Owner’s Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel D’Utilisation
Manuale di istruzioni

Theory of Operation / Disclaimer / Warranty
Why do I need an avalanche airbag?

Preventing or minimizing burial depth is the key to reducing avalanche fatalities. That’s because themajority of time in an avalanche rescue is spent on excavating the victim. An airbag is designed tokeep you at or near the surface, minimizing excavation time.

Disclaimer

The Float system is designed to help improve your chances of surviving an avalanche. It must be
used correctly, following the guidelines in this manual. Perform a practice deployment at least oncea year. Do not modify any aspect of this product or perform any operations not described in thismanual.
Your Float cannot prevent the release of an avalanche or guarantee survival under any conditions.
Any airbag must be used in conjunction with a beacon, shovel, probe, and helmet to increase yourchance of survival. As with other avalanche rescue tools, your airbag should not promote taking
more risks.
In addition to these rescue tools, you should acquire the necessary skills to avoid avalanche
situations before heading into the backcountry. Take an avalanche safety course, practice with yourequipment, and plan your route according to the regional avalanche forecast.

Warranty

The manufacturer, Backcountry Access, Inc. (BCA), expressly warrants the workmanship andcomponents of this product for three years after the date of retail purchase. All parts will be either
repaired or replaced free of charge, including labor, by the manufacturer. This warranty does not coverdamage to the product caused by improper use or excessive wear and tear. Direct all warranty claims
to BCA or your airbag retailer. All claims must include proof of purchase and a return authorization
number.
To ensure warranty protection and periodic technical updates please register online at:www.backcountryaccess.com/warranty

2

Instructions and Warnings
Failure to follow these instructions and warnings may result in death or serious personal injury.
•

The purpose of the Float Avalanche Airbag is to reduce the likelihood of burial during anavalanche. Any avalanche can be deadly.

•

It is important to practice before taking the system into the field. A practice deployment atleast once a year is recommended.

•

Before taking the Float Avalanche Airbag into the field, inspect all trigger and hoseconnections and ensure they are properly attached as described in this manual.

•The pressure gauge on the cylinder must read between 2500 psi – 2700 psi at 70°F
(21°C) or the system may not fully inflate.

•

The waist belt and leg strap must be worn to ensure the backpack stays in its intended
position in the event of an avalanche.

•

Avoid placing sharp object such as crampons, ice tools, poles or exposed ski/snowboard
edges near or on top of the airbag compartment. Only carry skis using the diagonal ski
carry. Do not use the side compression straps for A-frame carry, as they may obstruct the
airbag’s deployment and/or damage the airbag.

•

Always fold the airbag according to the directions detailed in this manual. Failure to do somay prevent the system from inflating properly.

•

To reduce the likelihood of inadvertent inflation, store the trigger handle zipped in theshoulder strap. This is recommended when you or others could be harmed by the systemsuch as when on chairlifts, gondolas, helicopters, buses, trains, cars, etc.

•

When not in use, keep the system in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

•

Never attempt to alter or repair the system. Only Backcountry Access, Inc. authorized
service centers may work on or repair the system. Any unauthorized work or alterations
will void the warranty.

3Equipment Check

Compressed Air Systemrelease valve cover|

trigger coverzypressure gauge

ejector assembly

trigger cablewx

coupler gauge

u

quick
connect fittingv
4

air cylinder

air hoseInstalling Compressed Air Cylinder
1. Remove packaging caps from pressurized air cylinder. To reach the compressed air system, unzip
the main storage compartment and fold back the fabric compressed air system cover.
2. Connect the quick connect fitting on the air hose  by pulling the large ring toward the pressuregauge . It should click back into place when air hose  is properly connected. Coupler gauge should fit in place to ensure air hose is connected properly. WARNING: If the coupler gauge will
not fit in place, the system may not inflate.

x
u
X

u
x



u

x

u

3. IMPORTANT! Screw the trigger cable nut  onto the trigger pin 11 . To expose the trigger
cable nut before threading it on the trigger pin, it might be necessary to push the trigger handle 12
back into the shoulder strap. WARNING: Failure to screw the cable nut onto the trigger pin will
prevent the system from inflating.
4. Screw the trigger cover z over the trigger cable nut .
5. Once cylinder is placed in
the sleeve, secure the Velcro
closure on the cylinder
compartment.
6. To disconnect an empty
cylinder, follow the above
steps in reverse.

