PartnerNews | Ortovox Avabag Litric Series

The LiTRIC backpacks were actually due to go on sale in 2022, but the system was voluntarily recalled for safety reasons due to isolated problems with the blower unit. According to Ortovox, the aim is not only to fulfil the minimum standards set for the development process, but also to exceed the standards wherever technically possible.

We were able to see just how high the standards are during a factory visit some time ago. The electronic unit is produced in Bavaria and then installed in the backpack. The goods are scanned on receipt and labelled accordingly so that each component can be traced later during assembly. In addition, the PCBs are checked for layer density. For this purpose, each batch is checked using a fluorescence microscope. Ortovox has its own production area in the factory for assembly. This is where the supercapacitors are built and the backpack is actually assembled. During assembly, the parts are checked directly using prefabricated templates. This ensures, for example, that the component has been put together firmly enough. Finally, the airbag is tested again.

Since 2017, an EU standard that all avalanche airbag backpacks approved in Europe must fulfil has defined the details of these tests and the requirements that must be met. Among other things, this standard regulates the temperatures up to which the backpacks must function and the minimum volume the airbag must have.