Snowpulse

Highmark RAS Airbag Vest

Avalanche airbags have been proven to save lives in the backcountry, but they are undeniably clunky and heavy. To help you get the most out of your backcountry sledding, Snowpulse designed the Highmark RAS Airbag Vest to give you the protection of an airbag, the storage of a pack, and the mobility of a vest, so you never feel like you're being held up by your gear. The Highmark Vest isn't a replacement for training, experience, and proper backcountry decision-making skills, but it's one hell of a complementary accessory.

Despite its relatively low profile, the Highmark Vest packs the same RAS (Removable Airbag System) set-up as the other bags in the Snowpulse line, with an airbag that inflates behind and above your head with a pull on the shoulder-mounted deployment handle, with the intention of keeping your head above the debris (if you're interested, it works by a principle called "inverse segregation." Basically, the big stuff rises to the top—think shaking a bag of chips). As the name suggests, the RAS is removable, and transferable between all Mammut and Snowpulse RAS-compatible bags, so you can fine-tune your carrying capacity depending on the day's mission. It also acts as a bright-red locator, making it easier for searchers to spot you, and the whole package weighs in at just over 7 pounds, so you won't feel like you're riding with your little cousin clinging to your back. (Please note that the Refillable Compressed Air Cartridge necessary for deployment is sold separately and must be filled before use.)

The vest's easy-to-carry design doesn't mean that it's some flimsy pack that can't hold any gear, either. It has a full 18L capacity, nearly as much as the bigger Highmark bags, and a plethora of pockets to hold everything from your phone to your GPS to your goggles, along with external shovel blade and handle pockets and an internal probe sleeve to keep your avy tools close at hand. The fit's adjustable, too, thanks to a customizable back frame and side panels that provide a snug, bounce-free ride.

Please remember, an airbag is NOT a promise of backcountry safety. Avalanches are dangerous, and should be avoided altogether. Get educated, get the proper tools and training, ride with trustworthy friends, and make smart decisions out there.