11

~

z

TRIGGER CABLE NUT ATTACHED~z

TRIGGER COVER ATTACHEDz
5

Using the Avalanche Airbag
Equipment Check – Before Every Use Check the Following:
System Fittings
Follow the previous “Installing Compressed Air Cylinder” steps to verify connections are correct.
Verify the trigger cable nut connection by unscrewing the trigger cover z and making sure thetrigger cable nut  is attached securely to the trigger pin 11 . Replace trigger cover.
Air Cylinder
Check the pressure gauge { on the compressed air cylinder and make sure it is between 2500 and
2700 psi (172 to 186 bar) at room temperature (approximately 70°F or 21°C). Pressure must
be checked at room temperature for the reading to be accurate. Check pressure before every use.
WARNING: PRESSURE MUST BE IN THIS RANGE OR THE SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION
PROPERLY. Once the system is exposed to cold, the pressure will drop. If the pressure is everobserved below 2000 psi (138 bar), at any temperature, the airbag may not fill completely.
Inspect the cylinder. Do not use a cylinder that is dented or damaged.
Pack
Make sure the Velcro flap on the top of the
airbag compartment is securely fastened.
This will ensure that the airbag iscompletely stored and secure.

WRONG

SECURE

Only the airbag and ejector are meant
to be stored in the airbag compartment. WARNING: Never store any additional items in thiscompartment; items may prevent the airbag from deploying.
Check that nothing is loose inside the compressed air system or blocking the ejector assembly.
Make sure the compartment is zipped completely shut.
Check to make sure that nothing is obstructing the airbag compartment on the outside of the pack.
WARNING: Avoid placing sharp object such as, crampons, ice tools, poles or exposed ski/snowboard edges near or on top of the airbag compartment. Only carry skis using the diagonal
ski carry. Do not use the side compression straps for A-frame carry, as they may obstruct the airbag’s
deployment and/or damage the airbag.
Perform visual inspection of stitching and fabric of the backpack. Ensure that the carrying system of
the backpack is not torn, abraded, or worn. Damaged gear must be retired.

6

Using the Avalanche Airbag
Pack Adjustments

Your pack should be properly fitted before you head into avalanche terrain. The
forces of an avalanche can remove the pack from your back if it is not secured toyour body.
Attaching Leg Strap
The leg strap is an important component of this system, and must always be wornby passing it between your legs and threading the loop over one end of the waist
buckle. For more information please reference the Components and Features sectionin this manual.
Waist Buckle

There are two parts to the buckle: male and female. Insert the male part into the widest opening of
the female part. Tighten the waist strap until snug. When attached correctly, the webbing and thebuckle should lay flat against your body. WARNING: The waist belt must be fastened for thesystem to function.

Deployment

Before entering avalanche terrain, unzip the pocket where the trigger handle
is stored (see image on right). In case of an avalanche, pull the trigger handle
quickly in a downward motion, reaching across your body with the hand
opposite the trigger. Try skiing or riding to the flanks of the avalanche to escapethe debris. In the event that you are buried, preserve your airway by covering
your mouth with your hand or elbow when the avalanche slows down.
What to Expect
The airbag should exit the backpack and fill completely in approximately
three seconds. The airbag will continue to build pressure for a few seconds
longer until the system pressure equalizes. The airbag will hold air for several
minutes until the threat of the avalanche has passed.

12

After Deployment

Release the air from the airbag by pressing the release valve with your finger. To locate the valve
open the mesh cover on the ejector |, the valve is underneath the orange release valve cover .
Never use hard or sharp objects to hold the release valve open. Make sure the release valve returns
to the original position after deflation. Re-pack the airbag into the airbag compartment. See “Packing
the Airbag” below for details.

7

Maintenance
WARNING: If you have deployed your airbag in an avalanche, the airbag must be inspectedby the manufacturer before additional use. Please contact BCA for a free airbag inspection andcylinder refill. Contact information can be found on the back cover.

Packing the Airbag

The airbag must be folded into the airbag compartment. DO NOT ROLL OR STUFF THE AIRBAG
OR THE SYSTEM MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. If the airbag is wet, dry it completely before
packing. Empty any residual air from the airbag using the release valve (you may need to do
this periodically as you pack the bag). It is very important that all residual air has been released.
Reseat the orange valve cover. Pull the mesh cover back over the ejector and cinch the draw
string. Disconnect the air hose from the cylinder before folding the airbag.
1. Completely separate the zipper so the slider is only attached to one set of teeth.
2. Bring zipper slider back to the opposite side of pack where the zipper begins (a).
3. Begin by laying out the deflated airbag flat on the ground. Make one vertical accordion fold oneach side of the airbag (b).
4. Next make two horizontal accordion folds on the airbag (c). After this step, your airbag is readyto be zipped inside the airbag compartment.
5. With the airbag folded inside the compartment, re-engage the zipper (d) and zip thecompartment past the Velcro flap at the top of the compartment (e). Fasten Velcro and finish
zipping the compartment closed (f).Never reverse the zipper pull over the breakaway section on
the airbag compartment zipper as this may cause the zipper to jam or break.

