The Argo Avalanche Airbag Backpack is a brand-new item from Motorfist. Designed for snowmobilers by snowmobilers, it features integrated goggle, shovel and probe pockets along with an extra large trigger handle and hydration compatibility. Most important, though, is the Swiss-made Alpride Airbag System.
Weighing in at 1.24 kilograms, this system is one of the lightest on the market. It uses a zero-maintenance gas compression system powered by two gas cartridges to inflate the 150-litre airbag in three seconds. Based on the same technology as lifejacket gas cylinders, the Alpride gas cartridges are guaranteed not to leak, and according to Alpride, they’ve been used in the Navy for almost 50 years. Typically, avalanche airbag backpacks do not come with the necessary gas cylinders, but the Argo from Motorfist does.
When it comes to durability, the Alpride Airbag System is designed to withstand the rigours of backcountry travel (watch the Alpride strength test with a 4X4 on Youtube). The Argo backpack also bears the European CE mark of compliance. It is made from burly 840D and 1080D fabrics and even the smallest of features, such as the plastic part of the hip belt buckle, employs high-performance materials. Motorfist also designed the hip belt buckle so that it won’t clank or jiggle when wearing it.
For more info, visit the Motorfist website.
