Review: The new standard in snow mountain safety equipment: Avalanche airbags. Black Diamond Jet Force Pro recommended

The three most important safety items for snowy mountain climbing that are now commonly mentioned are a shovel, a beacon, and a probe (sonde)

Regarding beacons, in fact, more than 20 years ago, in the late 1990s, the mountaineering club at my university split down the middle over the question of whether beacons were necessary for climbing snowy mountains, resulting in a heated debate. At the time, beacons cost over 50,000 yen each, so it was not a decision we could make lightly on the spot, not only for individuals to purchase them, but also for the club to provide them for all members, even if it was safer. In the end, we managed to raise the funds with help from the club, employers, and alumni, and we settled on the hard-nosed conclusion that safety was our top priority: "Everyone should be equipped with a beacon when climbing snowy mountains." It was difficult at the time, but looking back now, I believe it was the right decision

The balance between safety and the necessary investment remains a problem, just as it was decades ago. One such issue is the snow-mountain backpack we'll introduce here: the "avalanche airbag backpack" (commonly known as an avalanche airbag). Simply put, it's an amazing piece of safety gear that, like a car airbag, instantly inflates in the event of an avalanche, lifting the body above the surface and reducing the risk of being buried, as well as reducing the impact of impacts with trees or rocks. Unlike the aforementioned "three sacred treasures" of search and rescue tools for people buried in avalanches, this is an easy-to-understand and attractive piece of equipment that actively reduces the risk of being buried in an avalanche. It's even said that a successful deployment of the airbag can reduce the chance of death by as much as 50%*1

As someone who climbs snowy mountains myself, I have always wanted one, but due to its prohibitive price, considerable weight, and structure that makes it difficult for amateurs to use (it's not easy to try out, etc.), it has remained a tool that is just a little out of reach for a casual amateur backcountry skier or mountain climber like me

In recent years, some interesting models have appeared that suggest avalanche airbags are finally becoming practical even for "ordinary enthusiasts" like me. One of these is the backpack I'm reviewing today, the Black Diamond Jet Force Pro . I'll be sharing my review of this essential item, which I've used on skis and snowboards this winter, and which I expect will become essential not only for backcountry skiers (snowboarders) but for all snow climbers in the near future.

What can an avalanche airbag do?

Before we get into the review, let's share some basic information about what an avalanche airbag is: As the name "avalanche" suggests, it's a piece of equipment designed to increase your chances of survival if you're caught in an avalanche

If you are caught in an avalanche and are buried under the snow (debris) accumulated by the avalanche, the deeper you are, the less likely it is that you will be able to escape on your own. This is evidenced by the fact that 75% of avalanche deaths are due to suffocation*2. If you are caught in one, you must do whatever it takes to stay on the surface of the avalanche as long as possible in order to survive

The avalanche airbag works by instantly inflating a balloon installed inside the backpack when the trigger is pulled, keeping the victim as close to the surface as possible while being swept away by the avalanche, preventing them from being buried deep in the debris

Seeing is believing. For reference, here is a famous video demonstrating avalanche airbags. It shows the shocking story of someone who was able to survive an actual avalanche thanks to being equipped with an avalanche airbag

Another feature of certain manufacturer models is that the airbag inflates to encircle the head, similar to the airbag in a car, providing protection for critical areas such as the head and neck in the event of an impact with a tree or rock

Of course, wearing this does not mean that you will never be buried if you are caught in an avalanche. Basically, you should act in a way that will prevent avalanches, and you should always be aware of where you are positioned so that you will not be caught up in an avalanche if one does occur. On top of that, if you are forced to encounter an avalanche, an avalanche airbag is your last resort for risk avoidance

Needless to say, when using the backpacks introduced here, it is essential to understand the usage instructions and precautions described in the manual, etc., and to learn about the dangers of avalanches and how to respond. All actions in snowy mountains and decisions made after considering the risks are the responsibility of the individual

