How do I use it?
It is simple. Just pull the ripcord with either hand. It is located high on the left shoulder strap.

Can I travel with it?
At this time, the pressurized air canister is considered hazardous goods material.

What else can I carry with it?
The Avi Vest is big enough to carry all of the essentials. Pockets surround the vest to help distribute weight. Custom pockets are designed to carry your shovel and probe, an extra layer, water, goggles, camera, and other personal items.

If I am caught in an avalanche, when do I pull the ripcord?
Always try to escape being caught in an avalanche first. If you think that you cannot escape an avalanche, pull the ripcord immediately. Avalanches can pick up speed very quickly so is important to act fast. The airbag will deploy behind you back, so it won’t interfere with your vision or your ability to ski in case you still have a chance at escaping.

Can I use it more than once? Is there an expiration date?
The airbag can be inflated up to 5 times as long as it has never been damaged. Inflating the airbag creates some stress on the seams. The lifespan of the airbag depends on how much use it gets. Ultraviolet rays will break down most materials over time. We recommend replacing the airbag every four years. If the airbag has been used in an avalanche, or it has been damaged, it should be replaced.

Do I still need a beacon, shovel , and probe?
Yes. Absolutely. The Avi Vest should be considered part of the four essential tools for avalanche rescue. The AVI vest, shovel, probe, and beacon all serve different purposes. The Avi Vest will not protect you in every type of avalanche. It is important to be prepared for everything.

How much does the Avi Vest adjust for different sizes?
The Avi Vest comes in 3 sizes, small, medium and large. There is a zipper and buckle on the front, and the adjustments are on the sides. Cinch straps are used to loosen and tighten the sides.

How do I refill the canister?
The air canister needs to be filled by your local Avi Vest representative. With the appropriate valve, it can refilled with an air compressor similar to the ones used in fire stations or dive shops.

Is the Avi Vest designed to be worn on the outside? Can I also wear a backpack?
The Avi Vest must be worn on the outside of your jacket so that the airbag can deploy without any interference. A backpack cannot be worn with the Avi Vest because the airbag deploys from behind your shoulders.

What if I accidentally deploy the airbag?
The Avi Vest has a zippered safety lock that is designed to protect the ripcord handle from being accidentally pulled. The ripcord handle should be stored in the lock position until you are in or near avalanche terrain. If the airbag deploys when it is not needed, no problem. There is a relief valve built into the venturi valve located inline between the air hose and the airbag itself. Depress the valve and squeeze the air out of the bag. Fold the airbag into its original fold pattern, and tuck the folded bag back into the velcro airbag pocket. The air canister will need to be refilled again in order to be functional.

Can I heliski with it?
The Avi Vest is perfect for heliskiing. In North America, federal regulations prohibit the pressurized gas canister from carried inside of an aircraft. However, most helicopter companies and helicopter ski companies allow the Avi Vest to be carried in the ski basket on the outside of an aircraft.

Do I need to keep the buckles tight on the Avi Vest?
The Avi Vest acts like a harness when it is pulled taught. If a pulling force is applied to the airbag, like the force of an avalanche, the Avi Vest will tend to put pressure underneath the arms. By keeping the side straps tight, force is distributed evenly around the torso.

Can I take the airbag off the vest?
The Airbag is permanently attached to the AVI vest. The Air canister, which is the majority of the weight, may be removed from its’ sleeve to be refilled.

How fast does the airbag inflate?
The airbag will inflate in under 4 seconds. Unlike an automobile airbag which deploys in milliseconds, the Avi Vest has a consistent and gentle inflation rate.

How does the safety for the ripcord handle work?
During travel and when the airbag needs to be securely stored, the ripcord handle can be protected by a zippered pocket next to the handle. The actual ripcord slides inside of a sheath so that it cannot be accidentally snagged.