Skirucksack

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.

With the Alpha SK 32, Arc'teryx is launching a brand new winter sports backpack this season, which aims to score points with its simple design, light weight and extremely robust AC² material. We have already been able to test how the Alpha SK 32 performs on tours and in the ski area.

An avalanche-compatible ski backpack that is designed to meet the needs of demanding ski mountaineers, is inspired by climbing sports and is also suitable for freeriding - is that possible?

With the Patrol series, Evoc has backpacks in its program that cover practically the entire touring range in sizes 32, 40 and 55l. While the "small" 30l Patrol is ideal for extended day tours, the medium 40l model is not only suitable for very material-intensive activities, but also for multi-day tours with overnight stays in winter shelters, for example. The Patrol 55l is recommended for camping tours or very long trips with lots of gear.

With the Voltair series, the Canadians from Arc'teryx entered the booming market for avalanche airbag backpacks last season. The "small" Voltair tested here with a capacity of 20 l is not only characterized by the battery-operated airbag system, but also offers freeriders numerous other advantages.

In the current 2016/17 winter season, Mammut is revamping the lightest member of its avalanche backpack line, the "Ultralight Removable Airbag 3.0". The suffix "3.0". The revised Removable Airbag System (RAS), which is housed in this lightweight backpack, has further improved the backpack's weight and space. With a total weight of just 1.5 kg including the carbon cartridge and airbag unit, the backpack turns out to be a fully-fledged minimalist among airbag backpacks. The fact that the compact and lightweight airbag unit can be interchanged between various compatible Mammut backpack models makes this specialist interesting for ski tourers who want to be light, fast and safe or just want to go downhill.

Since the ABS patent on airbag backpacks expired, new models of avalanche airbag systems have been springing up like mushrooms. Ortovox has also turned its back on ABS and developed its own system. This system has been installed in various new backpacks. PowderGuide had the opportunity to test this new system in the Free Rider 22 Avabag.

The successful avalanche backpacks with the "Removable Airbag System" (RAS) from Mammut have been widely used for several years. With the "Short" versions, Mammut has developed backpacks that are designed for the female anatomy or athletes with a short upper body. "Short" versions of the Ride or Pro RAS backpack are available. I tested the Pro RAS version.

With the Jetforce airbag system, the two companies Black Diamond and Pieps have developed the first avalanche airbag system that is inflated by a nozzle instead of compressed air or gas. This is powered by a rechargeable electronic system, which has a number of advantages.

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.

As the name suggests, the Ultralight RAS from Mammut is an extremely lightweight backpack with the well-known "Removable Airbag System". It is clear that this is a greatly reduced specialist, but due to the possibility of being able to use the complete airbag unit in other RAS-ready backpacks and the very low weight, the backpack is still not only interesting for absolute fringe groups.

The Khamski 38 - An all-purpose backpack from Arc'teryx that can be used for long alpine tours with a lot of luggage thanks to its size, but also makes no compromises as a daypack.