b
a
e
c

f

8

d

Maintenance
Empty Cylinder

The Float airbag will not deploy again until the cylinder is refilled or replaced. This can be done at a
Float Refill or Exchange Center (see www.backcountryaccess.com/air). To install the filled cylinder,
see “Installing Compressed Air Cylinder.”Removing and Installing the Airbag System

The Float packs feature a removable and interchangeable airbag system. The airbag components
can be swapped between 2012-13 or newer packs, or removed entirely.

Removing

1. To remove the airbag, open the airbag compartment by pulling the breakaway zipper apartunder the Velcro flap. Never try to “unzip” the airbag compartment zipper. Doing so could result indamage to the breakaway zipper.
2. Disconnect the trigger cable and air hose from the cylinder (a).
3. Unfasten the black Velcro holding the loose end of the orange rope in place. Un-thread the rope
from the webbing loops (b).
4. Once the rope is no longer threaded through the webbing loops, the airbag, ejector, trigger
cable and air hose are free to remove (c). The trigger cable stays with pack, but can be removed
as noted later in the section “Moving the Trigger.”

a

b

c

9

Installing
Installing
1. With the airbag unfolded, lay the ejector in the airbag compartment with the orange release valve
cover facing up (a). The air hose should be fed through the designated opening (b) into the mainstorage compartment where the cylinder is kept.
2. Starting on the side by the fixed end of the orange rope, pull the loops of webbing through the slits
in the airbag and lace the rope through the loops of webbing.
3. Once the threading is complete up to the ejector tube, pull the rope tight.
4. Bring rope over ejector tube.
5. Repeat threading technique through remaining slits and webbing loops.
6. Secure the loose end of the orange rope by running it up through the black Velcro loop, then loop
it back down and fold the Velcro flap over it.
7. Repack airbag and close compartment (see above instructions for repacking).
8. Reconnect trigger cable and air hose to cylinder (d).

a

b

c

d

10

Installing
Moving the Trigger

Some Float models allow you to install the trigger in the left or right shoulder strap, depending on
your preference. Models with zippered pockets on both shoulder straps allow for this feature.

Removing

1. Open the zipper on the shoulder strap containing the trigger.
2. Loosen the small screw that attaches the trigger to the webbing loop inside the shoulder strap.
3. Pull the trigger and cable out (a) through the shoulder strap zipper.

aInstalling

1. Starting at the shoulder strap zipper (a), thread the trigger cable, leading with the trigger cover,back into the pack (b). WARNING: Be sure the trigger cable is fed underneath the airbag
components, and take care not to kink the cable during installation.
2. Feed trigger cable through the opening in bottom right corner of the airbag compartment (c) into
the main storage pocket that stores the cylinder.
3. Inside the shoulder strap zipper, secure the trigger cable by fastening the screw on the trigger
assembly to the webbing loop. Confirm that the trigger assembly screw has been properly
fastened to the webbing loop by pulling on the trigger handle and ensuring that the trigger
assembly is fixed to the webbing loop. WARNING: Improper installation of trigger may prevent
system from deploying.
b
b

c

a
11

Storage
When the system is not in use store in a cool, dry place. If the system is wet, dry before storing by
opening the airbag compartment and laying the airbag flat to dry. Do not expose a Float cylinder totemperatures exceeding 130°F (55°C) or below -22°F (-30°C). If subjected to adverse conditions,check that all connections are free of contaminants. Pack can be cleaned with warm water only andconnections can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use soaps, detergents, lubricants, or otherchemicals; they may degrade or damage materials if used anywhere on the system.

Periodic Deployment/Service LifeBCA recommends deploying your Float airbag at least once per year, both to make sure the system isoperating correctly and to be sure the user knows how to operate the equipment efficiently. Put it on,
pull the trigger, repack the airbag and refill the cylinder before the season starts. Your Float airbag isdesigned to undergo a minimum of 20 deployments and is warranted for three years. With occasionaluse and proper care, the system can be expected to last for 5 years. Under frequent use and with propercare the system may need to be retired before 5 years. The maximum shelf life is 10 years from thedate of manufacture. Factors that may reduce the lifespan of the product are: abrasion, wear, prolonged
exposure to sunlight, prolonged exposure to moisture, or harsh environments. The manufacturing datecan be found underneath the cylinder sleeve in the main compartment.

