Product Design
Avalanche Airbag
Lead Product Designer, Ergonomics Expert
I designed the world’s first certified avalanche airbag compact vest. Unlike traditional avalanche airbags, this vest is as compact as a life preserver, making it compatible with regular backpacks. The Aerosize vest meets the safety standards set by EN 16716:2017 for avalanche airbag systems.
Background
On average, an avalanche kills more than 150 people each year, worldwide. Most of the victims are snowmobilers, skiers, and snowboarders.
Avalanche airbags have proven to be lifesavers for those unfortunate enough to be caught in a snowslide.
Traditionally, avalanche airbags are huge, bulky, heavy, and unmanagable pieces of kit.
150
people die each year in an avalanche
Solution
Vest One by Aerosize is the world’s first certified avalanche airbag compact vest. These vests can be compared to those used in sailing. To keep the vest small, the trick is the inflatining system. When the triger in front of the vest is pulled, a mixture of compressed gas from the cartriges, combined with air sucked in from the environment, inflates the airbag. This allows to minimize the size of the components.
Ergonomics
The vest encircle your neck and fasten under the arms much like a life preserver. The Vest ONE is so small and compact, it’s also compatible with regular backpacks – you can wear both simultaneously.
Ergonomic shape around neck
Aluminum trigger handle
Adjustable straps with aluminum buckle and easy-to-grab puller
Adjustable Leg loop with aluminum buckle
Vest One – Front View – Armed
Vest One – Side View – Armed
Vest One – Front View – Deployed
Vest One – Side View – Deployed
Overview
The Ultimate Gear for Avalanche Response
Vest One seems is a game-changer for rescue teams in avalanche-prone areas, offering a blend of safety, readiness, and practicality that traditional systems couldn’t provide. It enhances the ability to carry essential gear while maintaining the mobility and preparedness crucial for rapid response in emergencies.Main characteristics:
Wearable During FlightUnlike traditional avalanche airbag backpacks, Vest One is light and compact enough to be worn comfortably during helicopter or plane flights. This allows rescue teams to be fully prepared before even reaching the danger zone.
Compatible with BackpacksVest One can be worn in conjunction with a regular backpack. This is a significant improvement over traditional airbag systems, which often required the airbag backpack to be the primary or only backpack, limiting the amount of additional gear that could be carried.
Carries Essential GearRescue teams can carry their full loadout, including aid kits, tools, and other essential equipment, without compromising safety or mobility.
Rapid DeploymentSince the vest can be worn during transit, rescue teams can respond more quickly upon arrival in avalanche zones. There’s no need to switch gear or set up new equipment; they can deploy immediately.
Increased MobilityThe vest likely offers greater freedom of movement compared to bulkier, traditional airbag backpacks. This allows rescue workers to perform their duties more effectively in challenging terrain.
All-Terrain UseWhether on foot, skis, or other modes of transport, the Vest One can be used in various environments, making it a versatile tool for rescue operations across different types of terrain.
Tested and certified
The VEST ONE has been tested & certified by TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH in accordance with the guidelines of EN 16716: 2017 Mountaineering equipment - Avalanche Airbag systems - Safety requirements and test methods for avalanche airbag systems.