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.
From this winter, the new avalanche backpack line from Scott includes a new airbag system that is particularly impressive due to its low weight. After previously incorporating the R.A.S. system from Mammut/Snowpulse, the Swiss company with American roots presented the new cooperation with the Swiss company Alpride at ISPO 2014. From now on, all Scott airbag backpacks will be equipped with this system and there will be even more backpack models in the future. There are four for the time being: the two Air Mountain AP 20 and 40 and the two Air Free AP 22 and 30.
Alpride - a new name on the avalanche airbag system market
The story behind the name Alpride is as simple as it is obvious. Three businessmen go on a ski tour in the Bernese Oberland with conventional avalanche backpacks and climb several 4,000-meter peaks in the Jungfrau region. Exhausted from the exertions, they ponder the possibility of lighter, cheaper and more user-friendly avalanche backpacks. The conversation turns into an idea and quite quickly into a project that is pursued with passion. Less than five years later, the first tested system is presented and Scott decides to be the first license partner to install the Alpride system in its backpacks.
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. The cartridges should be able to be taken 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). With the cheaper steel cartridge, the Mammut combination weighs 100 grams more. At 1550 grams, the Air Free AP 30 without the system is certainly not the lightest backpack in this volume category, while the Mountain Free AP 40 weighs just 220 grams more. Both have been made of robust material and have all the necessary functionalities, whereas the latter has been reduced to the essentials in terms of compartments and other bells and whistles.
Scott has long been committed to developing simple and functional equipment for all ski mountaineering disciplines. The Air Free AP 30 was developed as a daypack for freeriding (hence 'Free') or for one-day tours and is very reminiscent of its predecessor, the Air 30 RAS - at least from the outside. Inside is the new airbag system from Alpride. But why keep reinventing the world when so much has proven itself? The larger brother Air Mountain AP 40 was also developed on the basis of the first Scott avalanche backpack, but with the focus (low weight) on multi-day tours and longer stays in the mountains (hence 'Mountain').
Simple function or functional simplicity?
Both backpacks are cut quite wide and low without restricting the freedom of movement of the arms, upper body and especially the head (with helmet). When half-empty, they can be easily reduced in size using the four tie-down options on the sides and don't build up too much towards the back (although this can no longer be avoided when a 40 L backpack is fully loaded). The large main compartment has room for all the items needed for either an extended day trip into the backcountry (Air Free AP 30) or a ski tour lasting several days (Air Mountain AP 40). The Air Free AP 30 can be opened completely at the sides and top and the lid can be conveniently folded down when lying on the back section; the main compartment of the larger brother cannot be opened completely, but there is a zippered opening at the side. This requires a little patience when searching and a little more planning when packing. For small items and maps, for example, the Freeride version has a mesh pocket - with a zipper across the entire width - sewn into the inside of the lid. In the Mountain version, this is located on the inside of the security compartment.
This means that the main compartment of both backpacks can be used perfectly for storage. A small disadvantage: the airbag system is also located in the main compartments and the two cartridges (without a divider) are positioned centrally and vertically, so you have to pack around them. The compartment for the avalanche transceiver equipment is located on the outside of the main compartment and offers enough space for a medium-sized shovel blade (plus handle), a probe and a first aid kit in the Air Free AP 30. Only the opening is a little small, but you usually still have time when packing your safety equipment and this doesn't bother you when you're rushing to get it out. In the Air Mountain AP 40, the safety compartment is even larger and additional equipment (e.g. snacks, skins) can also fit inside. There is a small goggle compartment at the top of the lid of the Air Free AP 30, which is lined with fabric to keep your goggles safe, but is more suitable for sunglasses than ski goggles due to its small size and opening. The big brother has a very large lid compartment without padding.
There is a small compartment on the left side of the hip belt (e.g. for a small digicam) and a gear loop on the right side. Those who swear by a hydration tube will be disappointed, as there is no connection through the shoulder strap - however, it is recommended (or rather, I recommend) to do without a hydration tube in winter due to the risk of freezing.
The chest and hip straps each have a robust aluminum buckle that can be opened with one hand. This is a significant advantage, especially when the backpack is full and freeriding in the area (backpack off in the chairlift). All other lacing options and the backpack material itself also make a very robust impression. The stowable, rubber-coated metal loop for diagonal attachment of the skis is particularly striking. The surface of the backpack material has also been reinforced in the areas where the ski edges come into contact. This is very well thought out and it is precisely these areas that are the critical points with other backpacks and intensive use. An obligatory feature of freeride backpacks these days is the option to attach an ice axe, which is of course also included in both backpacks.
Comfortable to carry?
The Air Free AP 30 is extremely comfortable to wear thanks to the short back section with back padding and padded shoulder straps. The ergonomically shaped back section and padding also protect against falls - also extensively tested. The backpack hardly gets in the way on ascents and easy climbing passages. The weight is well distributed and freedom of movement is guaranteed even when fully loaded. The backpack also copes with climbing with skis attached (diagonally) without any problems and does not lead to unpleasant neck pain on longer passages. On warm spring ski tours, the backpack was worn directly on the functional underwear with consistently high wearing comfort. To ensure that all our comfort items can be carried correctly, it is important to think when packing the large main compartment! On the one hand, this helps enormously to always find the right item at the right time. On the other hand, you can also get quite far with 30 liters. As already mentioned, the storage volume in this avalanche backpack (also) competes with the airbag system, but with clever positioning of the equipment this is not a problem. The stowage volume feels like 30 liters, as there is enough space for a two-day tour with a change of clothes, snack, hut sleeping bag, drink and small digital camera. However, there is no longer much comfort to speak of.
Conclusion
All in all, the Scott Air Free AP 30 impresses with its comfortable carrying and very high functionality with a simple appearance. The only deductions in the B grade are caused by the rather small goggle compartment and because the large main compartment has to be packed very strategically. The lack of space for the hydration bladder could also be a negative factor for some freeriders.
The robustness of the Air Free AP 30 is impressive with very good weight values; the steel loop for attaching the skis in particular sets standards here and other manufacturers could take this as an example. With this system and the Air Free AP 30 backpack, the avalanche backpack market is definitely on the move and it can be assumed that even more weight can be saved in the future - and the wallet will have to be opened more sparingly ... On top of that, the Air Free AP 30 with the Alpride system is also suitable for air travel and combined with the Scott Air Mountain AP 40, every winter mountaineer is perfectly equipped.
Author's note: Despite the usefulness of the additional avalanche airbag equipment, it is important for me to point out that the basic avalanche safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) should be mastered first before thinking about buying an avalanche backpack. In addition, every user should be aware that the supposedly extended safety margin of an avalanche backpack could influence the decision on the avalanche risk of a single slope.
Details
RRP € 659.- (Air MNT Alpride 40 Kit) € 639.- (Air Free Alpride 30 Kit)
Easily stowable handle
Easy to use
One of the lightest airbag systems on the market
Helmet carrying system
Safety compartment
Goggle compartment
Here is the Scott website with general information on the Alpride system, here for the Air MNT Alpride 40 and here for the Air Free Alpride 30.