Discharging Compressed Air Cylinder

If the cylinder must be discharged for any reason, it may be used for a practice deployment. Simply
deploy the airbag by pulling on the trigger handle.
WARNING: ALWAYS EMPTY CYLINDERS BY DEPLOYING THEM WITHIN THE AIRBAGSYSTEM. EMPTYING CYLINDERS IN ANY OTHER MANNER MAY CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

12

Shipping/ Transportation/Markings
Shipping And Transportation Guidelines
For shipping and transportation guidelines, please visit our website at www.backcountryaccess.com.

Certifications and Markings
The following marks can be found on Backcountry Access Float Avalanche Airbags.
The CE mark of conformity indicates that this product meets the requirements of the PersonalProtective Equipment Directive (89/686/EEC).
Tested by TÜV SÜD: a globally recognized testing, inspection, and certification organization.
TÜV Süd Product Service GmbHRidlerstr. 21 D-80339 Munich Germany
Backcountry Access Float avalanche airbags are covered under U.S. patent: #7,878,141.

13

Avalanche Rescue
This is a basic introduction to avalanche rescue techniques. On our website, you will also find alist of avalanche instructors. We strongly suggest taking an avalanche course in your area before
venturing into the backcountry. Each person needs a working beacon, probe and shovel—and must
know how to use them. Before leaving, call your local avalanche forecast center and determine thedanger level in the area you intend to visit:
US: www.avalanche.org
Canada: www.avalanche.ca
Europe: www.lawinen.org

Searching for victims

If a member of your group is buried, you must perform a beacon
search. The objective is to find the strongest signal (lowest
distance reading) and immediately begin probing the area. In theevent of a burial, switch all avalanche beacons to search mode.
The guidelines below assume the use of a digital beacon.

40m

path

20m

avalanche

Signal search: If there is a “last seen point,” start your signal
search there. Otherwise, start your signal search at the top,bottom or side of the slide path. See diagram on right toestablish a search pattern.

20m

Coarse search: Once a signal is engaged, align your beacon
single searcher
so that any of the center three lights are flashing and movesearch pathmultiple searchers
quickly in the direction it is pointing. Make sure the number insearch paths
the distance display is decreasing. If it is increasing, turn 180
degrees. Inside ten meters, move slowly and try to keep the center search light engaged.
Fine search: Within three meters, use your beacon as close as possible to the snow surface andlook for the smallest distance reading. Confirm by “bracketing” in the perpendicular direction.
Probing/Pinpointing: At the point where the distance has reached aminimum, probe the area in concentric circles, with each probe hole about
10 inches (25cm) apart. Your probe should enter the snow perpendicular tothe slope. Once you have confirmed the victim’s location, leave the probe
in the snow.

90˚

Shoveling: While shoveling might seem elementary, it usually consumes
the majority of time during an avalanche beacon rescue. For best
results, start shoveling just downhill of the probe. Make your hole
one “wingspan” wide. In burials deeper than one meter, excavate
downhill about 1.5 times the burial depth. For more advanced shovelingtechniques, see our website: www.backcountryaccess.com/shoveling .
1.5 x
burial depth

14

10˝ 10˝
25CM 25CM

Float save in Montezuma, Colorado, USA.
3rd edition

Backcountry Access, Inc.
2820 Wilderness Place, Unit H  
Boulder, Colorado USA
Phone: 303-417-1345
info@backcountryaccess.com
www.backcountryaccess.com
BCA / K2 Canada
1 Westside Dr. Unit #7
Etobicoke, ON
M9C 1B2
Phone, local: 416-620-4125
Phone, toll free: 866-455-2748
bca@k2canada.com
BCA / K2 Europe
K2 Sports Europe GmbH
Seeshaupter Strasse 62
82377 Penzberg
Germany
Fon: +49 8856 901 – 0
BCA@K2sports.de
BCA / Madshus AS
Madshus AS
Industriveien 29
2936 Biri
P: 61134300
M: madshus@madshus.com
BCA / K2 Japan
11F Shibaura Square Building
4-9-25 Shibaura, Minato-ku
Tokyo, 108-0023 Japan
Tel:+81-3-6858-7822
BCA@k2japan.com