Avalanche Airbag Backpack

Pull the rip-cord on this backpack and a single–chamber, 150–liter airbag inflates instantly to help keep you safer in an avalanche. According to the company, the Float 30 pack can help prevent burial in a snow slide as well as protect the head, neck and upper body with its instantly-inflated cushioned mass.

The airbag system, which is reusable, is integrated into a ski-specific pack that weighs about 7.5 pounds when empty. In the worst case scenario, a braided steel cable with a plastic trigger handle serves as an emergency rip-cord to inflate the bag — and potentially save your life. $499, www.backcountryaccess.com

—Stephen Regenold

This product is a part of a series from a “Winter Gear Roundup” article highlighted on Gear Junkie and an accompanying column on Outside magazine this week. See all the featured products below.

2009/2010 ‘WINTER GEAR ROUNDUP’ PRODUCTS:

• Avalanche Airbag Backpack
  
• Helly Hansen Uber Down Coat
  
• Kahtoola TS snowshoes
  
• Columbia Heated Boots
  
• POC Receptor BUG Helmet
  
• Mountain Hardwear Heated Jackets
  
• ColdAvenger Balaclava
  
• Black Diamond Agent AvaLung Pack
  
• Osprey Kode 30 Backpack
  
• Julbo Revolution Goggle
  
• Kelty Gunnison Pro Tent
  
• Sierra Designs Drizone Down Bootie
  
• La Sportiva Baruntse Boots