Having purchases a few items from BCA before I was expecting a quality product. When you are looking at purchasing an item like this you need to look for quality, because in the moment of truth you want it to perform, as it should.

When I fist unpacked it my feeling was that it looked a little on the small side, in terms of storage area. It is always tricky with backpacks because it is hard to agree on what is the ideal size. You essentially never have enough space and will always fill it if you have it, only later paying the price for weight and bulk.

This bag was purchased mainly to Heli-ski with as well as day touring missions and I have to admit once I started to fill it up I was quietly happy with its ability to digest most of what I had lined up on the floor.

The storage areas are broken into 3 cavities so you can have easy access gear and other stuff stashed deeper into the bag. It houses nicely the BCA shovel and its handle as well as snow safety kit, bothy bag, downie, first aid etc. The handle of the shovel and probe slide into side sleeves.

The price. Coming in at around $800 kiwi retail this is around half the price of the ABS. I also like the fact that you can refill the canister on your own. This is super easy once you get your head round it. You need to purchase an adapter; I got mine from Dr Dive in Auckland. This effectively fits onto a standard dive bottle (see this video). It takes only a few secs once you suss it out.

If you are going to travel with these they say you should empty the canister first. Just need to be sure you can get a refill once you arrive. Thinking Kashmir here.. might be a bit of a mission? Dunno.

So yeah once I had it filled and I need to thank Darren here at Element in Remarks Park for helping me out, I was keen to deploy the bag. Works just like they said it would, about 3 secs and the airbag is fully loaded. It is just one piece and it doesn’t restrict your vision at all once full.

The bag seems really well put together. The straps are heavy duty and the seams are all stitched up well. It also feels solid once you have it on. You don’t really feel the extra weight once you get going. Just need to remember to pull out the rip cord and practice locating it on your shoulder strap!

I would say BCA have done pretty well here. I think I got a first generation so there will no doubt be improvements along the way but I think for the added safety it offers its well worth a look.