"The Ride Short Protection Airbag is our all-rounder [...]. The short version is specially designed for the female anatomy. A shorter back and narrower shoulder strap construction ensure a high level of comfort. [...] the perfect companion for freeriding and ski touring." According to the description of the Mammut marketers, this backpack is made for me, with my 163 cm height, 50 kg weight and my favorite snow sports activities. Now to my test results of the Mammut Ride Short Protection Airbag.
First impression
In addition to the obligatory features such as safety leg loops, side compression straps, a hip belt pocket and a goggle compartment, this backpack from Mammut offers a removable airbag system (Protection Airbag System from Snowpulse). Shoulder straps, hip belt and a short back are designed to suit the female anatomy. In addition, the thermo-molded back panel can be adjusted to 3 different lengths. Avalanche safety equipment is stored in the front pocket. There are stowable holders for skis, snowboard, helmet and ice axe. The backpack is hydration system compatible and offers various inner compartments with a total volume of 28 liters.
Practical test
Setting up
The Ride Short Protection Airbag SET comes with the Protection Airbag System already integrated. The installation of the cartridge - a non-refillable carbon cartridge with 300 bar - is intuitive, but the supplied instructions for use should still be followed. This is because the cartridge must be weighed beforehand to determine its functionality. As the name "Ride Short" suggests, the back length is already shorter than most other backpacks. In addition, the back length can be adjusted in three stages (S-M-L) by simply opening the hip belt Velcro fastener. For my height, S fits perfectly. With the S setting, the back length can be shortened to approx. 48 cm! The chest strap can be attached in three places and can therefore be individually adjusted to your body size. The avalanche safety equipment can be stored in the "Safety Pocket" (front pocket). In my case, this is a 165 cm long probe and a Mammut shovel. There are two sewn-in loops for stowing the shovel and probe. Unfortunately, the two shovel handles do not fit into one of the two loops as shown in the Mammut description. However, there is enough space to simply place a shovel handle next to it and the shovel blade on top. Once set up, it's off up the mountain.
On the mountain
For short or very steep ascents, the skis are attached diagonally in the loops provided on the backpack. Depending on the width of the skis, these can be adjusted and then easily stowed away or lashed down again. When the skins are removed, the helmet, thick gloves, ski jacket etc. can be placed in or on the backpack.
I particularly like the helmet holder. The helmet holder is also sewn into a side compartment - pull it out and clip it into the two loops provided opposite each other. That's it. To open the two "mini carabiners" again, I unfortunately have to take off my mittens. Once the skins are out of the backpack, it offers enough storage space for clothing that is not currently needed. Additional storage space for quick access is provided by the generously proportioned hip belt pocket and the deep goggle compartment. I like the fact that everything can be stowed away easily and completely, so there are no straps or the like flapping around. Even when wearing it for long periods - whether riding or climbing - I don't feel any pressure points on my shoulders due to the internal airbag. The shoulder straps are still pleasantly soft. The extremely high wearing comfort is mainly due to the low weight and the particularly good fit of the backpack. With its 28 L volume, the Ride Short is ideal for one-day tours.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Very good fit, easy to adjust
+ Lightweight
+ No pressure points on the shoulders and back
+ Practical helmet holder
+ Removable airbag system
- Loop in the safety pocket too narrow for both shovel handles (mammoth shovel)??
Conclusion
My first airbag backpack that really fits in terms of back length, shoulder width and hip belt height! A lightweight companion with a reasonable overall volume. So far, I haven't been able to find any significant drawbacks to this Mammut Ride Short Protection airbag backpack!
Details
Size: 28 L
Color: whale
Airbag system: Protection Airbag System
Weight: 2.550 g
Recommended retail price: 720 euros
- Protection Airbag System: Trauma Protection, Head on Top & removable (SET airbag already integrated; READY without airbag; Airbag sold separately)
- Short back, special hip belt and shoulder straps
- 3-stage back length adjustment (S-L)
- Thermoformed back
- Front pocket for avalanche safety equipment
- Diagonal, stowable ski attachment / snowboard holder
- Helmet holder with snow protection, stowable
- Softly lined goggle compartment
Here is the link to the Mammut website with further information, here is where you can buy the backpack from our partner store Bergzeit.de.
This product was provided to PG free of charge by the manufacturer for testing.
