The topic of safety in freeride sports is becoming increasingly important. In addition to standard equipment, additional protection with airbag backpacks is increasingly in demand, which is why Bergans decided to launch an avalanche airbag backpack on the market this season. The Hodlekve ABS backpack is intended as a freeride backpack and is designed to be minimalist and lightweight with a volume of 15 liters, but also offers enough space to carry everything you need.
In the last few weeks, I tested whether the Hodlekve is a real alternative to the other, usually larger airbag backpacks for pure freeride days. I used the backpack on more than 15 ski days during the test period, mostly for freeriding, but also several times for rather short, lift-assisted ski tours with up to 500 meters of ascent.
Division, workmanship & design
The layout of the Hodlekve is well thought out. It has two compartments that can be opened completely with a top-opening zipper on one side of the backpack, so that you can easily and quickly access the packed material without everything falling out when you open it quickly.
The front compartment offers space for safety equipment such as an avalanche shovel and probe. You could easily store other small items of equipment here, as the compartment is generously sized. There is also a small separate zippered pocket in which a cell phone, keys, small wallet or similar items can be easily stowed, as well as a key ring.
The rear backpack compartment offers enough space for the rest of your equipment. The organization of the backpack is so clever that it almost seems larger than the stated 15 liters. During testing, I always managed to fit skins for ascents, a thermos flask, a small digital camera, a snack and sometimes even a Primaloft jacket and crampons in the rear compartment. But then, of course, the Hodlekve reaches its limits, as there is definitely no room for additional clothing and equipment such as a climbing harness, crampons, ice axe, etc. However, the backpack is not intended for a longer ski tour and for freeride days it offers plenty of space despite its compact design.
Nevertheless, you should not overload the Hodlekve, because if you mean too much and pack it too full, you run the risk of the zipper of the airbag compartment opening (see point airbag system).
There is a small patch pocket on the right shoulder strap, which can also be used to store small items such as a bunch of keys.
The skis can be attached diagonally to the front of the backpack. The ski holder makes a very robust impression and the ability to adjust the loops variably means that any width of ski can be attached securely and stably.
The Hodlekve is made from 840D Ballistic. The material makes a robust impression, which was confirmed during testing. It is very hard-wearing and hardly any snow sticks to it. The workmanship, especially of the zippers, ski holder and backpack straps, is also very good.
Minimalism and a focus on the essentials are also reflected in the design of the backpack. The purist design is very successful in any case!
Carrying comfort
With a weight of 2.2 kg without cartridge and release handle, the Hodlekve is quite light and therefore ideal for long freeride days.
The soft, padded back makes it very comfortable to wear and the wide, padded and adjustable straps also offer a high level of comfort. An adjustable hip and chest strap round off the backpack's comfort. In my opinion, it would be even more comfortable for the wearer if the hip belt were slightly padded, but that would of course automatically mean a higher backpack weight.
I find it noticeable that the chest strap is difficult to close with thick ski gloves.
The narrow, compact shape means that the backpack doesn't get in the way when riding the lift and doesn't need to be removed even when fully backpacked.
Airbag system
Bergans uses the tried and tested ABS twin airbag system in the Hodlekve. However, there is a small innovation here with ABS, as the Hodlekve uses a zipper for the airbag pocket for the first time instead of Velcro fasteners, which opens automatically when the airbag system is triggered.
The height of the release handle is also height-adjustable and can therefore be adapted to the respective body size.
Conclusion
The Hodlekve delivers what it promises and is therefore a very good companion for freeriding days and even for short touring ascents. Small but nice is the motto, because thanks to the well thought-out layout, the backpack offers more space than you would expect and is still comfortable, compact and light to carry - Bergans' intended focus on the essentials has definitely been successful. In addition, of course, there is the safety aspect and also a nice design - in my opinion a good buy.
Advantages & disadvantages:
+ compact
+ lightweight
+ relatively spacious thanks to the well thought-out layout
+ very good workmanship
+ robust material
+ flexible ski holder
+ adjustable chest and hip straps
+ adjustable shoulder straps and hip straps
+ padded back area
+ overall very comfortable to carry
+ height-adjustable ABS release handle
+ convincing design
- hip belt not padded
- chest strap difficult to fasten with thick gloves
Details
RRP: 739,95 €
Colors: NeonGreen / DustyBlue, Black / NeonGreen (tested color)
Avalanche airbag (ABS technology)
Front ski attachment
Separate pocket for avalanche equipment
Lightweight and comfortable padded back
Top zip opening
Inside zip pocket for small items
Carrying handle on the back for easy handling of the backpack
Key ring
Adjustable chest strap
YKK zipper
Volume: 15 L
Weight: 2.20 kg
Height: 160-195 cm
Material: 840 D Ballistic*
Here is the manufacturer's website for more information.
