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gear reviews

Gear reviews | Mammut Ultralight RAS

Ultralight airbag backpack

by Linda Domeisen 03/07/2016
As the name suggests, the Ultralight RAS from Mammut is an extremely lightweight backpack with the well-known "Removable Airbag System". It is clear that this is a greatly reduced specialist, but due to the possibility of being able to use the complete airbag unit in other RAS-ready backpacks and the very low weight, the backpack is still not only interesting for absolute fringe groups.

First impression

When I held the backpack in my hands for the first time, my reaction was indeed a; "Wow, it's light! The bright color looks modern and is another safety aspect. At second glance, you immediately notice the unusual concept of the backpack; it consists of a single compartment that can only be opened by zipping open the back panel - from the bottom. Unlike conventional backpacks, this means that the backpack has to lie flat on the ground with the back panel facing upwards or be turned upside down in order to open it without losing the contents. However, it soon becomes clear that this backpack does not need to be opened very often except in an emergency, as it does not hold much other than emergency equipment. The release unit is attached to the left side and cannot be switched to the right side.

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Test report

Mammut advertises the backpack especially for ski touring and freeriding. I used the backpack this season for all day tours, ski tour training and freeriding. It should be clear to everyone that there is no such thing as an ultralight backpack without compromising on comfort. The question now is whether the weight reduction is in reasonable proportion to the resulting restrictions. In fact, Mammut has dispensed with everything that is not absolutely necessary in this product. Without the airbag system, the backpack can be rolled up like a jute sack. Effective back padding or stabilizers are of course missing. This and the limited space present a challenge when packing a backpack. On the one hand, even a short one-day ski tour requires a lot of stuffing, and on the other, no sharp objects should be allowed to rest against the back wall, as this could otherwise cause uncomfortable pressure. To avoid this, I have tried with moderate success to pack a down jacket against the back wall as padding. It is almost impossible to prevent the backpack from deforming in one direction or the other, depending on how well it is packed, including in the back area. Another limitation is the height of the backpack. The inner compartment is filled to the top by the airbag, i.e. the maximum height of 45 cm can only be utilized by very narrow objects such as a probe or the shovel shaft. For longer shovels, however, the 45cm is already very tight. With a length of 50cm, my shovel shaft always pressed against the inner wall at the top, putting a strain on the material.

Emergency equipment, a small bottle of water or alternatively a hydration bladder, a chocolate bar and a thin jacket - the Mammut Ultralight is fully equipped. Ski tours were a challenge in terms of materials and jackets and helmets have to be attached to the outside when climbing. The backpack is too small for ski touring, and it is also not suitable for snowboarders who want to carry snowshoes and poles for short ascents.

The position of the metal inlet of the cartridge, directly on the unpadded upper part of the back wall, is a little uncomfortable. This can easily press or rub against the back. Apart from that, and if you manage to pack the backpack optimally with little material, it is very comfortable to wear. The shoulder straps, hip and chest straps are solidly made and fit comfortably. As is usual with all airbag backpacks I know, the Ultralight has a metal buckle with a safety leg loop on the hip belt. The diagonal ski attachment has worked well for my touring skis so far, but with heavy freeride skis it will probably be more uncomfortable.

Then there is the zipper construction mentioned at the beginning, which takes some getting used to in order to open the backpack. Once the zipper is open, the entire back panel can be lifted upwards and the backpack is opened from the bottom. This means that the backpack has to be taken off and turned upside down or laid down to take something out or stow something away. Due to the weight reduction, the backpack has no additional compartment. My usual request to fellow hikers to please hand me drinks, sun cream or anything else from the backpack is no longer necessary.

Conclusion

Mammut has sacrificed a lot of comfort and proven construction details to save a few hundred grams. Too much for my taste. I normally use the Ultralight's big brother, the Mammut light RAS (you only need it once thanks to the interchangeable airbag system). Here, for 500 grams more, I have a solid backpack with a stabilizing back pad, high carrying comfort, a tieable backpack with a classic lid, easy access to the main compartment, additional lid and hip belt compartments and enough space for long day hikes. The Ultralight does not offer all this. For everything that goes beyond freeriding, you'll be walking through the mountains like a Christmas tree, although the difference between 1410g and 1930g doesn't really matter if you're doing the vertical meters on the lift. If there are any speed tourers out there who are interested in airbags, the Ultralight would probably have found its niche.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Lightweight
+ nice bright design
+ hip belt
- little space
- very difficult access to contents
- no significant back padding

Details

RRP €530.-

  • Removable airbag system: Removable, compact, lightweight (available with and without airbag unit)

  • Safety leg loop

  • Diagonal ski attachment

  • Pickaxe /pole holder

  • Drink system compatible

  • Back full zippered access to main compartment

  • Back pad removable and usable as seat cushion

  • Note: Ultralight Removable Airbag not compatible with "Cartridge Refillable 207 Bar Alu / empty"


Here is the manufacturer's website with further information, here you can purchase the backpack from our partner store Bergzeit.de.

This product was provided to PG free of charge by the manufacturer for testing.

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