4
WARNING
For use during activities that may expose the user to risk of snow avalanche. Avalanches are deadly.
Understand and accept the risks involved before participating in activities that may expose you to
avalanche danger.
You are responsible for your own actions and assume the risks of your
decisions.
This pack may increase your chances for survival, but it does not guarantee safety in the
event of an avalanche. This pack should be used along with other avalanche safety gear including an
avalanche beacon, shovel and probe. Avalanche education is essential before heading into avalanche
terrain. Learn how to avoid avalanches and what to do in case you are caught by one. In addition to
deploying your airbag, swim and fight to stay on top, and attempt to create an air pocket as the slide
begins to slow. Before using this product, read and understand all instructions and warnings that
accompany it, familiarize yourself with its capabilities and limitations and obtain proper training in the
use of the equipment. Practice periodically. Contact Black Diamond if you are uncertain about how to
use this product. Do not modify this product in any way. Be aware of the potential risks of using and
transporting gas cartridges. Check the manufacturer’s website for updated instructions. Minors and
persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or who lack experience and knowledge
must be under the direct control of an experienced and responsible person when using this product.
Children must not play with, clean, maintain or repack the JetForce Backpack.
Failure to read and
follow the warnings and instructions can result in severe injury or death!
JetForce UL Backpack
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
JETFORCE BACKPACK INTRODUCTION
The JetForce UL Backpack is designed for use in and around areas with the
chance of snow avalanches. This backpack incorporates the JetForce UL
Avalanche Airbag System, which is designed to improve the chances of sur-
viving an avalanche. By increasing the total volume of the person caught in the
slide the airbag helps keep the victim on the surface, decreasing the chances
of a complete burial and allowing for a faster rescue.
JETFORCE UL SYSTEM COMPONENTS (FIGURE 1)
1a:
Main Cargo Compartment
1b:
Deployment Handle Pocket
1c:
Deployment Handle
1d:
Airbag Compartment
1e:
Inflation Unit
1f:
Inflation Unit Pocket
1g:
CO
2
Cartridge
1h:
Argon Cartridge
1i:
Release Valve
1j:
Trigger Reset Port
1k:
Trigger Indicator
1l:
Screw Tool
1m:
JetForce UL Backpack Instructions
1n:
Mesh side-panel window
1o:
Airbag
4a:
Left-Side Buckle
4b:
Right-Side Buckle
4c:
Leg Strap
4d:
Leg Strap Loop
4e:
Waist Strap
4f:
Sternum Strap
7a:
Airbag compartment Zipper Pull
7b:
Hook and loop tab
11a:
Airbag Attachment Hooks
CARTRIDGES
The ALPRIDE cartridges conform to ISO 11118: Gas cylinders -- Non-refillable
metallic gas cylinders. No maintenance is required, and they are certified to
be free of leaks. Once the airbag has been inflated, the gas cartridges must
be replaced. The ALPRIDE cartridges are single use and cannot be refilled.
Inappropriate handling can lead to system failure. Periodically check the car-
tridges for general conditions and leakage.
A
WARNING! ALPRIDE cartridges must not be subjected to temperatures
below -30 C or above 50 C (-22°F to 122°F).
A
WARNING! ALPRIDE cartridges must be kept away from sources of heat
and ignition (direct sunlight, open flame, stoves, etc.).
A
WARNING! ALPRIDE cartridges must not be subjected to impact or
excessive force.
A
WARNING! Emerging gas may cause the cylinder to freeze; do not touch a
discharging or recently discharged cartridge with bare hands.
SYSTEM FUNCTION (FIGURE 2)
With the system armed, the airbag is deployed by pulling the Deployment
Handle (1c). The Inflation Unit (1e) punctures the cartridges which begin to
inflate the airbag. The inflating airbag opens the airbag zipper and then fully
inflates.
ARMING THE SYSTEM (FIGURE 3)
A
WARNING! It is critical that the system be armed before entering
avalanche terrain.
A
WARNING! To prevent accidental deployment, trigger must be reset prior
to installing cartridges.
1. Verify that the handle is in the up position and stow the Deployment Handle
(1c).
2. Open the Inflation Unit Pocket (1f) to access the Inflation Unit (1e).
3. Remove cartridges if necessary.
4. Verify that the Trigger Indicator (1k) is not visible.
a. If the Trigger Indicator (1k) is visible, insert the Screw Tool (1l) completely
into the Trigger Reset Port (1j) and remove the Screw Tool (1l) to reset the
trigger.
5. Install un-used CO
2
(1g) and Argon cartridges (1h). Cartridges must be
threaded appropriately, installed hand tight and not damaged during
installation.
6. Zip the Inflation Unit Pocket (1f) closed before adding objects into the
backpack.
A
WARNING! Both the CO
2
and Argon cartridge must be completely
installed for proper operation.
A
WARNING! The Screw Tool must be removed from the Inflation Unit for
proper operation.
A
WARNING! Verify that the Trigger Indictor is not visible prior to entering
avalanche terrain.
WEARING THE PACK (FIGURE 4)
Proper fit and secure attachment to your body is critical.
1. Put the backpack on your back with both arms through the shoulder straps.
2. Locate the Leg Strap (4c). Wrap the Leg Strap around the back of your right
leg, then between your legs. Slide the Waist Strap (4e) through the Leg Strap
Loop (4d).
3. Insert the Left-Side Buckle (4a) through the Right-Side Buckle (4b), then
tighten the straps for a secure fit.
4. If the leg strap is too tight or too loose adjust it at the adjustment buckle at
the base of the right hip-belt.
5. Buckle and tighten the Sternum Strap (4f).
6. Adjust the shoulder straps to distribute the load between the shoulders and
waist.
A
WARNING! Do not use the JetForce UL without the Leg Strap (4c). The
Leg Strap prevents the backpack from being ripped off your body during an
avalanche.
DEPLOYING THE AIRBAG (FIGURE 5)
With the system armed (see ARMING THE SYSTEM) and with the backpack
properly worn (see WEARING THE PACK) the airbag can now be deployed in
the event of an avalanche.
1. Before entering avalanche terrain, open the Deployment Handle Pocket (1b)
and make sure the Deployment Handle (1c) is readily accessible.
2. Grasp the Deployment Handle (1c) and firmly pull downward.
3. The airbag will begin to deploy immediately.
REPACKING (FIGURE 6 AND FIGURE 7)
1. Before repacking, the airbag must be fully deflated.
2. To deflate the airbag:
a. Open the Main Cargo Compartment (1a).
b. Open the Inflation Unit Pocket (1f).
c. Locate the port in the bottom of the Release Valve (1i).
d. Insert the Screw Tool (1l) to open the Release Valve (1i).
e. While holding the release valve open, compress the airbag to squeeze out
