Airbag backpacks are now a dime a dozen, from all-round backpacks to touring backpacks, the market is well served. Scott has also been offering backpacks with integrated airbag systems for several years. After switching from the Snowpulse to the Alpride system, the range of different backpacks has been greatly expanded. We tested the AirFree AP12 Pro: A very lightweight, compact model with an integrated back protector and a focus on carrying comfort.
Airbag backpacks with very little packing volume are probably niche products, as there is definitely not enough space for touring equipment and they are only suitable for day missions close to ski resorts. In addition to the Alyeska vest from Mammut (test), Scott now also offers a backpack for ski resort missions or gear reviews. Compared to the Mammut model, the Scott Air Free AP12 Pro offers a little more space and its own airbag system. As with all other airbag backpacks except the Alyeska vest, a leg loop is provided.
First impression and features
The backpack makes a very good impression, the workmanship seems to be of high quality, the materials appear robust, the aim here was not to save weight at any price but to ensure longevity. The small backpack has the following features: Leg loop and metal buckle, plus a slightly flexible hip belt, two additional, separate and easily accessible compartments at the front and bottom, removable helmet holder, adjustable chest straps and adjustable release handle. Scott relies on the Alpride system:
Alpride system
The Alpride system also uses compressed gas from a cartridge, but this is filled with less pressure and a different gas mixture and can therefore meet all IATA (International Air Transport Association) requirements for carrying on an aircraft.
The system was developed on the basis of the technical details of a lifejacket, such as those used in sailing for many years. By storing compressed argon and carbon dioxide separately, two smaller (and therefore lighter) cartridges can be used. Another advantage is that a pressure of 180 bar is sufficient in the cartridges, which complies with IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. It should be possible to take the cartridges on flights without any problems. This does not seem to have been clarified one hundred percent yet and it will be interesting to see whether there will be any problems at check-in. The buoyancy chambers (150 liters) are inflated in three seconds - mainly with the surrounding air and to a lesser extent with compressed argon and carbon dioxide due to the Venturi valve technology. The biggest advantage, however, is the weight and the price - or a combination of both. At just 800 grams, it is the lightest airbag system on the market and together with the cartridge it weighs 1250 grams - only the Mammut R.A.S. system weighs 100 grams less with the lighter carbon cartridge. However, this combination also costs 120 euros more (RRP).
Carrying comfort
The product was designed with know-how from the trail running sector and this is noticeable in the comfort. The shoulder straps may initially be unusually tight, but as they are somewhat flexible, they adapt to every body shape and fit comfortably. Two chest straps secure the upper section, while a slightly flexible waist strap supports most of the weight. The waist belt in particular is a very good and important feature and this is where the Scott backpack definitely has the edge over many other models in terms of comfort. The back protector fits like a glove, at least for most people.
Although this is the larger of two sizes (there is also a slightly shorter 10l model for women), the backpack is probably best suited to people between 165cm and 185cm tall (depending on proportions). At 1.90 cm tall, the waist belt definitely sits too high, gets in the way of the ribs and the back protector unfortunately doesn't cover everything. Testers under 180 cm tall were more than impressed with the comfort. The backpack is a little tight, but it has to be. Once you get used to it, you practically don't feel it on your back and it is more comfortable to wear than some back protectors on their own. The backpack should therefore also be of interest to snowboarders who sometimes struggle with backpacks that are too heavy, poorly balanced or uncomfortable.
Handling
The Air Free AP12 Pro mainly has one large compartment for everything: shovel & probe, airbag system and personal items are all stored in the same compartment. Here you have to pack around the deployment unit. What seems annoying at first makes perfect sense: the weight distribution in the backpack is ideal, as the heavy items are placed centrally and close to the back. There is still space between the system and the bottom for small items, a water bottle and spare goggles or gloves can still be easily stored, but skins are in short supply. There is a second, easily accessible, small compartment on the underside, but there is not much room in it (skins are also cramped here). There is also a compartment on the front for small items or perhaps narrow skins. The ski carrying system is attached diagonally, and there is also a snowboard holder. This can be hidden if you don't need it. The two chest straps can be adjusted in height and the deployment handle can be attached on the right or left. After a deployment, the airbag is quickly packed up and stowed away again.
Conclusion
Scott's Air Free AP12 Pro is a specially designed but very well thought-out backpack. Regardless of the weight, the carrying comfort is unrivaled, at least in my experience with other airbag backpacks. The Alpride system makes a good impression and offers advantages over other gas systems. A separation of shovel/probe and other contents would be desirable, but is not absolutely necessary with this backpack. It makes sense that the size and length of the backpack is designed for people of average height. However, a few centimetres more in length wouldn't hurt, as this would allow you to cover even more.
Advantages & amp; Cons
+ very good workmanship
+ backpack makes a very well thought-out impression
+ integrated back protector
+ very comfortable to wear
+ chest straps are adjustable in height
+ release handle is adjustable in height and can also be converted for left-handers
+ ski and snowboard holder work easily and well
+ weight is very well distributed
+ mechanical release is also possible without a cartridge as a test (Attention: Scott states that the mechanical release should only be used up to 40 times)
+ Easy to use airbag system with low "running costs" (e.g. cartridges) - Comfortable to carry for people over approx. 185cm
- The Alpride system takes up a lot of the storage space, you have to pack around it and access to the contents is slightly blocked by the shovel blade
- No extra shovel/probe compartment
Product details
RRP: € 679.00 (incl. cartridge)
. cartridge)
Weight: 1260g backpack, 460g protector, 800g Alpride system, 440g cartridges, total=approx. 2960g
Volume: 12 l
Color: blaci iris/blue jewel
Material: 420 D Polyester Ball Shadow W/R 1000 mm, 840 D Ballistic W/R 1000 mm
Features:
Detachable helmet attachment
Diagonal ski carry system
Stowable snowboard attachment straps
Main compartment for avalanche equipment
Easily accessible compartment on the bottom for skins or first aid equipment
D30® back protector for the highest level of protection in accordance with the European safety standard EN
1621-2 (Level 1)
Anatomically shaped Velcro hip belt
Hip belt with safety leg loop
SOS print with emergency instructions
Chest strap with emergency whistle
TÜV-certified
Click here for more information on the manufacturer's website. This product was provided to PG free of charge by the manufacturer for testing purposes
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