The 8 Best Avalanche Airbags of 2023-2024
By: Jordan Berde: Ski Buyer | October 17, 2023
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:
The 2024 lineup of backcountry backpacks and airbags reflects a shift towards enhancing user convenience and safety, both in remote terrains and closer to the resorts. The advent of battery-powered packs is a notable trend, offering remarkable versatility for international travel and enabling users to practice deploying their packs, preparing them for emergencies. Despite the rising popularity of battery-powered options, canister packs continue to hold their ground, offering a more affordable alternative for backcountry enthusiasts. The landscape of inbounds avalanche accidents is changing too, with more users venturing into the sidecountry. In response, the industry has deepened its offering of smaller airbag packs (10-18L), aimed at providing peace of mind with a comfortable and lift-friendly design for inbounds users. This diverse range of backpacks and airbags in the 2024 collection underscores a proactive approach to evolving user needs, balancing innovation with practicality to ensure every adventure into the snow is as safe as it is exhilarating. For those looking to make a knowledgeable choice, the opportunity to shop for an airbag pack is a step towards gearing up wisely for the backcountry exploits.
This Year's Best Avalanche Airbags:
BCA Float E2-35 Airbag Pack
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 |
| 31L & 36L | Rechargeable | $1,299.95 |
Black Diamond JetForce Pro Split 25L Airbag Backpack
From a highly technical line of battery-powered airbag avalanche packs, the Black Diamond Jetforce Pro Split 25L Airbag Backpack utilizes the latest and greatest JetForce technology to be lighter, smaller, and better for carrying gear. The rechargeable battery allows for multiple deployments, ensuring you have absolutely no reason to hesitate the deployment in a dicey situation. Plus, the Bluetooth compatibility allows you to update the software directly through the PIEPS app on your phone and tweak the settings to your liking. With a dedicated avy tool pocket, a splitboard strap, and plenty of pockets for necessities, you'll be geared up with your own sleek and durable backcountry version of a Jetson's jet pack.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 25L | Rechargeable | $1,499.95 |
Scott Patrol E2 30 Backpack Kit
The evolution of the supercapacitor airbag pack continues, with the Scott Patrol E2 30 Backpack Kit leading the way in both weight and simplicity. Available in two sizes to fit short and normal torsos, the Patrol E2 30 is the right size for backcountry day trips and can be cinched down with its compression straps for heli or cat trips. Do away with heavy Lithium-Ion battery packs and the hassles of compressed gas refills, and set up your backcountry kit for success with the E2 system - the first time it saves your life it will be worth every penny.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 30L | Rechargeable | $1,350.00 |
Ortovox Litric Freeride 28L Avabag
Featuring the detachable LiTRIC airbag base, the Ortovox Litric Freeride 28L Avabag Airbag Pack is a freeride touring package for deep days and extreme ways. This puppy can be combined with any size pack for adventures big and small. Equipped with an easy to read digital airbag display, multiple ski and snowboard carry options, and designated straps for ice tools and more, there's nothing you can't try with the Litric Freeride. So what are you waiting for? Go seek out some spines.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 28L | Rechargeable | $1,350 |
Mammut Free Vest 15 Removable 3.0 Airbag
For freeride adventures when you just need the essentials, the Mammut Free Vest 15 Airbag 3.0 Backpack (Airbag Ready) eliminates bulk to keep your weight centered and your gear secure. Designed like a vest, this 15 liter pack is compatible with a removable airbag and carries snowboards, skis, and splitboards with ease. Pockets for your radio and safety gear keep everything close to the heart. If you're hitting the heli, adventuring into the slack country, or sending your favorite couloir before work, the Mammut Free Vest 15 Airbag 3.0 Backpack might be just the ticket. (Removable Airbag System 3.0 and cartridge must be purchased separately.)
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 15L | Removeable Airbag System 3.0 | $779.95 |
BCA Float 22 Airbag Pack
The BCA Float 22 Airbag Pack is a mid-sized pack designed for day tours or machine-assisted riding. Featuring the updated Float 2.0 system, it frees up more room for layers, food, and water, with a dedicated snow safety pocket for your shovel and probe. Technical, rugged, and comfortable when laden with gear, the Float 22 is ideal for the backcountry enthusiast who won't compromise on safety, but doesn't want an oversized pack weighing them down.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 22L | Float 2.0 System | $549.95 |
Mammut Tour 30 Airbag 3.0 Backpack (Set with Airbag) - Women's
The Mammut Tour 30 Airbag 3.0 Backpack (Set with Airbag) is specifically designed with women's proportions in mind for superb comfort and safety. It has all of the bells and whistles you'll need on serious missions, including the dependable Airbag System 3.0, carry options for all of your equipment, and a thermoformed back panel and U-Frame that makes carrying your skis a breeze when you're bootpacking to the summit.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 30L | Removeable Airbag System | $779.95 |
Black Diamond JetForce 26L Tour Pack
The Black Diamond JetForce 26L Tour Pack is a lightweight, rechargeable way to add the safety of an avalanche airbag to your backcountry kit. The JetForce Tour uses the innovative Alpride E1 airbag system, which swaps out the lithium ion battery found in the standard JetForce in favor of a lightweight supercapacitor, which gives you more consistent performance at extreme temperatures in addition to cutting weight. The pack is fully featured for backcountry touring, and the no-cost deployment system recharges in the field via two AA batteries for dependability, increased safety in critical situations, and multiple uses in one practice session.
| Size | Airbag Style | Original Price |
| 24L & 26L | Rechargeable | $1,199.95 |
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 a 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…