Airbag system
This avalanche backpack is equipped with the Removable Airbag System 3.0. As with all avalanche backpacks I know, the balloon is in a signal colour so that it is easily visible from a distance. The release handle is connected to the clip-on unit on the pressure cartridge via a steel cable and can be used for countless releases. After a deployment, only the pressure cartridge needs to be replaced and the airbag system can be used again. The airbag system should be restored by a specialist dealer or with the help of the operating instructions, a short version of which can be found on a slip of paper sewn into the backpack. The height of the deployment handle can be adjusted so that the position on the left shoulder strap can be customised. The entire airbag system is very light and can be removed from the backpack. It is stowed at the top of the main compartment of the backpack to save space. The total weight of the airbag unit with carbon cartridge is just 1010g. The pressurised cartridge is not included in the scope of delivery. A carbon cartridge filled with nitrogen weighs 320 g and is therefore significantly lighter than a steel cartridge (500 g when full). I had a carbon cartridge in the test and was grateful for the weight saving on one or two occasions. True to the motto: carbon instead of condition! I would definitely recommend the carbon version to keep the total weight on your back down.
But you can fit a lot in here
It goes without saying that every avalanche backpack should include other avalanche equipment: the avalanche transceiver should always be on your body and never in the backpack. The Mammut Light backpack has a separate front pocket with sufficient space for a probe and shovel. In an emergency, the emergency equipment is quickly to hand. Some important safety instructions are printed on the inside of the main compartment.
The main compartment offers space for everything you usually need on a ski tour: ski skins, crampons, drinks bottle, food, a change of clothes, ski tour maps, Swiss army knife, first aid kit, bivouac sack. A hydration bladder can also be stowed in the main compartment. The drinking tube is fed through the opening provided for this purpose on the upper back section and attached to the shoulder strap. This means that the hydration supply is accessible at all times without having to take off the backpack, which is certainly an advantage in rough terrain.
The main compartment has a full-length zip so that the front can be opened wide. This provides very good accessibility to the material! There is another pocket on the front of the backpack. This is ideal for stowing ski goggles. There is also a small pocket on the hip belt for everything that needs to be quickly to hand. Not much fits in here, but there is enough space for a muesli bar, lighter, buff and thin gloves. Mammut claims a total volume of 28 litres. In my opinion, this is more than enough for a normal day tour or multi-day tour with an overnight stay in a hut.
