Arva EVO5+ Review

The Arva EVO5+ is an avalanche transceiver designed to offer compactness, lightness, and ease of use. The French brand has focused on a compact design and an intuitive interface, while retaining the essential features required of a modern avalanche transceiver.

Result is a device designed for ski mountaineering, freeriding, and winter hiking, suitable for those seeking a reliable and intuitive tool for their safety.

Technical features of Arva EVO5+

• Weight: 165 g
• Dimensions: 111 x 72 x 20 mm
• Battery type: 1 AA battery
• Frequency: 457 kHz
• Claimed range: 50 m
• Check group
• U-turn
• Interference signal
• Auto-revert to transmit mode after 8 minutes
• Software updates: No
• Made in France
• List price: €274,90

Test mode

I tested the Arva EVO5+ during the 2025–2026 backcountry skiing season, specifically between January and February, on numerous outings. I used it as my personal avalanche transceiver during trips and in various simulated search scenarios, including situations involving multiple buried victims.

Arva Evo5+ on-site test

Weight and Dimensions

“Maximum performance, minimal size”: that’s how Arva describes the EVO5+ on its website. Measuring just 111 × 72 × 20 mm, it is one of the most compact devices on the market.

It’s more compact than a smartphone and fits easily even in shallow pockets. Its light weight is also impressive: 165 grams, including the battery. The device uses a three-antenna configuration and operates on the standard 457 kHz frequency, like all ARTVA units currently on the market.

Power is supplied by a single AA battery, which provides up to 200 hours of battery life in transmit mode.

Wearing Instructions

The EVO5+ comes with a convenient elastic strap with a clip for wearing around the waist, while a sturdy lanyard keeps the device securely attached to the belt.

The decision to include the strap, as explained by Arva, stems from market research indicating that many users prefer to keep the avalanche transceiver in their pocket. This solution can be effective in organized rescue situations, where having the device immediately accessible can speed up search operations.

During a normal ski-touring trip, however, I personally prefer to wear it on my chest. For this reason, Arva also offers a separate dedicated holster, priced at €24.90 (February 2026).

Powering On and Basic Operation

To turn on the device and select the different modes, simply press the button in the upper right corner and slide the selector down, aligning the white arrow with the OFF, SEND, or SEARCH position.

In my opinion, this system is the device’s only real drawback.The selector switch does, in fact, require a bit of care when using it: it’s important to position it correctly in its slot, making sure you hear the “click” that confirms it’s locked into the selected mode. When the slider is properly seated, it won’t move, even under pressure; if, on the other hand, it’s slightly out of position, it can accidentally slide between the different modes.

With a little care during the first few outings, however, you’ll quickly get used to the system and learn to use the device with the right technique.

Transmission and Group Check

Once powered on, the EVO5+ automatically performs a brief self-test sequence and becomes operational within a few seconds. An audible signal and an arrow appearing on the display confirm that the device is functioning properly.

To start group test mode, simply press the marking button; pressing the same button again exits group check mode.

Arva Evo5+ in search mode

After setting the cursor to “search,” the EVO5+ enters search mode. A zigzag arrow appears on the display, indicating that you should start moving until a signal is detected. Once a signal is detected, the distance to the buried person appears on the screen along with the directional arrow to follow.

The fine-tuning phase begins at approximately 3 meters from the buried person and is indicated by four arrows arranged in a cross, which guide the user toward the point of minimum distance. This highly intuitive system facilitates the final stages of localization.

The EVO5+ can detect three or more buried victims, locking onto the strongest signal. Among its most useful features is the “U-turn” indicator, which suggests when to turn 180° to reduce the distance from the signal.

It also features an interference alert system: an icon appears in the upper-left corner of the screen when the device detects distorted signals.

Like all modern devices, the EVO5+ also features the auto-revert function, which is useful in the (unlikely but not impossible) event that the rescuer is caught in another avalanche. After 8 minutes of inactivity in search mode, the device emits an audible signal warning of the imminent switch from search to transmit mode. This switch occurs after a few seconds, unless you confirm your intention to remain in search mode by pressing the mark button.

Final Thoughts

The EVO5+ is an Artva model that focuses on compactness and ease of use. Its very small size and light weight make it a pleasure to carry with you on every outing.

During testing, navigation proved intuitive and the display provided clear instructions. Features such as U-turn prompts and interference alerts help you stay on course without complicating the user experience.

The only aspect that takes some getting used to is the mode selector, which must be positioned precisely in the correct slot.

Recommended for

The EVO5+ is designed for ski mountaineers, freeriders, and winter hikers who are looking for a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use avalanche transceiver. Its small size and light weight make it particularly suitable for those who want a device that’s not bulky but still offers all the essential search functions.

It can be a good choice both for those new to ski mountaineering who want an intuitive device, and for more experienced users who appreciate the practicality of a very compact device that you can forget you’re wearing once it’s on.