Why we recommend the Black Diamond Jet Force Pro

Electric operation makes operation and maintenance easy

Because avalanche airbags require instantaneous inflation of the balloon, compressed gas has been the mainstream method up until now. While gas systems have advantages such as a simple structure, strong air pressure, and relative light weight, they also have drawbacks, such as the need to purchase or refill compressed gas cylinders each time they are used, legal restrictions on how they are handled, and the need to carry replacement cylinders for multiple uses, which can be time-consuming and costly

This meant that it was not easy for an amateur like me to try it out to see what it was like or to practice just in case, and yet it was an expensive product that easily cost over 100,000 yen, so the reality was that it was a tool with a very high hurdle to overcome before deciding to purchase it

In response to this situation, several manufacturers, including ARC'TERYX and PIEPS (and Black Diamond), have developed motor-driven avalanche airbags in recent years. The biggest advantage of electric airbags is that they can be recharged and inflated multiple times

With this, if you think, "I'm not sure if it's an avalanche, but it seems suspicious," you can pull the trigger without hesitation, and it's also possible to train so much that the quick action becomes second nature to you, so that you can activate it properly in an emergency

High level of safety, with even the smallest risks anticipated

Jet Force Pro is to turn it on and then pull the trigger on your shoulder firmly to start inflating the balloon. The entire process from there is summarized in the video below.

The system is activated by pressing the red switch at the bottom of the trigger for 3 seconds. The system then performs an error check and, if it is operating normally, a green light will appear along with a blue light indicating the charging status

The AC adapter jack for charging is located on the shoulder opposite the trigger. The zipper is closed when in use, and the adapter jack and trigger can be swapped to suit your preference

While you are out and about, be sure to fasten not only the waist harness, but also the sternum strap and the leg straps around your waist. This will prevent accidents such as the backpack slipping off your body or strangling you if the airbag deploys in the unlikely event that you are caught in an avalanche

The leg straps in particular are easy to extend and retract, and the carabiner included as standard makes it easier to secure to the harness. Even the smallest details have been improved for ease of use

The straps can be neatly stored in the pouch of the waist harness, and when you put it on, you just pull the straps to extend them. There is also a carabiner at the end, which is an extremely smart design

Pull the trigger on the shoulder and the balloon will instantly inflate

The unfolded airbag has a large capacity of 170L, covering the head and sides of the body

*For testing purposes, the sternum strap and leg strap are not attached, but please be sure to wear them when moving around in areas where there is a risk of avalanches

The latest model boasts a lighter and more compact system than its predecessor, and when fully charged, it can be used at least three to four times on a single charge (the manual states a fully charged state as "3+"). This four-time limit is designed to handle the worst-case scenario of misuse, crossing an avalanche pass while hiking up, skiing down, and a secondary avalanche immediately after an avalanche, all without needing to recharge. While this is unofficial, I tested it at home at a room temperature of around 20°C and found that it could be used eight times continuously on a full charge. The maximum operating temperature is listed as -30°C, so the maximum number of uses will vary depending on the environment. It's important to note that the three to four-time limit takes into account use at these lowest temperatures.

The automatic deflation function not only ensures safety but also makes it easy to store the airbag after it has been deployed

As shown in the video above, Black Diamond (and PIEPS's ) Jet Force system reverses the rotation of the fan three minutes after the airbag is deployed, causing the airbag to automatically deflate, creating an air pocket. This is designed to help ensure breathing and create a space that makes it easier to escape, even if you are buried in snow.

This automatic deflation feature also comes in handy when it's time to repack the airbag: There's no need to manually deflate the Jet Force balloon, and no need to fold it in a specific way. Simply push the airbag back in and close the zipper (though technically you'll need to squeeze out any remaining air)

In reality, you probably won't encounter the task of re-storing the airbag that often, but folding it properly in harsh cold and windy conditions is a very tedious task, so a feature like this that allows for a little more flexibility is a subtle but appreciated design feature

