The smallest airbag backpack in the "Protective Airbag System"series from Mammut is a great companion for all those freeriders who are traveling close to the area. Even if it is not suitable for longer tours, its size of 15 liters is sufficient to carry the necessary equipment for smaller ascents. The backpack impresses with its carrying comfort and the clever airbag system.
Features
The backpack is designed for area-based day use with little luggage, but with a little practice you can still get a lot stowed in it. After a few minutes of fiddling around, you have found your own packing system and shovel, probe, safety kit, skins, water bottle and something to eat are well stowed in the main compartment (with a lot of skill, even the thin down jacket fits, stuffed around everything). The shovel blade, shovel handle and probe are stored in separate compartments in the lower part of the rucksack lid. The shovel blade is also secured with an adjustable clip so that the compartment does not hang open in the backpack. The compartments for the handle and probe are positioned somewhat centrally due to the gas cartridge, which is a little unusual at first when packing. Because the backpack has a very flat and long cut, it always sits well, whether fully packed or with a small load. Even when the skis are attached to the backpack (attached together diagonally or individually next to each other with the snowboard holder) when hiking, it still cuts a good figure.
In addition, there is a zippered pocket for small items on the inside, above the shovel compartment, and another one is located on the hip belt. This makes it easy to stow your wallet, keys, cell phone, multitool, etc. There is also a slot on the back wall for a hydration bladder and corresponding slots for the tube, which is attached to the outside of the shoulder strap with two rubber loops. There it does not interfere with the deployment of the airbag, but extra insulation is required for the hydration tube to prevent the contents from freezing.
Carrying comfort
A positive feature is that the carrying system can be adjusted to three different sizes (S, M, L). The hip belt can be attached at different heights using a Velcro fastener and is secured with an additional Velcro fastener (recommendation: for 183 cm tall, size L).
Once the size of the carrying system has been adjusted, the backpack sits very comfortably on the back thanks to its elongated shape. Thanks to the chest strap (height-adjustable in three stages) and the wide hip belt with metal buckle, it also sits securely and firmly in place, even on rough descents.
The fact that the airbag is also housed in the shoulder straps means that they seem rather stubborn at first and take a little getting used to. However, this feeling disappears as soon as the chest and hip straps are closed and tightened, then the straps fit snugly and feel comfortable to wear. It is important not to forget that the leg loop (adjustable in length) must be threaded into the hip belt before closing the metal buckle so that the backpack stays in position in an emergency and does not slide high over your head!
Airbag
The folded T-handle is well stowed in the left shoulder strap and must be removed and unfolded before riding. However, opening the compartment and folding out the handle is no problem even when wearing gloves, as is stowing the handle.
The airbag is deployed by pulling harder on the T-handle. A positive feature here is that a clear trigger point can be felt. There is also no need to worry about the airbag being triggered unintentionally even with slight pulling forces on the handle. Once deployed, the airbag opens quickly and unfolds protectively around the neck and head. Thanks to its well thought-out design, similar to a life jacket, the airbag should keep the head on the surface and the wearer should not be turned downwards, as is the case with other models. The airbag also makes a very stable impression when inflated and holds the air until the air is manually released via a valve in the backpack. Then the air only needs to be pressed out and the airbag can be folded up directly and stowed in the backpack as it was originally, which requires some practice and patience at first. As soon as the airbag is repacked and a new gas cartridge has been inserted, the backpack is ready for use again. Another advantage of the P.A.S. system is that the airbag is removable and can be installed in other P.A.S.-compatible backpacks.
Mammut Airbag from Benedikt Ruf on Vimeo.
Conclusion
The Mammut Rocker Protection Airbag is an excellent and successful daypack and companion for freeriding in the ski area. It is large enough to be used on a smaller tour. The carrying comfort is excellent and despite the cartridge, airbag and release unit plus luggage, the weight is not too high and the backpack stays firmly on your back. The airbag works excellently and provides excellent protection. The main and therefore only compartment is well thought out and adapted to the airbag and deployment unit. However, if you need more space, you should look at the larger models, whereby it would be sufficient to purchase a second backpack and swap the airbag between the backpacks if necessary, which can save a lot of money.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ removable airbag
+ compatible with various backpacks
+ compact
+ good detailed solutions
+ good material processing (quality)
+ mechanical release (one less possible source of error compared to the explosive capsule system) works excellently with a clear release point
+ size adjustment of the back section
+ good fit
+ good protection
- Arrangement of shovel handle and probe (compromise solution)
- Packing the airbag requires practice and patience
Details
- Protection Airbag System: Trauma Protection, Head on Top & removable
- Safety leg loop
- 3-stage back length adjustment
- V-frame aluminum 6 mm, adjustable
- Thermoformed back for high wearing comfort
- Inner compartment for avalanche safety equipment
- Diagonal, stowable ski attachment
- Stowable snowboard holder
- Hip belt pocket
- Various inner compartments
- SOS label with emergency instructions
- Hydration system compatible
Price (RRP):
- incl. Airbag, without cartridge: 640 €
- Backpack without airbag: 140 €
Weight:
- 2250 grams incl. airbag, without cartridge
- 1380 grams, backpack without P.A.S.-Unit
Volume: 15 liters
Here is the manufacturer's website with further information, here you can buy the backpack (but without airbag) from our partner store.
