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.