Ispo 2012, trade fair day three. The faces are getting longer, the dark circles under the eyes bigger, the legs more tired, the beer emptier and yet (of course) everything will be better in the future! We're once again muddling through the product jungle. Across filthy snowboard halls, swiftly through smart fashion halls and strolling casually through the outdoor halls. In today's Ispo Special, we take a look at the latest innovations in (avalanche) emergency equipment.
Avalanche transceivers
Little new on the market for beeping lifesavers. Only Ortovox presents a new device with the Zoom. A simple, state-of-the-art three-antenna device. Similar to other devices, its rather low price of 199 euros and the simple software should appeal to beginners and less experienced users. The functions are limited to the essentials (search and find). A nice little thing in a chic iPhone design and eye-catching color.
"New" also from the manufacturer Pieps. The completely new development Pieps Vector, which was already presented at the last Ispo, will now be available for the first time next winter. Pieps cites a withdrawal by the processor manufacturer and ongoing problems with the tightness of the housing as the reasons for the delay. PG says: better later and then good, than too early.
Avalanche ball
No, there is currently no news about Mr. Fournier and his avalanche ball, but we may soon be hearing more about it again. The reason for this is a small new Swiss company that has developed a ball that is similar in principle to the avalanche ball. The company Rotauf presents the HLT 5, a small and handy avalanche ball. The ball, which is attached to a cord, is triggered mechanically via a compressed air cartridge. The entire package is about the size and weight of a standard banana and will be available for 108 euros. A collaboration with clothing and rucksack manufacturers is being planned.
Avalanche airbags
Avalanche airbag backpacks are becoming increasingly popular. The number of models is increasing significantly and - particularly pleasing for all freeriders on a budget - the purchase costs are falling. The initiators of this principle, ABS, are increasingly focusing on cooperation with rucksack manufacturers and are themselves concentrating more on aggressive marketing activities. The new partnerships with The North Face, Dakine and Salewa have brought three new backpack models onto the market, all of which make a good impression. The Verbier 26 Pro ABS is based on the newly developed backpack line from Salewa and impresses with good carrying comfort and will be available for 749 euros. The Patrol 24 from The North Face is similarly knitted. Despite the ABS system, a real 24 liters fit into the backpack and it will be available to buy for 800 euros. The Dakine Altitude 25 is also based on a tried and tested backpack model and will inspire other freeriders to use the system. Further attachments for the ABS Variomodel will be available from Arva and Chiemsee.
The Snowpulse/Mammut R.A.S. system is also growing. A total of nine models are now available from Mammut alone with the interchangeable R.A.S. system. From the entry-level model for 500 euros to the particularly lightweight touring backpack (around 2.2 kg including backpack, cartridge and filling) to the 45-liter multi-day model, the individually available R.A.S. system can be exchanged. Another model with R.A.S. compatibility comes from the Swiss company Scott in chic orange. The models of the Snowpulse Lifebags have been slightly revised.
The North American manufacturer BCA has once again revised and streamlined its own system, which is already widely used in the snowmobile sector, and now offers two completely new backpack models. The models BCA Float 22 and Float 32 are finally adapted to the needs of freeriders compared to the backpacks currently available and make a decent impression. The backpacks are available (without cartridge) from less than 500 euros.
