Evo 5+ Snow Safety Pack

Arva EVO5+ Avalanche Safety Pack puts the three items of avalanche rescue gear in one box: the EVO5+ 3-antenna transceiver with a 50 m search bandwidth (165 g with battery), the 2.40 m Access 240 probe (190 g) and the Access shovel with PIN LOCK assembly. Arva sell the EVO5+ holster separately.

Who it's for

Skiers, snowboarders and ski tourers heading beyond the patrolled runs, from first trips off-piste to regular backcountry days. Arva pitch this as a compact pack for a wide audience: light in the backpack and effective in the field.

How it performs in a search

The EVO5+ is a digital transceiver with 3 antennas, a 50 m search bandwidth and digital signal processing that guides you to the burial zone. Automatic Gain Control manages signals dynamically for a more efficient multi-victim search, a marking function flags victims already located, and the display shows up to 3 victims with a '+' when there are more. Interference management narrows the search bandwidth to focus on the signal you are following, and you can switch it off. It works on 457 kHz, and Arva state that all 457 kHz transceivers are compatible.

Using it under pressure

An OFF/SEND/SEARCH selector switch and a marking button run the EVO5+, with a lock button that holds the selector in transmit. The backlit screen and a speaker with a modulated beep lead you in, and in search mode the EVO5+ beeps every 8 minutes and shows an AUTO-REVERT prompt; press the marking button to stay in search, and if there is no response it reverts to transmit in case a secondary avalanche has caught you. The Access 240 probe deploys with a pull handle and locks with Arva's FLASH LOCK knot; it is six 40 cm sections of 11 mm 7001 T6 aluminium on a polyamide cord, marked for depth. The Access shovel's blade fits to its handle with PIN LOCK.

Arva are clear that practice makes perfect: know how to use your transceiver before you need it, and do not let wearing one change your decisions in risky terrain.

Certification and standards

Arva's EU declaration of conformity for the EVO5+ transceiver (reference ARNIEVO5P) declares conformity with the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, citing harmonised standards including EN 300 718-1 and EN 300 718-2. Arva state no standard for the Access 240 probe or the Access shovel.

Maintenance and checks

• Battery: one AA/LR06 alkaline only, never lithium or rechargeable; at least 200 hours in transmit followed by 1 hour in search
• Start-up: the EVO5+ runs an auto-test every time it turns on; Arva recommend a new battery as soon as it drops below 50%
• Group check: GROUP CHECK mode tests each partner's transceiver at 1 m, starting with its transmit frequency
• Storage: cool, dry and out of the sun, with the battery out over summer
• Operating range: -20 to +45 °C
• Carrying: the EVO5+ comes on an elastic lanyard that clips to a waist belt, carried in a zipped pant pocket with nothing else in it and no phone

The EVO5+ carries a 2-year warranty, and Arva add 3 more years when you register it on their site. We stock this pack because it is a straightforward way to get a matched transceiver, probe and shovel from one avalanche-safety specialist.