Avalanche kit: the essentials at a glance » video & more
12/25
Whether freeriding, ski tours or splitboarding: When you’re venturing off the beaten track and ditching the safe surroundings of the piste, your own – and your groups’ – safety becomes paramount. Avalanche protection starts way before you hit the slopes. On top of considering factors like risk of avalanches, weather conditions, territory and group dynamics when planning your route, the right equipment is key.
A full avalanche kit consists of 4 essential items:
But how exactly does each individual component work and what are the key things to keep in mind when using them? In this video, alpine guide and freerider Nadine Wallner explains how to get the most out of your avalanche kit.
Note: This article is not intended as a substitute for proper avalanche training or expert knowledge, but only to provide key information to raise awareness and help you select the appropriate equipment.
The Essential 4 of avalanche protection
A complete avalanche safety kit consists of four separate components: avy bag, Barryvox, probe and shovel. Each component plays a vital role in keeping you safe throughout your adventures – but only when used together do they realize their full potential.
Avy bag: Your Savior in the snow
Your avy bag is the most visible part of your avalanche protection kit – and also your best chance to increase your chances of survival when hit by an avalanche *. In case of an avalanche descending, simply pulling the release will activate the airbag. Within seconds, it will inflate, considerably increasing the volume of the person wearing it. Which in turn will greatly increase your chances of staying afloat – a physical law called inverse segregation.
At Mammut, we are the true pioneers of airbag technology. Our Mammut Removable Airbag systems are especially compact, lightweight and easy-to-use, allowing you to seamlessly integrate them into any compatible backpack – perfect for tours of any length or difficulty level.
*Source: Pascal Haegeli, Markus Falk, Emily Procter, Benjamin Zweifel, Frederic Jarry, Spencer Logan, Kalle Kronholm, Marek Biskupic, Hermann Brugger Haegeli p, et al.: The effectiveness of avalanche airbags. Resuscitation (2014)
Watch now: In this video, Nadine Wallner will show you how to correctly wear and activate your airbag – and how to carry out regular maintenance and safety checks.
Barryvox: Your digital rescuing device
Your Barryvox is the key piece of your avalanche protection equipment. Both transmitting and receiving signals, it plays a vital role in locating people who have been buried in the snow. So how does it work in real life? When embarking on a tour, the carrier will switch on their device into transmitting mode. If they get trapped in an avalanche, the remaining members of the group can simply switch to search mode to pick up the signal of the missing person and determine their location.
A modern avalanche transceiver like the Mammut Barryvox will give you the best in range, intuitive controls and a precise search function. The Barryvox S2 is the perfect device for both beginners and experienced alpine guides, assisting every step of the way – even during a detailed search. Just make sure you regularly test your device for functionality and know how to use it in case of an emergency. Because once the damage is done, literally every second counts.
Avalanche probe: Pinpointing positions with precision
Once you’ve closed in on the location of the buried person with your Barryvox, your avalanche probe comes into play. Its job? To determine the exact location of the victim, as well as to measure how deep under the snow they are. A probe usually consists of several carbon pieces that can be assembled in a flash.
The one big rule when sounding: Experience and practice make all the difference. Since every second counts, working quickly, systematically and efficiently is key. Our Mammut probes are UIAA-certified and made to be easy to use when wearing gloves . Plus, they’re fitted with easily legible markings to help determine the depth of the snow with one quick glance.
Avalanche shovel: Efficient digging made easy
Once the exact location of the missing person has been determined, the all-decisive moment has come: clearing the path to the victim using the avalanche shovel. Efficiency, teamwork and the correct technique will make all the difference in these life-and-death-situations. A good shovel should be well balanced, lightweight and ergonomically shaped. Models made from case-hardened aluminium offer the best balance between durability and lightness. At Mammut, all our avalanche shovels are UIAA-certified – and made to give you the best possible performance when it really matters.
Mammut shovels like our Alugator Pro Light are built for efficiently digging even through hardened snow, while evenly distributing force thanks to its telescopic handle and anti-slip-handle.
Your checklist for every tour
Check the risk of avalanches at your destination
Test every Barryvox for functionality
Check your airbag / cartridge
Ensure quick access to your probe and shovelÂ
Define a backup plan and your means of communication
Stay safe with expert knowledge and the right equipment
The Essential 4 are key to safely making it off the piste. However, they are only effective when used correctly. Practice, expertise and routine are what make the difference between life and death in dangerous situations. So make sure you take the time to regularly check your equipment and practice using it – ideally in the context of a professional avalanche training course. Plus, you can also use the Barryvox App to practice the right moves.
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional training. Avalanche protection requires regular training sessions and in-depth expert knowledge.
Find out more in our Mammut Avy Hub
Here you’ll find in-depth information, tutorials and classes relating to avalanche protection to help you prepare for those moments where split decisions are key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Barryvox?
A Baryyvox is an avalanche transceiver . It’s an electronic device which constantly emits a signal when in transmitter mode, and receives signals from other devices when activating search mode.
Do I need an avalanche backpack (avy bag)?
An avalanche backpack with an airbag system is a highly effective and preventative safety measure when exploring uncharted territory. Once the airbag is inflated, it will considerably increase the volume of the person wearing it – raising the likelihood of staying afloat when caught in an avalanche.
How is an avalanche backpack activated?
The airbag is activated via a mechanical trigger, which is located on the shoulder strap. One sharp pull is enough to fully inflate the airbag in seconds. Important: Always make sure to check the mechanism, cartridge or battery (Supercapacitator), as well as the fit before you embark on your tour
When do I need a Barryvox?
A Barryvox becomes mandatory the moment you leave the designated piste – whether freeriding, ski touring or splitboarding. Every single member of the group is required to wear one on their person – never, ever stow them inside their backpack.
How long can I use my Barryvox?Â
The lifespan of a Barryvox depends on the model, condition and state of current technology. At Mammut, we recommend getting your device serviced every three years – especially after falls, exposure to moisture or long periods of inactivity.
