BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest

The BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest, in the same vein as many new Airbag systems, such as the Ortovox Avabag Litric System and Osprey Soelden Airbag we reviewed earlier this season, is not a one-use airbag. Since there is no compressed gas cylinders in the system it is safe for travel and easy to use. The Alpride E2 system is based on a supercapacitor power system which releases energy based on electromechanical properties rather than a chemical reaction like in rechargeable batteries. This makes a supercapacitor performance much more reliable in cold temperatures. For the same reason, the energy stored in a supercapacitor releases faster when activated for deployment. The system also takes 2 AA batteries which BCA says are for additional deployments in the field if needed, but be sure to use lithium batteries as they will give you 3 additional deployments, not the 1 for normal AA batteries. These batteries will also ensure the system stays ready to deploy for up to 5 months in storage.

The Alpride E2 supercapacitor system stores energy that powers the radial turbo compressor upon deployment. Supercapacitor performance is reliable in cold temperatures and releases quickly when activated for deployment. The new E2 system is 40 percent smaller and 11 percent lighter than the existing Alpride E1 system and comes with a 150-litre airbag. The manual describes exactly how to repack your airbag after each use and also has no restrictions for airline travel so you can take it wherever your adventure may be.

The oval-shaped ergonomic handle gives a good grip to pull the trigger for the airbag system when needed and means less opportunity for an accidental deployment due to catching on trees, sled ski racks and other possible hazards. With a 150L fully inflated airbag, in theory, a weight of up to 300+ pounds can be kept above the snow in an avalanche incident, meaning the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest would be an option for nearly all riders.

The cut of the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest is designed to stay out of the way when seated or standing on a sled so it doesn’t sit anywhere as low as other vests designed specifically for skiing. Integrated into the pack are chest, rib and back armour which are designed with mountain sledding in mind.

There is a shovel-specific pocket which allows a shovel to be carried either with the handle connected and ready, or for a lower profile, with the handle disconnected and in its own pocket, or inside the Vest itself.

If you are an owner of a BCA Tracker avalanche transceiver or BCA BC Link radio then you'll be happy to know that the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest has built-in seamless integration for each of these.

As with most ski/snowboard-specific vests, the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest has no straps to hold a pair of skis or a snowboard whilst boot packing as it would interfere with the airbag's deployment. The vest is not designed for this and is something to keep in mind for any objective that may need a long boot pack.

• Alpride E2 Supercapacitor Engine
• 150l airbag
• Beacon specific pocket
• Ready to use 5 months ( with Lithium AA Batteries)
• Hydration compatible
• Fleece-lined Goggle Sleeve
• Moulded "Cooling Fin" Back Panel
• Moulded Back Panel
• Internal Support Frame/Frame sheet
• Leg Strap with Storage Pocket
• External Shovel Carry System
• External Shovel Shaft Attachment Loop
• External Shovel Shaft Side Carry Attachment
• Modular/Removable/Replaceable Straps

One thing to note with the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Vest is its sizing as it only comes in two sizes a M/L and a XL/XXL. We were sent a M/L size to test and since I am 6’3” /189cm and 215 lbs /98kg I found this size to be too small for my frame. I would definitely opt for the XL/XXL size in this vest, as I was unable to do it up completely with all of my cold-weather layers on. Another reviewer who is smaller at 5’9” /176cm and 165lbs /75kg fits the M/L size perfectly. As mentioned before in the product details, the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest is cut so that your hips have more range of motion than a ski/snowboard-specific vest, and as such it sits higher on the body, with the weight sitting more around you ribs and chest. As there is not an option for ski carry, and the Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest is only 15L in size, this didn’t affect the weight distribution as much as we would have thought. The leg strap which ensures the Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest does not ride up during deployment was too short for my larger frame, so if you are looking to buy this product be sure to go large on the sizing. Also, this strap is the first on an airbag pack/ vest that has a plastic clip. It seemed a little less sturdy than the typical metal clips found on other packs.

At just under $2000CAN / $1500.00US, the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest is an expensive investment and a very specific piece of kit but for mountain sledders, it ticks all the boxes. The proper fit allows for maximum movement which is needed to throw a snow machine around without the Vest getting in the way. While the built-in torso protection provides some peace of mind when ripping around, although a little heavy for touring, the added weight is definitely a positive on the machine.

We really liked the way the vest was set up, from the beacon pocket to the shovel carry options. Being a fan of vests in general, I found the setup of the pockets on the BCA Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest to be very intuitive and logical in their placement and function. The beacon pocket zipper allows for quick and easy access, and the lanyard sewn into the pocket is long enough to be practical in a search scenario, which beats having to fashion your own as in most other vests. I also liked the option for an outside shovel carry because you may find that you need your shovel a lot more when sledding than when ski touring.

The stash pocket has enough space to store several items which is great considering the smaller size of the Float E2 Mtnpro Vest. This pocket makes it easy to grab things that you need without having to take off the vest which is a huge time saver. I found that this pocket is big enough for gloves, toque, and even a pair of skins. We were also pleased with the setup inside the Float E2 Mtnpro Airbag Vest as there is a pocket designed specifically for a probe and shovel and with the wide zip, you have quick and easy access to all your safety equipment. With only 15L of volume, it is not big enough for overnight gear so it is ideally suited as a strike mission vest for short laps off the sled.

The beacon-specific pocket is well done, with a proper design and a lanyard inside the pocket which feels solid and gives a good reach for getting really low in a fine search. Whilst we’re talking about transceivers, it would be nice to see both the Alpride E2 system and a BCA Tracker transceiver run off the same batteries, if possible.

The BCA Float E2 MTNPRO Vest is a little heavy and lacking in space for big days, but it is a good option for sled skiers looking for something that they could wear all day long and perhaps who don't want a big bulky pack on their back. Overall, we would recommend the BCA Float E2 MTNPRO Vest for backcountry sledders, and sled access backcountry skiers, especially those who find themselves doing more sled drops than touring for lines.