How to Choose, How to Use

Brock Bolin of Kalispell talks with BCA about everything snowbiking and how to stay safe snowbiking in the backcountry. 

So you’ve decided to purchase an avalanche airbag. Congrats, you’re making your backcountry safety a priority. BCA offers a host of different sizes and styles of avalanche airbags, and each serves a different purpose. We’ve compiled a few pointers to help you hone your pick for packs this coming winter.

A day out in the backcountry can be burdened by excess weight and cumbersome layering, even for sledders. That’s why BCA designed the Float MtnPro Vest avalanche airbag for the snowmobiler or snowbiker who is looking for an avalanche airbag, upper body trauma protection, and avalanche tool carrier without the bulk of wearing all three separately.

Communication is paramount when considering safety in mountain terrain. That’s why, whether you’re on skis, snowboarding, riding a snowmobile or snow bike, the BC Link 2.0 two-way radios are the go-to device for staying in touch and informing your group about snow stability, route finding, and hunting down the best conditions while out in the field.

Make sure your avalanche transceiver skills are honed by practicing in the off-season--so you don’t burn time on a mid-season powder day! A good first step is to watch the training videos on our website. Then grab a partner, if you have one, and spend a few hours in your yard or at your local park. Here are four ways to practice with your transceiver during the offseason.

Take the time to properly prep and store your backcountry gear for the next season so you dont have to deal with a beacon full of battery acid and an airbag that wont deploy when you need it most.