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Gear Review | Arva Airbag Ride 18 Switch

“Safer for you, better for your Mum.”

by Timo Macvan 01/20/2024
Thanks to its modular design, the Arva Airbag Ride 18 Switch promises to be the ideal solution for all types of freeriding: its modular design ensures compactness when travelling in the ski area, while additional attachments enable expansion for tours of all kinds. With a focus on functionality and high safety standards, the avalanche backpack from Arva is designed to be a versatile and reliable companion for freeriding.

First impression

The Arva Airbag Ride 18 Switch is not only small and handy, but also stands out with its design. Not only the first visual impression suggests minimalism, but also the first haptic impression, because the latest Arva avalanche backpack is a real lightweight. This is partly due to its very compact and lightweight airbag system, which weighs just 2.25kg in total (weight excluding carbon cartridge). Despite its low weight, the backpack does not look like it lacks anything. It has an integrated helmet net, a spacious goggle compartment that can also accommodate smaller valuables, a little storage space for a snack and my hydration system, as well as attachment options for skis and boards, ice axes or poles, just in case the hike gets a little steeper.

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Second and third impression

After the test period of two months and a lot of uses thanks to the big dump in the alps, the rucksack has become a loyal companion for me when going out for lift assisted freeriding. I have to admit that I keep forgetting that I'm wearing it, as it moulds itself extremely well to my back and the low weight means that nothing wobbles back and forth. Of course, the question arises as to whether it is an advantage to forget the airbag on your back in an emergency - but that would probably be more the fault of the rider.

In addition to the fact that the rucksack is unfortunately too small for touring, I have discovered another weakness, which is once again the small pack size. Packed with an additional jacket, a thermal mug and my hydration system, it happens from time to time that the zip of the airbag simply opens. I wouldn't say that I've squeezed anything into it in such a way that there is an excessive amount of pressure on the rucksack. I know that the zip has to open as quickly as possible when the airbag is deployed, but it's still a bit tedious and annoying when the airbag has to be folded and packed again once or twice on a powder day.

Nevertheless, I find the overall packing volume useful, because with an integrated helmet net, attachment options on both sides for poles, ice axes or crampons, there is plenty of space and it also doesn't affect the stability on the back.

Testers and test conditions

To set the frame of reference for the test report, I'll give you a little more information about myself. I measure a proud 1.85 metres and have a fairly strong back and chest. According to my research, the rucksack is only available in one size. Personally, the rucksack fitted me well, but I'm not sure how it will fit significantly taller or shorter and heavier or lighter people. The adjustments on the straps allow you to adjust the circumference of the chest and shoulders, but of course the back length remains the same. I recommend trying the rucksack on before buying.

Regarding the test conditions, it can be said that the rucksack was tested intensively over a period of a good two months, as we had very good snow conditions this year. I tested the rucksack in all kinds of weather. Cold temperatures of -20°C on the glacier were just as common as snowfall or bluebird powder days. However, its use was limited to freeriding in the ski area, with smaller ascents on foot or on a snowboard. I didn't use it for touring as its volume of 18 litres wasn't enough for me on a day trip and I wasn't able to test any additional modules.

Conclusion

On the whole, I am very satisfied and can highly recommend the backpack for freeriding adventures without any major material outlay. If you want to go on tours with the "Arva Ride Switch", you should definitely make use of Arva's modular system to create additional storage space. I was particularly impressed by its weight and fit. I was also impressed by the many features for attaching climbing aids and a helmet as well as the secure storage of goggles. The only negative point for me is the problem described above with the zip of the airbag compartment.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Low weight

+ Great wearing comfort

+ Many features on the outside of the rucksack, which ensure that almost everything has a fixed place despite the small packing volume

- Zip of the airbag compartment keeps tearing open without deploying the airbag


Here is the link to the Arva website with further information on the avalanche backpacks. You can buy the rucksack here at Sport Conrad.

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.

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