The large airbag backpack from Mammut with the "Protective Airbag System" is designed for all those freeriders who need a slightly larger and particularly stable backpack with a good carrying system. We have tested how it performs in tough everyday use for you
.
The first impression
On first contact, I immediately thought that this was an extremely well-designed, high-quality and robust backpack. It has already had to confirm this praise on more than twenty tours and numerous freeride days.
Obviously, one could come to the conclusion that the backpack is a little bulky due to the attached safety pocket. But this information is probably only for coffee bar and umbrella bar airbag wearers, for whom the style factor is more important than the function. The backpack offers space for 35 liters of luggage and can be easily adjusted to the contents using four compression straps. The storage space is sufficient for an extended day tour, including skins, food, drink, spare shirt, camera and other items. The manufacturer also recommends the backpack for multi-day tours, but then you will be traveling rather spartanly or have probably booked the huts with half board.
The backpack is divided into three main compartments. Goggle compartment, safety pocket and the main compartment. In addition, there is a helmet holder with snow protection (stowable), a small hip belt pocket (cell phone, wallet, hunger bars, etc.), various fastening options (with plastic, plastic bag, etc.).There are also various attachment options (with plastic or metal clips), a ski carrying system (diagonal), an ice axe attachment (stowable) and a hydration bladder compartment (integrated into the main compartment)
Goggle compartment
The goggle compartment is located at the very top of the backpack, has a large zipper and is lined with fleece to prevent scratching of glasses. In my opinion, the compartment is very generously sized and ingenious, as it fits sunglasses, Letherman, lighter, buff and other small touring items in addition to the goggles. However, the goggles should then be in an extra protective bag to prevent scratching.
Safety Pocket
A push-button connection between the two zippers prevents the safety bag from being opened accidentally. When you open it, you can see the emergency instructions directly. There is another zippered pocket in the lid of the bag, large enough for a cord, batteries, cartridge cap or other important utensils. The size adjustment of the lower ski carrier loop is also located in the compartment of the safety pocket. The size adjustment leaves room for lovers of narrow fries through to freaks with the thickest planks. There is a shovel handle compartment with Velcro fastening. The latter is a bit of an exaggeration, as the handle stays in place and it should be quick anyway. My shovel handle is 47 cm long and the grip is 12 cm wide, which makes it relatively tight when closing it, but it still works. There is also a separate compartment for the probe. The shovel blade has enough space in front of the shovel handle and probe and should fit up to a width of 25 cm and a height of 40 cm without any problems. The Safety Pocket also has space for maps, a first aid kit and other small items.
Main compartment
The main compartment can be accessed via two large zippers on the side or via the access on the back. The access on the back can be practical if skis or other items are attached to the backpack and access from the side is therefore more difficult. So much for the manufacturer's theory, I've rarely used it myself so far.
The removable Protection Airbag System is located at the top of the main compartment. It is somewhat reminiscent of a small breast pocket and takes up hardly any space in relation to the volume of the main compartment. Part of the buoyancy chamber is located in this "chest pocket", the other part extends into the shoulder straps. When inflated, the innovative buoyancy chamber is reminiscent of the safety bars on a roller coaster. This new shape is designed to protect the head, neck and chest area from mechanical injury and ensure an optimal position in the avalanche by keeping the head and upper body on the surface. The unit can be easily removed using a clip and a zipper, which is secured against unintentional release. On the side of the main compartment, protected by a neoprene cover, is the cartridge, which is available in a carbon (300 g) and steel version (500 g).
On the back there is a partition for the hydration bladder (hose outlet on the right shoulder strap), in which there is another pocket, e.g. for maps or other documents. The U-aluminum frame (6 mm) is located directly on the back, providing more rigidity and keeping the backpack in its comfortable carrying shape.
Other than that, the main compartment offers plenty of space for an extended day trip, as described above. Photo equipment and a snack, but for a serious multi-day tour there is a little too little space. If the main compartment is not completely full, it can be easily reduced in size using the compression straps on the side.
Carrying system
The carrying system includes everything that influences a good fit of the backpack, including the back section, which can be adjusted to three sizes (M, L, XL) and is made from very comfortable thermal material. With a body length of 1.85 m, I wear a setting between L and XL. The height of the hip belt is easily adjusted to suit the wearer with the help of a secure Velcro fastener. Once the size has been adjusted, it is very comfortable to wear and stays in place even during the wildest maneuvers. The hip belt itself is fastened with two metal buckles into which the leg loop is threaded. The leg loop is an elementary component of this type of buoyancy compensator, because without it, your backpack could be torn over your head in the worst case scenario in the event of an avalanche. However, as I find threading it in quite tedious, I use a carabiner to quickly clip it in and stow it away.
I personally find the airbag system in the shoulder straps and the associated rigidity quite hard to get used to. The straps have become more "snug", but for me it could be even better. So far, I've only worn the backpack for just under 20 days. The red handle for mechanical release is located on the left shoulder strap. This can be folded in when not in use and stowed in a zippered compartment to secure it.
Mammut Snowpulse release from PowderGuide.com on Vimeo.
.Practical test
As I didn't have an airbag backpack before, I was very excited. I've already got used to the increased weight and I can also stow everything I used to have with me in terms of space. The concept is really well thought out and everything has its place and is quickly accessible. Only the strap for the ski carrying system should not go over the zipper of the safety pocket, as this unnecessarily delays quick access. The helmet wearers among you may be wondering where to put the helmet when the skis are attached to it. There has still been no solution for top mounting here; hanging the helmet somewhere on the outside, leaving it on your head, building your own holder or wearing a cap instead of a helmet would be the alternatives here.
I am impressed with the quality, although the first small signs of wear are already visible (seams, back section, hip belt), which I will observe and report if necessary. The zipper of the Protection Airbag System has also already opened involuntarily.
Conclusion
I can recommend this backpack to anyone who doesn't yet have an airbag backpack based on my experience so far. It offers everything that (my) freerider/touring heart desires, is very versatile, robust and comfortable to wear. One drawback, however, is that the innovative, head-protecting buoyancy chamber (stirrup-shaped) restricts visibility when inflated. The skier is therefore less able to see what is happening behind him (compared to other airbag systems). For snowboarders, visibility is restricted both forwards and backwards.
Advantages & disadvantages
+ Variable amount of space
+ Many variable fastening options
+ Quality
+ Mechanical deployment (one less possible source of error compared to the explosive capsule system)
+ Size adjustment
+ Fits well
+ Subtle colors, no big advertising
- Relatively high price, depending on the variant (carbon/steel cartridge) up to 800,-- EUR
- Visibility restricted when the airbag is inflated
Details
Protection Airbag System: Trauma Protection, Head on Top & removable
Safety leg loop
3-stage back length adjustment
U-frame aluminum 6 mm, adjustable
Thermoformed back for high wearing comfort
Rear, full zip access to the main compartment
Side compression straps
Front pocket for avalanche safety equipment
Diagonal, stowable ski attachment
Detachable snowboard holder
Helmet holder with snow guard, stowable
Stowable ice axe pole holder
Very large lined head pocket
Hip belt pocket
Various inner compartments
SOS label with emergency instructions
Hydration system compatible
Here is the manufacturer's website for more information...
Here you can buy the Mammut Pro Protection Airbag at the PG-Partnershop...
