BCA Float™ E2-45 Avalanche Airbag 2027 | Red

BCA Float™ E2-45 Avalanche Airbag Pack

The Pro Pack. Built for Guides, Patrollers, and Long Days in Serious Terrain.

PRE-ORDER — 15% OFF
Pre-order price on the BCA Float E2. Orders close Wednesday 23rd September 2026. Delivery November 2026.

The BCA Float™ E2-45 is BCA's most capable avalanche airbag pack — 45 litres of expandable capacity for professionals, ski patrollers, guides, and backcountry riders who need to carry everything for a long day, an overnight mission, or a professional safety kit. The expandable roll top design maximises volume when you need it and cinches down tight when you don't — a quick-cinch top closure makes frequent gear access fast without unpacking the whole bag. The same Alpride E2 supercapacitor system and 162-litre airbag as the rest of the E2 range, in the most feature-complete pack BCA makes. Available in M/L only. Three-year warranty.

The Alpride E2 supercapacitor system is the technical foundation of the entire Float E2 range. Where compressed air canisters store energy as pressurised gas — subject to temperature sensitivity, airline restrictions, and the logistical problem of sourcing a refill after deployment — the E2 supercapacitor stores electrical energy that powers a compressor on activation. Performance is fast and reliable in extreme cold, where gas pressure systems can degrade. Under IATA and US DOT regulations, the E2 is classified as a capacitor with energy storage of 10Wh or less — not subject to the dangerous goods restrictions that govern compressed gas canisters. You fly with it like any other electronic device. Post-deployment reset is via USB recharge, not a refill station. Two AA batteries can be installed alongside the supercapacitor: alkaline adds one additional deployment with up to three months of charge maintenance; lithium adds three additional deployments with up to five months. The 162-litre airbag deploys around your head and shoulders on activation, creating buoyancy to reduce burial depth and protect your head and neck from trauma.

The E2-45's defining features are its expandable roll top and top quick-cinch closure — the two things that separate it from the E2-35 in practical use. The roll top expands the main compartment beyond the base 45L when you need to carry extra gear; roll it down and cinch it tight when the pack is partially loaded to prevent load shift. The top quick-cinch lid gives you rapid access to the top of the pack without unzipping the full main compartment — pull the toggle, reach in, cinch it back. For professionals who open their pack dozens of times during a patrol shift or guide day, this is the feature that matters. The dedicated rescue tools compartment on the E2-45 also accommodates a snowsaw alongside shovel and probe — a professional-use distinction that reflects who this pack is built for. A-frame and diagonal ski carry cover both configurations; vertical snowboard carry included. Compression straps cinch the load when not fully packed. Fleece-lined goggle sleeve, Side Stash pocket, Back Stash zip, curved side access zip, moisture drain holes, moulded cooling fin back panel, load lifters, hip belt pockets with tool loops, modular removeable shoulder straps, removeable internal compartment divider — the full E2 feature set, in the largest available package. Waterproof-coated 420d ripstop nylon exterior with DWR YKK zippers throughout.

Why Carry the BCA Float E2-45?
✅ Alpride E2 Supercapacitor System — Magnetic energy storage, not compressed gas; cold-temperature reliable, TSA-approved, USB rechargeable; 40% smaller and 11% lighter than the E1 system
✅ 162-Litre Airbag Deployment — Creates buoyancy during an avalanche; reduces burial depth; protects head and neck from trauma
✅ AA Battery Backup — Alkaline adds one deployment (3-month charge); lithium adds three deployments (5-month charge)
✅ Expandable Roll Top — Maximises volume when you need it; rolls down and cinches tight when partially loaded; prevents load shift on technical descents
✅ Top Quick-Cinch Closure — Rapid access to the top of the pack without unzipping the main compartment; essential for professionals opening their pack repeatedly throughout the day
✅ Dedicated Shovel/Probe/Snowsaw Compartment — Professional-spec rescue tools compartment accommodating a snowsaw alongside shovel and probe
✅ A-Frame + Diagonal Ski Carry — Both configurations included
✅ Compression Straps — Cinch the load tight when not fully packed
✅ Fleece-Lined Goggle Sleeve — Protects goggles from scratch damage inside the pack
✅ Moisture Drain Holes — Lets water escape if the pack is dunked or packed with snow
✅ Side Stash Pocket — External side compartment accessible without removing the pack in avalanche terrain
✅ Back Stash Zip — External back panel access for radio, GPS, or small accessories
✅ Curved Side Access Zipper — Reach the main compartment from the side without fully opening the pack
✅ Moulded "Cooling Fin" Back Panel — Airflow during high-output touring; internal frame sheet for load transfer
✅ Modular Shoulder Straps — Dual-zippered, removeable and replaceable
✅ Load Lifters + Hip Belt Pockets — Proper load distribution and quick-access hip storage
✅ Removeable Internal Divider — Configure the main compartment to suit your packing needs
✅ Vertical Snowboard Carry — Included
✅ BC Link Radio Compatible — Built-in routing for BCA radio antenna
✅ Waterproof-Coated 420d Ripstop Nylon + DWR YKK Zippers
✅ 3-Year Warranty

