From Outside by Ryan Stuart
Scott Backcountry Patrol AP 30 ($1,100)
Best Airbag-Equipped Pack of 2019
Airbag packs come in two varieties: those inflated by air canister, and those inflated by battery-powered fan. Air canisters need to be refilled after every discharge, usually at a dive shop, while the lithium-ion batteries in fan-inflated packs can struggle to hold a charge in frigid temperatures. Here’s where the Backcountry Patrol rises above the fray: its airbag system uses a fan powered by a supercapacitor battery, which discharges faster and refuses to slack off in icy conditions. Scott promises only a single inflation on a charge, but we were able to get two. As for the pack itself, the Backcountry Patrol’s main sleeve, avalanche-tool compartment, and lid pocket easily accommodated a day’s gear. Overall, it blends the ease of use of a battery-powered pack with the reliability of a canister system. If you’re an avy-bag holdout, it’s time to invest. 5.9 lbs
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