The Best Avalanche Airbags for 2024
For our latest review, we carried 11 of today's best avalanche airbag packs up and down thousands of vertical feet of backcountry skiing. Our team of guides, avalanche educators, and ski patrollers have been testing airbags since they hit the market more than a decade ago. We scrutinize every detail to help you find the ideal option for any type of skiing or riding, whether that's a hut-to-hut traverse, a bucket-list heli-skiing trip, or daily laps in your local mountains. Our expert team directly compares essential features, from airbag system functionality and backcountry utility to comfort and pack weight. Whether you wear an airbag every day for work or need a cost-conscious option so that you can actually afford to take that dream ski trip, we've tested airbags from every major manufacturer so you can more easily find the perfect pack for your needs and budget.
Need to fully upgrade your backcountry kit? We've tested the best backcountry skis and best backcountry boots, as well as the best splitboards to get you where you're going. In-depth reviews of other essential gear include our favorite avalanche beacons and the best ski helmets.
Editor's Note: After a season of comprehensive testing, this review was updated on May 3, 2024, with a new lineup of avalanche airbag packs.