Tech Specs
Airbag System: Alpride E2 Supercapacitor — electronic, USB rechargeable, TSA-approved
Airbag Volume: 162 litres
Pack Volume: 45L (without E2 system); 41L (with E2 system installed)
Weight: 3,152g / 6.95 lbs (with E2 system); 2,009g / 4.43 lbs (without E2 system)
Material: PU Coated 420d Ripstop Nylon (exterior); PU Coated 210d Double Ripstop Nylon (panels); 100d Robic Dynatec WR Pux2 (lining)
Zippers: YKK with DWR coating
Torso Fit: M/L: 43–53cm / 17–21"
Sizes: M/L only
Colours: Red
Ski Carry: A-frame and Diagonal
Snowboard Carry: Vertical
Battery Backup: 2x AA (alkaline: +1 deployment, 3-month charge; lithium: +3 deployments, 5-month charge)
Radio: BC Link compatible
Hydration: Compatible
Warranty: 3 years (limited)

Frequently Asked Questions

The E2-45 is M/L only — how do I know if it fits?
Torso length determines fit. To measure: stand upright, find the bony bump at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra), and measure down to the top of your hip bone (iliac crest). M/L fits 43–53cm / 17–21". This covers most adult riders — if your torso measures below 43cm, the E2-35 in S/M is the better option. A correctly fitted pack transfers load to the hips properly and keeps the airbag trigger handle in the right position for quick access. If you're unsure, call us on 03 9421 2293 and we'll help you confirm.

Can I take this on a plane?
Yes — the Alpride E2 supercapacitor is classified as a capacitor with energy storage of 10Wh or less under IATA and US DOT regulations, meaning it is not subject to the dangerous goods restrictions that apply to compressed gas airbag canisters. BCA recommends downloading and carrying the Alpride E2 fact sheet when travelling. No special declaration or removal is required beyond normal carry-on or checked luggage procedures.

What happens after the airbag deploys — how do I reset it?
Deflate the airbag by opening the valve, fold it back into the pack, reconnect it, and recharge the E2 system via USB. No refill station, no compressed gas canister sourcing. If AA batteries are installed, they allow additional deployments in the field without recharging — lithium AAs allow up to three additional deployments.

Does an airbag guarantee survival in an avalanche?
No — and BCA is explicit about this. The Float airbag system increases your chances of staying near the surface, reducing burial depth and protecting your head and neck from trauma. It does not guarantee survival. The most important avalanche safety measures are education, sound decision-making, and carrying and knowing how to use a beacon, probe, and shovel. We strongly recommend completing an AST (Avalanche Safety Training) course before venturing into avalanche terrain.

E2-45 vs E2-35 — who is the 45 actually for?
The E2-35 is the right pack for most serious recreational backcountry riders doing full-day objectives. The E2-45 is built for riders who need more: ski patrollers and guides carrying professional safety kit including a snowsaw, riders doing long multi-hour missions with overnight gear, or anyone who wants maximum expandable capacity without switching to a non-airbag pack. The roll top and quick-cinch lid are the key functional differences — they make the E2-45 faster and more practical to access repeatedly throughout a professional working day. If you're asking whether you need the 45, you probably need the 35. If you know you need the 45, you know. Call us on 03 9421 2293 and we'll give you an honest answer.

About BCA
Backcountry Access (BCA) has been designing and building avalanche safety equipment since 1994 — beacons, shovels, probes, airbag packs, and radios trusted by backcountry riders, guides, and ski patrollers worldwide. The E2 supercapacitor system is the current state of the art, developed in engineering collaboration with Alpride and built specifically for the demands of cold-weather backcountry use.

Why Buy from Twelve Board Store?
✔️ Free shipping Australia-wide
✔️ Expert backcountry safety gear advice — call 03 9421 2293
✔️ Authorised BCA dealer with full manufacturer warranty
✔️ Flexible payment options including Afterpay & Zip
✔️ In-store at 435A Bridge Rd Richmond
✔️ ⚠️ Float avalanche airbags do not guarantee survival in an avalanche. Educate yourself, make good decisions, and know before you go.