.95 |
Black Diamond JetForce 25L Pro
The Black Diamond JetForce 25L Pro Pack is the latest rendition of Black Diamond's excellent line of battery-powered airbag avalanche packs. Unlike traditional canister-powered packs, the JetForce system is rechargeable and allows for multiple deployments, giving you no drawback practice sessions and eliminating any moment of doubt that might prevent you from deploying the bag in a 50/50 scenario. Additionally, the battery-powered system is easy to travel with and lighter and more durable than ever. The pack itself is streamlined and perfected for backcountry use and has a modular design to allow you to swap out for different volume pack faces depending on the needs of the day.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 25L | Rechargeable | $1,499.95 |
BCA Float 32
The BCA Float 32 Airbag Pack is a fully-featured airbag for dedicated backcountry enthusiasts carrying all the essentials for a long day in the mountains. An updated Float 2.0 system frees up space in the main compartment compared to previous versions, allowing you to carry a little more food and water along with layers, tools, and goggles. Trusted since the beginning, the Float 32 is the ultimate backcountry companion. This is an affordable, versatile airbag that works well for most skiers in most terrain.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 32L | Canister | $599.95 |
Scott Patrol E1 40
The Scott Patrol E1 40 Backpack Kit is the largest volume model in the Patrol E1 line, suitable for extended day trips and hut touring. Powered by the state-of-the-art Alpride E1 Supercapacitor System rather than a Lithium-Ion battery pack, the E1 is substantially lighter than previous fan airbags and can be recharged in the field in 40 minutes using a fresh set of AA batteries. No canister also means no hassles for air travel and no finding somewhere to fill it at your destination. If that's not awesome, we don't know what is. The Patrol E1 is so lightweight that you’ll forget you’re even wearing an airbag until you need it.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 40L | Capacitor | $1,200 |
Scott Patrol E1 30
If you're serious about wearing an airbag in avalanche terrain, and you're serious about going wherever necessary to get those goods, the Scott Patrol E1 30 Backpack Kit is about as essential as they get. With 30 liters of capacity to accommodate both day tours or lift-assisted skiing and the Alpride E1 Supercapacitor System at your disposal, you get a compact, lightweight package with zero hassles when travelling by air along with the ability to re-charge your system in the field using 2 AA batteries. Sound like a winner? Sure does.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 30L | Capacitor | $1,150.00 |
BCA Float E2 35
Shop all BCA The BCA Float E2 35 Airbag Pack is a tech fueled upgrade to the legendary Float 35 airbag pack. The all-new E2 engine is powered by a supercapacitor, which despite sounding like something Tony Stark uses to power his super suit, is actually a real thing. A supercapacitor basically is a really awesome battery. It performs better in cold temps, releases energy faster, and is much lighter and smaller than traditional rechargeable batteries. All of which, of course is perfect for something you need to lug uphill in the cold with the hopes of never using, while requiring perfect, instantaneous response when you need it. Other than the new supercapacitor, the Float E2 35 remains a perfectly kitted backcountry pack, full of all the features you need for any tour in avalanche terrain.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 36L | Capacitor | $1,299.95 |
BCA Float MtnPro Airbag Vest
The ultimate in airbag vest floatation. Inside the BCA Float MtnPro Airbag Vest, you'll find a 20L pack that is big enough for your avy tools, radio, water bladder, first aid, and more. Across the chest and sides, a protective wrap hides multiple pockets for a beacon and other essentials. Whether you're brappin' your iron horse or greasin' lines deep in the BC, the BCA Float MtnPro Airbag Vest is one friend you'll never leave behind.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 20L | Canister | $799.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Backcountry Guides:
- Backcountry Basics - How to Get Started
- Backcountry Gear - Checklist
- Backcountry Backpacks - How to Choose
- Avalanche Beacons / Transceivers - How to Choose
- Avalanche Shovels - How to Choose
- Avalanche Probes - How to Choose
- Avalanche Airbags - How to Choose
- Alpine Touring Skis - How to Choose
- Alpine Touring Ski Boots - How to Choose
- Alpine Touring Ski Bindings - How to Choose
- Dynafit (Tech) Bindings - Getting Started
- Backcountry Basics - How to Skin
- Climbing Skins - How to Choose
- Climbing Skins - Size Guide
- Climbing Skins - Weight Chart
- Climbing Skins - How to Cut/Trim
- Outerwear & Layers - How to Dress for the Backcountry
- Splitboarding - How to Get Started
Discover Our Favorite Gear:
The Selection Process:
Our ski buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things skiing stemming from years of experience in the ski industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jordan Berde
Jordan (she/her) is the Assistant Ski Buyer at evo. Before working in this role, she worked at the evo Denver store for two years, where she began as a bootfitter and quickly moved into Store Lead and then Store Supervisor roles. Prior to evo, Jordan worked as a bootfitter at other shops, a mountain bike instructor for kiddos in Colorado, a ski patroller in Alaska, and a liftie in Taos. She's an avid backcountry skier and ski mountaineer and recently summited Mt. Baker as a fundraiser for SheJumps, a non-profit committed to getting more women involved in the outdoors.She started sliding on snow later than most (in her late 20s), but now she’s the friend getting up at 4 am to make sure she can get a dawn patrol lap in before work! Jordan is passionate about diversity and inclusion and making outdoor activities more inclusive to all genders, races, and ability levels. When she's not skiing, Jordan is likely on her mountain bike exploring all that Colorado and Washington have to offer with her wife. Some say she never stops moving…