No special care is required when storing the backpack after a mountain trip or the end of the season. To shut down the system (put it into sleep mode) after use, simply press and hold the power button on the trigger mentioned earlier. Even if you forget to turn it off, the system will automatically switch to sleep mode if the airbag has not been activated for 12 hours. Also, at the end of the season, you will need to put the backpack into long-term storage mode to protect the battery, but this will also automatically switch to long-term storage mode if it remains in sleep mode for seven days (i.e., if the backpack is not moved for a little over seven days)

Smartphone connectivity allows you to always update to the latest features

Another major improvement in the latest model is the online update function, which is possible by connecting to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. Previously, firmware updates to add new features or fix bugs required sending the product to the manufacturer, but with this model, this can be done via Bluetooth, eliminating the need to send the product to the manufacturer and wait weeks for the update. In fact, there was an update this season, and it was successfully updated via the app (see photo below)

Firmware updates can be done stress-free via your smartphone

This smartphone app also has other features to make it safer to use. For example, you can check the system for malfunctions and whether it works properly without deploying the airbags (see photo below). Since this is a tool that you can entrust your life to in the event of an emergency, this system provides some peace of mind for those who are worried about whether an electric system will actually work

System operation tests can also be performed on a smartphone without actually deploying the airbags

Modular structure that allows you to change the luggage compartment to suit your needs and capacity

One of the best features of this pack that I particularly like is that the avalanche system and cargo area are separate, making it a modular structure that allows you to customize it by attaching and detaching different types of boosters to suit your purpose and plan

Different packs (boosters) can be attached and detached using zippers to customize the bag for a wide range of uses

the Jet Force Pro shown in the review photo in this article is the 35L version.

Left: Jet Force system part (rear), middle: 35L booster, right: 25L booster

For day trips, the 10L and 25L sizes have sufficient capacity. The 35L size is just right if you're carrying a full day's worth of gear plus a DSLR, and if you try hard, it could even be used for camping in a tent. The photo below compares the capacity of the 25L size (left photo below) and the 35L size. The 35L size has compression straps on the sides, which makes the backpack less likely to shake even when carrying only a small amount of luggage, but unfortunately, with only one strap on top, it doesn't compress that much, and I wish it had done a little better in that regard as a backpack

The 25L (left) is thinner than the 35L, so there is less movement of the luggage. The 35L has side straps to prevent movement even when there is not much luggage

However, one thing that's unfortunate and something to be aware of is that the only model that can accommodate a snowboard is the 25L model. There may be very few snowboarders who need more than 35L in the backcountry, but a friend of mine had to give up on it for that reason

Smooth and comfortable to carry

So how does it perform as a backpack? From the outside, it's quite simple. The main fabric is Dynex, a strong yet lightweight Dyneema® ripstop fiber. The back is lined with high-density foam padding that prevents snow from sticking and prevents water retention, and it smoothly connects to the shoulder and waist harness, fitting snugly and covering your back. However, there's no back adjustment, so you have to choose between S/M or M/L sizes

Backpacks equipped with avalanche systems tend to be heavier than regular backpacks, but the Jet Force Pro provided good stability when worn. The avalanche system itself is located behind the waist, so when loaded normally, the center of gravity settles downward, preventing unnecessary swinging of the body when descending

However, this sense of stability felt more comfortable with the 25L bag, but when packed to the brim with luggage in the 35L bag, it began to feel a bit shaky

High storage capacity with minimal pockets and attachments

Although some of the storage functions of the backpack are monopolized by the airbag system, overall it is easy to use and has all the necessary features

The back of the main compartment is mostly taken up by the airbag system, but there is a small opening in the center that can fit a 1L plastic bottle or a 500ml thermos bottle. Note that it may be difficult to fit two thick Nalgene bottles

There is also a large storage space on the front. Due to its modular structure, the zipper on the main compartment opens all the way to the base

The main compartment opens wide, which is great for packing a lot, but the zipper is a little smoother than I expected, making it a little unstable when taking things in and out when the bag is standing upright. Since it's a part of the bag that I use often, this was the most annoying and inconvenient part of the backpack

There is a compartment on the front for storing avalanche tools, and the zipper has a conspicuous red pull tab for quick opening in an emergency. You can open it by operating this, but you can also open it by simply pulling the black pull tab on the corner (a small consideration to make it even a second quicker to prepare your avalanche tools!)

