The startup manufactures survival gear that provides fresh air to mountaineers trapped in snowpack during an avalanche or tree well burial, utilizing porous crystal structures and hoses integrated into shoulder straps. This technology prevents suffocation by ensuring a breathable air supply without the need for a mouthpiece.
Funding
$950K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Avalanche and tree well burials pose a significant threat to mountaineers and backcountry skiers due to suffocation caused by snow immersion. Traditional avalanche safety equipment focuses on preventing burial or speeding up rescue, but does not address the critical issue of extending the survival window for buried victims.
Solution
Safeback provides an active air supply system, SBX, designed to delay suffocation for individuals buried in avalanches or tree wells. The system integrates into backpacks and vests, pumping air through hoses located in the shoulder straps to create a breathable space within the snowpack. This active airflow provides a continuous supply of fresh air, securing access to oxygen and removing excess carbon dioxide, thereby extending the potential survival window to over 90 minutes without requiring a mouthpiece.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes mountaineers, backcountry skiers, freeriders, and snowmobile enthusiasts who venture into avalanche-prone areas and require enhanced safety measures in case of burial.
Features
- Active air supply that pumps air into the breathing area of a buried victim
- Integrated into backpacks and vests for convenient and reliable deployment
- Shoulder strap hose system that delivers fresh air directly to the user's face
- Removable housing design allowing the pack to be used without the SBX system for low-risk situations
- Pass-through zipper for quick access to the SBX unit for battery tests and deactivation
- Compatibility with various backpack models through partnerships with brands like Raide and Db
- Independent medical trials conducted by Eurac Research to validate the system's effectiveness