Gear reviews | Mammut Ultralight RAS 3.0 airbag backpack

Test procedure

The test is intended to illustrate and evaluate daily experiences with the backpack. For the effectiveness of the airbag system, reference is made to manufacturer specifications or other independent test reports. The scope of the test ranges from carefree freeride days to intensive 2000+ meter day tours.

The new RAS 3.0 system

For the current season, Mammut has once again revised and improved its tried-and-tested airbag system. However, apart from the integrated airbag system, this backpack model has not undergone any significant changes compared to last year's "Mammut Ultralight RAS" gear review. In summary, some of the most important new features of the Airbag System 3.0:

New airbag material in eye-catching fluorescent orange, which facilitates visual detection even in poor visibility conditions.

Compact, lightweight and low-maintenance trigger unit
The trigger mechanism can be activated and trained without a cartridge using the "Trigger Test Tool". This means that the trigger can be practiced as often as required.

Revised and height-adjustable trigger handle for better operability with gloves.

Mounting and changing the RAS airbagin
3.0 RAS (Removable Airbag System) is approx. 20% lighter and 30% smaller.

First impression

The most striking thing about the airbag backpack is its surprisingly compact size. When you hold it in your hands, it is of course the almost outrageously light weight, which immediately raises the question of where the Mammut developers have hidden the airbag unit. It is located in the lid compartment, which can be torn open without resistance. In an emergency, a fluorescent orange 150 liter airbag deploys in just a few seconds. As this blocks access to the inside of the backpack from above, the contents can only be accessed via the back section, which can be zipped open from below. As is usual for a minimalist, there is only this one backpack compartment, which also contains the carbon cartridge and the release unit. Of course, the reduction principle also applies to other details. Chest and hip straps including leg loops and metal buckles are present, but reduced to a minimum. You almost have to look for the ice axe and ski holder with a magnifying glass, but they are actually where they belong. The release handle is well protected in a pocket on the left shoulder strap that can be closed with 2 zippers. It is not possible to switch to the right shoulder strap.

Conclusion

The "Mammut Ultraligt Removable Airbag 3.0" would probably not even have been considered in my personal evaluation of an airbag backpack. It would have been too small and too specific for my needs. After a few tours and freeride days, however, I have come to appreciate it. On day tours that don't require any technical equipment other than crampons, it's now my first choice. For freeriding anyway, of course. The low weight and very high carrying comfort combined with a fully-fledged airbag system make it an ideal companion for more demanding and altitude-intensive tours. Anyone interested in this backpack should be aware of its limited pack size. Nevertheless, there is room for everything you need. The user-friendliness of the compartment, which is only accessible via the back section, takes some getting used to and requires a little more "planning" in advance if you don't always want to take the backpack off straight away. For example, always having a bar in your trouser pocket instead of in your backpack or a hydration bladder instead of a thermos flask...

For me personally, one of the biggest advantages is the option of integrating the RAS airbag unit into a larger RAS-compatible backpack. Especially for the upcoming spring ski touring season with multi-day, high alpine tours, you no longer have to do without the plus in terms of safety. Overall, this backpack remains a specialist for users who consciously accept low weight at the expense of ease of use, robustness and packing volume.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Attractive, simple design
+ Very low weight incl. full airbag unit
+ high carrying comfort
+ airbag unit interchangeable with compatible backpacks
+ handy ski attachment
+ integrated seat pad
- limited packing volume
- inner compartment only accessible via back section

Details

RRP: €570.00
Weight: 1510 g (incl. carbon cartridge)
. carbon cartridge)
Volume: 20 l
Color: dark cyan
Material: 100D Nylon Cordura Dobby Ripstop
Airbag unit: Removable Airbag System 3.0
Diagonal ski attachment
Ice axe / pole holder
Side compression straps
Rear, fully zippered access to the main compartment
Hydration system compatible
Removable back pad and can be used as a seat pad

Here is the link to the Mammut website with further information. Here you can buy the backpack from our partner store Bergzeit.de.

This product was provided to PowderGuide by the manufacturer free of charge for testing. Find out how we tested it in our test statement.