Gear Review | ABS A.LIGHT TOUR

First impression

The airbag system with the two independent balloons, the cartridge and the handle are familiar and have only changed in details compared to the ABS backpacks of recent years. However, the system, i.e. the base unit and zip-ons, is not compatible with older versions. The roll-top fastener on the top is immediately noticeable as far as I know, this is a novelty in the field of airbag backpacks! The fairly stable top can be easily attached to the base unit and then sits very well there. However, there is a lot of unused space between the airbags and the cartridge, which is difficult to access. In addition to the safety compartment accessible from the bottom, the rucksack has two other large compartments, one of which is accessible via the roll-top closure as well as a side zip. There is also a zip compartment at the top for small items. The A.LIGHT Tour has neat straps for side ski attachment, as well as integrated and stowable holders for helmet and ice axe.

There is a small pocket on each side of the hip belt, whereby I stow the release handle in the left-hand pocket when not in use and the leg strap in the right-hand pocket. This can be pulled out of the pocket and then passed between the legs and clicked into a loop on the hip belt with a small carabiner to additionally secure the backpack to the body.

Testers and test conditions

I am 183cm tall and weigh just under 80kg, the backpack fits me very well in size L. I have been using the backpack since the beginning of the year and have mainly used it on ski tours, but also on one or two days in the ski resort.

Both on the ascent and during the descent, the backpack sits well on the back and can also be adjusted very well. The weight is transferred relatively well to the hips and therefore hardly rests on the shoulders. This is a good thing, as the backpack naturally carries a certain amount of weight. Unfortunately, I can't manage to open and close the buckle on the hip belt or tighten the belt with thick gloves - I have to take my gloves off to do this.

It is very important to compress the backpack well when it is not fully packed. This helps to keep the weight close to the body and greatly improves the backpack's centre of gravity. Thanks to the four compression straps, this can be done quickly and easily.

The holders for helmets and skis work well, with the ski holder you may have to look at how to place the stoppers, but this also works and you can carry the skis well on the backpack.

Conclusion

A great airbag rucksack that scores points above all for its versatility and numerous adjustment options. The backpack is also large enough for extended ski tours, but can be easily compressed and used for a day in the ski resort. For next year, ABS is planning a smaller attachment for use in the ski resort.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Versatile

+ Numerous options for setting and compression

- Rather heavy

Information on

RRP €679,-

-  Pyro Tech / The proven pyrotechnic ABS ® release system

-  Release handle adjustable in height and sideways

-  ABS ® Twinbags / Unique airbag system with two independent airbags in a volume-optimised shape

-  ABS ® ZipOn System / The patented ZipOn System enables quick switching between different ZipOn sizes

-  water-repellent materials

-  vertical and diagonal ski attachment

-  vertical snowboard attachment

-  integrated helmet net

-  Ice axe and pole attachment

-  stowable safety leg loop

-  Compression straps

-  Loops for versatile attachment of additional equipment

-  Drinking system preparation

-  Roll top for expanding the volume by up to 5 litres

-Padded shoulder straps and specially adjustable back padding for an ergonomic fit

-  close fit for optimum weight distribution

-  access to shovel, probe and first aid kit in seconds

-  Chest strap with signal whistle

Here is the link to the ABS website for more information.

The backpack was provided to PowderGuide by the manufacturer free of charge for testing. You can find out how we tested it in our test statement.