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Black Diamond Saga 40 Jetforce Avalanche Airbag Pack

rated 2.5 of 5 stars
photo: Black Diamond Saga 40 Jetforce Avalanche Airbag Pack avalanche airbag pack

Great high end avalanche backpack that can be deployed multiple times. Best for single to multi-day backcountry expeditions and ski tours in alpine, medium to high risk conditions. If you only do a few days a year in these conditions, renting may be a more rational option.

Pros

  • Weight
  • Carrying system
  • Safety features
  • Can be deployed several times vs cylinder powered models
  • Easy to take on a plane
  • Can carry skis on sides
  • BD has awesome support

Cons

  • Price
  • Does not actually hold 40 liters of stuff because of the battery and motor
  • Battery needs year round care to prevent deep discharge

Excellent fit and carrying system for an avalanche pack. I'm a longer dude and got the M/L version. The hip belt has a metal buckle and is comfortable during longer ski tours.

The volume is not accurate. It can probably hold around 30-35l.

Accessibility is good. The back panel opens up all the way. 

The pack fits tightly while riding. The ski straps on the sides work nicely, but I would advise care while strapping the skis up to avoid damage to straps and the backpack.

Feels durable for its weight. 

BD customer support is amazing. I deep discharged my battery and they fixed it for me in three days, free of charge.

I've used this pack for two seasons, around five weeks, in alpine environments.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $1099

A very expensive bag that lasted less than six weeks. Great components in an inferior bag. The pockets that held the components wore big holes in the fabric. The airbag is not transferable and Black Diamond did not uphold its warranty. Buy Arc'teryx for better quality.

Pros

  • Great life-saving components.

Cons

  • Inferior quality fabric and warranty not worth anything
  • Bag is cumbersome and cannot fit much kit

The components wore holes in the pockets where they were contained. I never put anything else in those pockets. Within six weeks huge holes appeared.

I contacted Black Diamond who brushed it off as wear and tear. You cannot buy a new bag without buying the complete system. Avoid like the plague. Choose an interchangeable bag like Arc'teryx.

Source: bought it new

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $812.47-$1,299.95
Reviewers Paid: $1,099.00
Product Details from Black Diamond »

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