BCA Float v1 catastrofic failure

[aanev]

Disclaimer: These backpacks are old! Too old from a safety equipment point of view! But still..

Several skiers I know, after trying a test inflation, discovered that their backpacks no longer function as intended - there is hissing, but the balloon doesn't pop.

See attached pictures for details.

After closer examinations of several backpacks, only the newer K2 Floats have a washer installed.