There is also a large pocket at the top for storing goggles and small items

There is a small pocket on the right side of the waist harness where you can store small items such as a towel, snacks, spare inner gloves, or a snow brush

The outside of the pack also has all the attachments necessary for backcountry skiing. For example, the ski attachment can be attached diagonally so as not to interfere with the airbag. When fully loaded, the upper strap was a bit too long for skis with a waist width of 120cm, but it was still possible to attach it. Due to the structure of the avalanche airbag system, the only way to attach it without interference is diagonally, but personally I would like it to be able to be attached with an A-frame as well, as an A-frame is more stable in terms of balance

You can secure your helmet by pulling out the helmet holder stored at the top of the front. The fact that this holder is located at the top of the backpack rather than underneath it, and that it is easy to install, makes it easy to use as expected

The ice axes can be securely fastened with buckles and Velcro. I don't think they'll interfere with the airbag unless they're very long, but pick and blade covers are still essential

Comparison with another strong option, the SCOTT PATROL E1 40 BACKPACK

I was also able to try out the SCOTT PATROL E1 40 BACKPACK KIT , another noteworthy avalanche airbag that was released around the same time

They are both electric and have almost the same price and weight (SCOTT is slightly lighter). At first glance, it was hard to tell which was better, but when I actually used them, I found that there were more differences than I expected in the subtle usability aspects. It's not that anyone would find them clearly superior or inferior, but rather that each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which is a tricky thing

So here are some points that I noticed when comparing them

In the end, I chose BD's Jet Force

• In terms of safety performance, BD's Jetforce system and SCOTT's Alpride E1 system have different advantages, but both are sufficient and it is difficult to say which is better.
• Both backpacks are interchangeable, making them highly versatile, but the BD backpack is more affordable
• Since I'm a skier, the disadvantage of not being able to attach a BD snowboard doesn't affect me
• The BD is superior in terms of overall ease of use, including small details such as airbag storage and the storage and usability of the backpack itself

If you agree with the above points, Jet Force . Some people (especially snowboarders) may find Jet Force

Summary: Electric avalanche airbags are the top choice, offering safety, convenience, and comfort

This was my first avalanche airbag, and I'm extremely happy with my choice. Although there are some minor issues with this model compared to regular backpacks, overall it's high enough quality that I can confidently say that these types of backpacks will soon become the norm

The product is a collaboration between PIEPS, which has long pursued safety technology for snowy mountains, and Black Diamond, which has been pursuing safe hardware, especially for climbing, and is therefore filled with high levels of safety and reliability that have been carefully considered down to the smallest details

Furthermore, there has been steady improvement in comfort and ease of use, making this an extremely user-friendly and reassuring backpack for players carrying an avalanche airbag for the first time

Looking at statistics from the 1993 to 2017 seasons, and looking at the breakdown of avalanche fatalities by activity, 44% were climbers, 40% were skiers, and 10% were snowboarders, meaning that avalanches strike not only backcountry skiers but also snow mountain climbers without exception*3. Backpacks are effective not only for skiers, but for anyone who participates in activities on snowy mountains where there is a risk of avalanches

If you are thinking about how to be safer in the snowy mountains right now and do everything you can to avoid causing distress to those around you, then there is no reason not to consider this

[Footnotes and Notes]

*1 "Basic knowledge of avalanche prevention 2015" by the Japanese Society of Snow and Ice, Japanese Society of Snow and Ice
*2・3 "Avalanche Risk Reduction Guide for Mountain Users" by Azusa Degawa and Shinji Ikeda, NPO Japan Avalanche Network, Tokyo Shimbun

Note: The content written here is solely the author's personal opinion based on his/her understanding and experience, and does not guarantee the safety or legitimacy of the product. When purchasing or using a product, be sure to fully understand the official information from each manufacturer, take sufficient consideration of risks in the natural environment, and make each decision based on your own judgment and responsibility

   

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