Test report
Until I received the Scott Patrol in December a battery-based airbag system was completely new territory for me and I didn't even know that this solution existed until then. Accordingly, I approached the test naively and already had a small faux pas on the first evening when changing the side of the release unit. I unscrewed the handle because I couldn't fit it through the weight relief straps. This gave me a three-hour tinkering task, as it turned out to be not so easy to reinsert the release cable into the handle. Another problem at the beginning was switching the airbag system on and off, because the combination of pulling it out and turning it presented me with the next task. Of course, I can't completely rule out the possibility that it could have been down to the user, which is why I don't want to criticise the handling, but rather the explanations offered for the backpack. With such a highly technological product, which is an extremely important part of freeriding, I would be happy if there were user-friendly explanations, because it is something new for some freeriders. Nowadays, explanatory videos for certain categories are no real effort, simplify understanding and have a preventative effect against incorrect operation.
But let's move on to the more important practical part: On the mountain, the backpack cuts an outstanding figure. With its very manageable weight of a good 2700 grams, the Patrol Alpride is one of the lightest airbag backpacks on the market. On the outside of the backpack, there is room for everything from helmets and ice axes to single and double board equipment and it sits securely. Unfortunately, the helmet net and bootpack are somewhat difficult to combine with a normal snowboard, as both use overlapping areas on the backpack. However, with a little ingenuity, both can be attached.
Conclusion
In terms of price, the Scott Patrol E2 30 is significantly more expensive than a classic cartridge backpack, which is mainly due to the development of the battery system. Nevertheless, the backpack performs so well in terms of design, technology and also in the practical test that I wouldn't want to be without it because I quickly got used to the advantages and it simply gives me confidence on the mountain.
Advantages & disadvantages
+ Lightweight airbag system
+ All the advantages of a rechargeable airbag (reusable, uncomplicated test deployments, can be taken on aeroplanes, etc.)
- Very expensive
Information on
RRP 1099.95
Includes replaceable SCOTT Alpride E2 airbag system
Extra compartment for safety equipment with organisational pockets
Imprinted with emergency signals
Adjustable chest strap with buckle fastener and integrated emergency whistle
Adjustable hip belt with SCOTT buckle quick-release fastener
Stowable safety leg loop
Launch strap with SCOTT whistle
Adjustable hip belt with SCOTT buckle quick release
Stowable safety leg loop
Avalanche protection pocket in both shoulder straps
Stowable diagonal ski carry system
A- frame ski attachment system andpocket on the inside
Adjustable shoulder straps
Load distribution system on the shoulders
Stowable attachments for ice axe and pole
Fastening loops for equipment
Carrying handle
Belt holder
Here is the link to Scott's website with further information.
The backpack was provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer for the duration of the test. You can find out how we tested it in our test statement.