In recent years, airbag backpacks have increasingly established themselves as part of the standard safety equipment for freeriders and ski tourers. The market leader ABS ("Avalanche Balloon Securesystem") is constantly developing its system, even 30 years after the company was founded. We tested the Vario base unit including attachment and carbon cartridge for you.
Functionality and general information
ABS was founded over 30 years ago by Peter Aschauer, presented a working model of the airbag backpack for the first time at ISPO in 1985 and has been constantly expanding its product range ever since. The Vario system tested here was introduced in 2008, the lightweight carbon cartridge in 2010 and the new generation of zip-on attachments in 2014. Last season alone, ABS sold around 50,000 of its systems. Numerous other companies are now also incorporating the ABS system into their backpack models.
The idea behind the airbag system is that the user achieves a more favorable mass-to-volume ratio by triggering the airbag in the event of an avalanche. When the user pulls the trigger handle, a small explosion punctures a CO2 cartridge stowed in the backpack, the contents of which fill two airbags attached to the backpack with a total capacity of 170 liters within a few seconds. The larger parts float to the top in a moving mass (known as the "Brazil nut effect"). The user of an airbag backpack increases their chances of staying on the surface in the flowing mass of snow. As enormous mechanical forces also act in the event of an avalanche and there is a risk of the airbag backpack being damaged, the ABS system is equipped with two airbags. If the system is triggered, the trigger handle and cartridge must be replaced. An annual test deployment to check the system is recommended.
Unlike the standard equipment consisting of a shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver, the airbag backpack is not intended for rescuing companions but to prevent the victim from being buried.
The so-called "Vario-Line" offers the possibility of mounting backpack attachments of different sizes on the base unit containing the airbag system - for example for skiing close to the slopes and multi-day tours.
The carbon cartridge we tested is around half the weight of the steel cartridge, which is also available and slightly cheaper.
First impression
There are hardly any freeriders or ski tourers who have not yet dealt with the system and had an ABS backpack in their hands. The clean workmanship of all components is immediately noticeable. You can only tell that the airbag system is stowed in the backpack by the ABS logos and the deployment handle, which can be attached to the shoulder strap on either side at any height. Only when you pick up the backpack do you notice the comparatively higher weight of 2.7 kg in total.
The base unit
The Vario base unit is available in two different sizes. This means that even particularly tall and short users can find a backpack that fits well. The back section is relatively stiff and the weight is distributed properly via the well-padded hip belt, making the backpack very comfortable to wear. In addition, the base unit is equipped with a removable crotch strap, which is designed to prevent the backpack from slipping off over the head in the event of an avalanche.
Attachment
The attachments are available in different sizes, colors and now also from different manufacturers. The backpack attachments available since 2014 are more functional compared to the previous models. The 24l attachment, for example, has a large opening to the main compartment (sufficient for day trips), several easily accessible small compartments (practical for a change of used clothing), a separate emergency compartment and a compartment for a hydration system. On the outside, two ice axes, a snowboard or a pair of skis (diagonally), a helmet and various small items can be attached.
Practical test
Luckily, I have not yet been able or had to test the effectiveness of the airbag. The test deployment worked - of course - without any problems. Otherwise, the backpack was an inconspicuous and loyal companion on the mountain. It is very comfortable to wear, offers additional protection thanks to the thicker back panel and, thanks to the excellent adjustment options, doesn't slip forward even in snow and bumpy terrain. The revised buckle on the hip belt fits well and does not loosen when walking or descending. The backpack is not too bulky and you can also leave it on your back on the chairlift. I quickly got used to the extra weight and the tested attachment was at least more convincing than the previous models. The opening of the main compartment is still too small. The compartment for the safety equipment is not on the side facing the back but on the front of the rucksack. This means that the edge of the shovel blade always protrudes awkwardly into the main compartment and the shovel and probe are in the way of convenient access to the main compartment. We'll leave it up to you to decide whether the few seconds of time saved in an emergency justify the losses in daily use. The ski attachment works well and reliably. Contrary to expectations, neither the light gray base unit nor the light blue attachment are particularly sensitive to dirt. All in all, the system with the 24-liter attachment is sufficient for days in the ski area and also day tours with normal luggage, if you like to carry a lot of material or need rope and glacier equipment, you can easily attach a larger attachment from ABS or another manufacturer!
Conclusion
In practice, the system was convincing. Before this test, I was out and about with a predecessor, also from ABS, with which there were never any problems on countless days of skiing. Airbag backpacks are increasingly becoming part of standard safety equipment, and not without good reason, as they are the only way to avoid being buried, or at least less deeply buried, in the event of an avalanche. With the Vario system, ABS offers a flexible model that can be adapted to individual needs and many alternative attachments are now available.
Advantages & disadvantages
+ Can prevent burial in an avalanche
+ Variable modular system
+ Excellent workmanship
+ Warranty for up to 4 years in total
+ Proven system
- Relatively heavy weight
- High price
Details
ABS® TwinBags with 170L buoyancy volume for optimum support surface
Easy-to-reach handle plate with release handle, which is height-adjustable and available in a left-handed version
Comfortably padded hip belt for good load absorption
Infinitely height-adjustable chest strap
Ergonomically shaped shoulder straps
Integrated crotch strap
Water-repellent and padded back plate
The harness frame complies with TÜV requirements for extreme loads (PPE Directive 89/686 EEC).
Easy docking of different zip-ons between 8 and 45+5 liters packing volume via zipper: load capacity 80k
The base unit is available in different sizes to cover different back lengths.
Here is the manufacturer's website with further information, at our partner store Bergzeit.de you can of course get both the base unit and the tested 24l attachment.
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