New Arc'teryx Avalanche Bag for F-16.

The Arc'teryx Voltair avalanche airbag will be available for fall 2016. Its inflation comes from a heavy-duty 22.2V LithiumIon Polymer rechargeable battery that allows the user to deploy the air bag multiple times. This multiple deployment may be one of the bag's big advantages–you can run scenarios and just set the bag up for another round.

 “Along with routine testing of the system, the multiple deployment advantage allows backcountry skiers and riders to practice deploying the airbag to better train themselves on how to react during an avalanche. In high consequence situation, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall back on your training,” said Gordon Rose, Senior Industrial Designer at ARC’TERYX. 

Another clear advanatge is transport (this advantage is shared by BD's Jetforce, but not other brands like Snowpulse, Mammut, BCA, etc) . “Compressed air cylinder airbag systems cannot be easily transported on planes as the cylinders must be emptied and refilled at the final destination – something not always accessible in remote backcountry locations,” said Rose. “The Voltair’s sophisticated battery system is extremely robust and is also field rechargeable with a special adapter for portable power sources, solar panels, wind turbines, etc.”

Look for it on shelves near you next season. We'll get more details to you as they come in. We'll also grab more photos (and perhaps a video) at OR in January which we'll share.

• Voltair 20L – USD $1,650 Weight – 3235g / 7.1 lbs

• Voltair 30L – USD $1,700 Weight – 3465g / 7.6 lbs

Here are some pics: