Airbag Packs & Accessories

A proper fit centers on a snug torso wrap so the airbag deploys close to your body; adjustable harnesses and gender-specific sizing help achieve that. Models with dedicated torso/head wrap like the Mammut Pro Protection 35L show how fit and wrap improve coverage without excess movement.

For short laps or resort laps you’ll usually want 16–20L—models like the ARVA Mini 15+ or Mammut Ultralight RAS 20L work well for minimal gear. Day tours commonly call for 30–32L, while extended objectives and multi-day missions benefit from 35–45L packs such as the BCA Float E2 45L.

Canister systems use compressed air or argon—examples include the BCA Float 2.0 and Mammut RAS 3.0—and are simple, robust options that you can refill at many scuba or paintball shops. Electric fan systems like Black Diamond JetForce or Arc’teryx Voltair/LiTRIC offer multi-deployment practice (about 3–4 deployments per charge) and tend to be lighter and convenient for frequent training.

Many canisters are refillable and modular designs—like the ARVA Reactor or Mammut RAS—let you swap removable air units and cylinders without replacing the whole pack. Check cylinder specs before servicing; for example, BCA Float 2.0 cylinders are noted as about 30% smaller and 15% lighter than previous versions, which affects handling and transport.

Electric packs such as the Arc’teryx Micon LiTRIC 32L are often preferred for air travel and repeated practice because they avoid pressurized cylinders and still provide 3–4 deployments per battery charge on systems like JetForce or Voltair. They also support lightweight objectives—weights start around 1–2 kg and ultralight options like the ARVA Plume 30 UL use ALUULA construction at roughly 1450 g.