Back Country Access (BCA) Float Packs Rise To The Top

Posted: Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 at 6:37 pm

Back Country Access (BCA) Float Packs Rise To The Top Image

Who ever thought balloons would be on the backcountry packing list? Alright, not the kind you see at birthday parties but a compressed air self-deployed unit that fits in your pack, did I also mention it’s reusable?

The way it works is to first  increase the victims surface area, increasing your ability to “float” in an avalanche. Second the airbag provides added protection/padding against trauma to the head and neck. The airbag system, which manually deploys an airbag around the users neck and head via a “pull cord” on the shoulder strap

Float airbags are  affordable have a wide network of BCA-authorized refill centers to provide unmatched service to Float purchasers. A small 2,700-psi (186 bar) compressed-air cylinder, single-chamber 150-liter airbag, and super efficient venturi system make the Float systems easy to refill, light, and priced to sell.

  • Float airbags provide additional trauma protection to the head, neck and upper body.
  • Positioning of airbag behind the head and away from the hips and arms allows for clear peripheral vision and ability to escape the slide.
  • Compressed air cylinder is easily refillable or exchangeable at regional refill centers and your local dealer.
  • Airbag is re-packable by the user after deployment

Coincidentally the first successful deployment in an actual avalanche happened in the Anaconda area by a snowmobiler.  So if you have to bring a balloon into the backcountry, it will be a celebration when you float out of every backountry users nightmare.