North Face Back Pack Air Bag Avalanche System Now On Sale for $1179

Suffice to say, there is no price you can put on someone’s life.  Unless of course they’re skiing in avalanche territory, which according to North Face values their life at $1,179.  What am I alluding to?

Late last year we told you about North Face’s Avalanche Airbag safety system.  At the time was still under development and not available to the general consumer market.  But now you can buy the speciality backpack, though it will set you back, as stated above, some serious cash.  However, if you’re skiing in high risk areas, then you probably have the means to fork over more than a $1,000.  And even if you don’t, what’s a $1,000 when you’re dead, or packed under 6-feet of snow.

Before you set out on the slopes, you’ll need to install a nitrogen tank.  This is the gas used to expand the airbag system, which is said to inflate in as little as 3-seconds after the user pulls the rip cord.   The backpanel has been outfitted with a special material that sheds ice and snow, and hopefully ensures inflation.   There is also a variety of pockets for storing gear, and since the airbags are relatively compact when deflated, I can only imagine they don’t impede to much on the bag’s overall internal volume.  That said, the system should be reusable, provided of course you purchase a new nitrogen tank activation system at a rather steep price of $180, and it works to keep you on the surface of the avalanche.

North Face also sells a vest version for about the same price, though it’s constructed of bombproof, ballistic nylon, so it shouldn’t ever rip or tear.

The North Face, Men’s Power Guide ABS Vest and Patrol 24 ABS backpack are available now at Northface direct, and other specialty shops.