Avalanche Equipment
Buyer's guide

We don't want to lecture you on snow safety. However, if you do choose to freeride, it is vital that you get the avalanche essentials and learn how to use them. These are a transceiver, a shovel and a probe. A fourth complementary piece is an avalanche backpack. Learn more in this guide.

Chapter 1

What features do avalanche transceivers have?

The first item in your avalanche essentials is your transceiver. This device sends and receives signals at 457 kHz, so if you are caught in an avalanche you can be found, or if your partner is buried, you can find them under the snow.
In case of burial, locating the victim is the first step to successful recovery. It goes without saying how critical it is to carry this little helper with you at all times.

All transceivers are compatible; pick a model with the features you need and an interface you feel comfortable handling.

We'll briefly introduce you to the most important features that our avalanche transceivers have.

Always the best signal

It is now standard that an avalanche transceiver has three antennas of signal so that you can find the victim more efficiently under the snow.

Automatic search-to-send function

We’re not trying to scare you here, but it’s always better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. An automatic search to send function is useful if there is a secondary avalanche when you are searching for your friends and you are caught. The transceiver recognises that the searcher has not moved and will automatically change the search mode to send mode.

Chapter 2

Shovels, probes and touring backpacks

Touring equipment, backpack, probe, shovel and transceiver from Ortovox

Once you have zeroed in on the position of the avalanche victim with your transceiver, you can locate them under the snow with a probe and dig them out with a shovel.

Probes locate the victim under the snow

An avalanche probe is a long, collapsible pole for finding avalanche victims. You use it after locating the approximate position of the victim with an avalanche transceiver. Its pointed tip penetrates hard snow and ice for efficient probing. The markings along the length of the shaft help you determine the depth of the buried person in the avalanche debris. All of our probes are lightweight and durable, you can choose between aluminium and carbon probes in different lengths.

As with all avalanche gear, training is essential. So make sure you practice with your friends before you head out off-piste.

Apart from emergency situations, probes are also helpful to check snow depths and layers before you start riding.

Chapter 3

Avalanche backpack

If you are caught in an avalanche, your best chance of survival is an avalanche airbag. You pull the trigger, the airbag inflates and hopefully, you will rise to the top of the avalanche debris. An avalanche airbag works because inverse segregation or the Brazil Nut effect, simply put – the bigger particles always rise to the top. An airbag rucksack helps to make you as big as possible, so you rise to the top of avalanche debris.

What
do I need?

Ready to go

A set is everything you need to inflate your avalanche backpack, so airbag system, backpack and cartridge for inflation. With a full set you’re ready to go.

Freerider with an inflated Scott Alpride system standing outside next to his skis

Chapter 4

Which airbag should I buy?

When looking at different airbag systems, it can be a little overwhelming. Here is an overview of the available options. Make sure that if you buy to match the manufacturer’s cartridge with the respective system.

AVABAG by Ortovox

Ortovox is one of the best-known companies in avalanche safety, so it’s no surprise that their AVABAG range is excellent. AVABAGs are impossibly light and use the tried and tested canister and mechanical handle release. They have lots of space for extra equipment, an easy to use adjustable handle and support through comfortable hip and shoulder straps.

Skier hiking up the mountain with the Avabag avalanche backpack by Ortovox

Snowpulse from Mammut

Mammut was one of the first companies to develop avalanche airbags. Their systems are reliable and easy to use. There is the Protection Airbag System and the Removable Airbag System. The protection airbag system has an airbag which inflates around your head to protect against trauma and as the name suggests the Removable Airbag System can be switched between different compatible packs.

The first name in avalanche safety.

For many, ABS is the first name in avalanche backpacks. They were, after all, the orignal brand to utilise the inverse segregation principle for avalanche airbag backpacks. They use a reliable gas-filled cannister and two seperate airbags so you can trust ABS to always inflate when you you need it. The new line has lots of clever features such as easy access pockets, comfortable straps and options to swap in larger or smaller capacity covers (sold sperately).