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.
