New ARVA MINI15+ Avalanche Airbag Wins 2023 ISPO Award

December 20, 2023

Compact, minimal backpack delivers maximum safety and reliability in the backcountry

OREM, UTAH (December 20, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – ARVA, the well-known French producer of avalanche safety equipment, is proud to announce the company has received the prestigious 2023 ISPO Award for its new MINI15+ avalanche airbag backpack. Representing the finest in innovation and design within the sports industry, ISPO Award winners are recognized for developing revolutionary products that drive the future of human-powered sport forward.

The ideal backpack for freeride-fueled adventures, ARVA’s new MINI15+ combines all the power and security of an airbag with a compact, lightweight, and efficient design to ensure a perfect fit for more body types, including women, younger adults, or those with smaller frames and shorter torsos. Offering the perfect volume for when minimal gear is needed or as guest pack for cat skiing and heliskiing operations, the new MINI15+ provides just the right amount of space to house the essentials. This includes the airbag, a compressed air canister and room for all necessary avalanche safety equipment like a shovel, probe, extra layers, gloves, or food. The low-profile 15L capacity is divided into two separate storage compartments for easy organization while an expandable compartment allows for an additional 5L+ of carrying space if needed.

Constructed of 100% recycled polyester bluesign^® fabrics with dope-dyed, solution coloration on black fabric and zippers, the 2023 ISPO Award jury recognized the MINI15+ for its use of sustainable materials, its eco-friendly construction, and ARVA’s low-impact manufacturing process. Designed to withstand the high demands arising during heavy use, the MINI 15+ unites durability, eco-consciousness, and adaptability with its thermoformed back panel and Cordura^® stretch material on the shoulder straps to ensure a long product lifecycle.

Powered by ARVA’s REACTOR 2.0 refillable air canister system, the MINI15+ is particularly lightweight (4.5 lbs. with Carbon Canister), with optimal adjustability for smaller users without compromising reliability or functionality. The airbag is engineered with ARVA’s proprietary dual-chamber design to maximize the rise-to-surface effect in an avalanche while the trigger handle is ergonomically positioned and designed to be used with either the left or the right hand. For guest skiing or rental operations, the system is also easy to check and maintain as compressed air continues to prove itself as the most simple and reliable power source for this product category, while also being more sustainable than batteries and electronics.

“As an airbag backpack becomes the fourth piece of essential gear for users, along with transceiver, shovel, and probe, we’re seeing a demand for airbag backpacks to accommodate more and more users as well as group operations. The MINI15+ delivers versatility in a smaller package, and we hope this will bring more safety to more people in a wider range of sports and uses,” said Jeremy Jolley, Market Manager for ARVA in North America. “We’re proud to have developed a compact airbag that’s really like nothing else on the market. We also feel our airbag system is already the highest standard of performance, safety, and reliability, so rather than licensing or creating new electric products we are focused on expanding the convenience of refilling, testing, and travelling for the customer, along with new applications like our US Carbon Canister and Reactor Ride 15+ Vest.”

Expected to hit the market in fall 2024, ARVA’s MINI15+ blends quality, reliability, functionality, safety, and sustainability into one compact and efficient avalanche airbag that opens a new world of backcountry opportunities for all users.

ABOUT ARVA 

For more than 35 years, ARVA has distinguished itself through first-rate snow safety equipment. The leading manufacturer of avalanche transceivers for the amateur enthusiast, today the brand offers a full range of beacons, shovel, probes, backpacks, and accessories. ARVA remains committed to customer service and quality and continues to develop and manufacture all its transceivers in France. For more information visit www.arva-equipment.com

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Denny / Denny, ink. / chris@dennyink.com / 307-200-6001