Gear Review | Scott Patrol E2 30

First impression

The new Scott Patrol E2 30 is available in two contrasting colours (light grey and black), I was allowed to test the slightly bolder, lighter version. As most avalanche backpacks are produced in very subtle, dark colours, I find the "light grey" backpack with dark accents varied and colourful. One small problem is, of course, its susceptibility to dirt and grime, as this is immediately visible. Coffee or dirty snow immediately leave visible marks that can be removed more or less easily. However, I don't think this should be a reason to decide against the refreshing design.

In addition to the colour, I also think the shape of the Scott Patrol is both stylish and practical. As we all know, taste is always debatable, but the shape has some clear advantages. Firstly, the backpack moulds itself very well to the shape of my back and sits so comfortably that I only notice it when I'm riding downhill and gravity starts to make itself known during jumps. The hip and chest straps ensure that it is securely fastened and prevent the backpack from moving around too much. Not only when moving, but also when closing the snowboard bindings, the backpack stays in place and does not slip onto the helmet from behind, which I found to be a pleasant improvement to my previous backpack. However, this is also due to the low centre of gravity of the backpack, which is ensured above all by the clever stowage of the airbag unit.

The only small negative point I have to mention is the handling of the hip belt. Unfortunately, it can't be tightened by simply pulling on both ends, but requires both hands to adjust, which is not so ideal in certain situations.

Technology

When it comes to technology, Scott uses the Swiss airbag supplier Alpride for the Patrol, which is best known for its battery-based airbag solution. This solution has some positive arguments in its favour. On one hand, it is much easier to take them on aeroplanes because cartridges often cause problems at baggage checks. However, I don't necessarily consider this argument to be so decisive, because for ecological reasons, travelling by plane to go powder skiing is questionable anyway when the Alps are more or less on your doorstep! For me, the main thing is that it is possible to practise deploying the airbag without having to go to the huge effort of finding new cartridges afterwards. This trial and error has also given me an incredible sense of security for my head, which I no longer want to do without. That's why I believe that a battery-powered airbag will sooner or later replace the classic systems.

Also because the systems are becoming lighter and more compact. The E2 system now weighs just 1140 grams with a further increase in airbag volume to 162 litres. In comparison, the airbag system has been reduced in size by 40%, which means more space for equipment in the backpack. In my tests in dry conditions, the manufacturer kept its promise that the airbag would reach its full size after around three seconds and it also deployed without any problems when used at temperatures as low as -20°C and inflated as specified. (The manufacturer guarantees trouble-free use down to -30°C).

Basically, I found the 30 litres of additional storage space to be sufficient and an ideal size for day trips and also for spending a day at the resort, although it has to be said that getting on a lift with a backpack of this size is often less comfortable. However, I generally don't see any solution here apart from constantly taking it off and putting it on again. There is one point where I'm not quite sure whether I find it practical and helpful or wasteful. The emergency equipment compartment in the flagship Scott airbag backpack is really very large, which on one hand means you can get your shovel and probe out quickly. However, it is so large that it feels like 10 litres of packing volume is lost, because you don't want to cram the remaining space in the emergency compartment with equipment so as not to be at a disadvantage in an emergency.

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 1.85m and was allowed to test the backpack in the NL (Normal Back Length), which according to Scott should also fit almost all sizes from 1.70m upwards. For smaller freeriders, Scott recommends the size SL (Short Back Length).

Regarding the test conditions, it can be said that the backpack was tested over a period of a good two months, whereby intensive use was only guaranteed in the second half of the test period due to the snow situation in Tyrol. However, the backpack was tested in all kinds of weather. Cold temperatures of -20°C on the glacier were just as much a part of it as snowfall and wind. The backpack was tested on the ascent with the splitboard, as well as on foot with the snowboard shouldered and above all, of course, during the fun part: the descent in powder.

Test report

Until I received the Scott Patrol in December a battery-based airbag system was completely new territory for me and I didn't even know that this solution existed until then. Accordingly, I approached the test naively and already had a small faux pas on the first evening when changing the side of the release unit. I unscrewed the handle because I couldn't fit it through the weight relief straps. This gave me a three-hour tinkering task, as it turned out to be not so easy to reinsert the release cable into the handle. Another problem at the beginning was switching the airbag system on and off, because the combination of pulling it out and turning it presented me with the next task. Of course, I can't completely rule out the possibility that it could have been down to the user, which is why I don't want to criticise the handling, but rather the explanations offered for the backpack. With such a highly technological product, which is an extremely important part of freeriding, I would be happy if there were user-friendly explanations, because it is something new for some freeriders. Nowadays, explanatory videos for certain categories are no real effort, simplify understanding and have a preventative effect against incorrect operation.

But let's move on to the more important practical part: On the mountain, the backpack cuts an outstanding figure. With its very manageable weight of a good 2700 grams, the Patrol Alpride is one of the lightest airbag backpacks on the market. On the outside of the backpack, there is room for everything from helmets and ice axes to single and double board equipment and it sits securely. Unfortunately, the helmet net and bootpack are somewhat difficult to combine with a normal snowboard, as both use overlapping areas on the backpack. However, with a little ingenuity, both can be attached.

Conclusion

In terms of price, the Scott Patrol E2 30 is significantly more expensive than a classic cartridge backpack, which is mainly due to the development of the battery system. Nevertheless, the backpack performs so well in terms of design, technology and also in the practical test that I wouldn't want to be without it because I quickly got used to the advantages and it simply gives me confidence on the mountain.

Advantages & disadvantages

Pros

Lightweight airbag system
All the advantages of a rechargeable airbag (reusable, uncomplicated test deployments, can be taken on aeroplanes, etc.)

Cons

Very expensive

Information on

RRP 1099.95

Includes replaceable SCOTT Alpride E2 airbag system
Extra compartment for safety equipment with organisational pockets
Imprinted with emergency signals
Adjustable chest strap with buckle fastener and integrated emergency whistle
Adjustable hip belt with SCOTT buckle quick-release fastener
Stowable safety leg loop
Launch strap with SCOTT whistle
Adjustable hip belt with SCOTT buckle quick release
Stowable safety leg loop
Avalanche protection pocket in both shoulder straps
Stowable diagonal ski carry system
A- frame ski attachment system andpocket on the inside
Adjustable shoulder straps
Load distribution system on the shoulders
Stowable attachments for ice axe and pole
Fastening loops for equipment
Carrying handle
Belt holder

Here is the link to Scott's website with further information.

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