Alpride

The pressure to innovate and the high demand in the avalanche backpack sector have led to constant improvements, expansions and innovations over the years: lighter, cheaper, more user-friendly, more stylish - the numerous manufacturers are working hard and delivering ever more sophisticated systems. In close collaboration with Alpride, Scott developed the E1 Patrol AP 30, which raises the bar in the field of electronic airbags.

With the Integrated Avalanche System from Advenate, another innovative product in the avalanche backpack sector is coming onto the market for the 2018/2019 winter season. The principle behind the Advenate system: In addition to an airbag function, the IAS also has a breathing system, which is designed to increase survival time under the snowpack in the event of a burial. We have already spent some time on the mountain with the Surface IAS 32 and had a first look at it.

In contrast to many large manufacturers of skis, ski boots and bindings, the avalanche transceiver and airbag manufacturers were all represented at ISPO. When it comes to avalanche transceivers, there are small to medium improvements rather than huge innovations, and with the exception of Scott/Alpride, hardly anything significant has changed in terms of airbags.

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.

There is now a huge range of avalanche backpacks on the European market. For winter 2014/2015, Scott launched a new backpack line with the removable Alpride system: four backpacks can be equipped with the same airbag system or used individually. We tested the Scott Air Free AP 30 and the Scott Air Mountain AP 40 for you.

As every year, PowderGuide once again reports on the new products from the PG partners at ISPO 2014. The first two parts dealt with detailed ski mountaineering pants, light and heavy down clothing, various PinTech bindings, backpacks and ski clothing for ski touring, all-round touring skis, sustainable insulation jackets, adapted ski clothing, functional ice screws and intelligent ski goggles. The third part features the new highlights from Scott, Suunto, skiFi, Freeride Maps and Black Diamond. Enjoy reading and look forward to your next winter shopping trip!

The avalanche airbag market is booming like no other sector in winter sports. Almost every renowned manufacturer of winter sports equipment now offers an avalanche backpack. The established systems from last winter from Mammut/Snowpulse, ABS and BCA will be joined by two new systems from Black Diamond and Scott from fall 2014. Both seek to offer innovative solutions to the well-known problem of transporting cartridges during air travel. Black Diamond's system in particular is arousing great interest with its innovative turbine technology. Scott is setting the bar pretty high, especially in terms of weight and price.