BCA Avalanche Airbag Review
The Boot Lab's Ewan Mackie talks us through BCA's Float 22 Airbag
There was a time when the use of inflatable safety devices in snowsports was reserved for the likes of James Bond whilst being pursued by evil henchmen with hilariously bad aim. But the last few years have seen incredible growth in the number of people venturing into the backcountry and a corresponding increase in choice and availability of backcountry specific safety equipment. Throw into the mix the bomber season of 2011/12 in Europe and what was once optional is well on its way to becoming an off-piste standard - ladies and gentlemen, I give you the avalanche airbag.
The principal of an avalanche airbag is fairly simple; the airbag acts as a flotation device, increasing your mass and keeping you on the surface of the slide. An established industry leader in North America, Backcountry Access (BCA) are now making their product range available over here in Europe meaning it's much easier for us Euro/Brit types to get our hands on one of their leading bits of gear - the Float 22 avalanche airbag.
BCA’s Float 22 is a freeride bag designed for day adventures. It is one of the lightest and most affordable airbags on the market weighing in at just 2.5kg and with a price tag that is not quite as eye-watering as other brands . Due to its low profile the bag is comfortable and gives the skier a full range of movement whilst being constructed with hard wearing materials. What’s more the airbag system is completely detachable so the bag can be used in the summer for mountain biking, hiking etc.
The pack itself has two main pockets. Being 22 litres, the main compartment has enough room for food, drink, extra layers; all the essentials for a day's freeriding. The front pocket is cleverly designed to fit your avalanche safety gear allowing for quick access to shovels and probes in the event of a rescue situation.
The BCA system uses compressed air to inflate an 150 litre airbag. The cylinder is easily refillable at shops, such as The Boot Lab, dive centres and paintball suppliers. The added advantage of using compressed air - rather than the various gases employed in other systems - is that many airlines will allow you to transport the cylinders in the plane.
As with all avalanche safety equipment, the BCA Float 22 is something that you hope never to use. However, this is a piece of kit that you would be truly glad of, should the unthinkable happen. Avalanches aside, this is quality backpack that will certainly be a key part of my freeride kit this season.
Thanks to Ewan Mackie and The Boot Lab team for this gear review
