Every year, new variants of airbag backpack models from a wide range of suppliers greet us. Unfortunately, it is not always clear whether these are just cosmetic improvements or sensible developments. One trend that has now also arrived in airbag backpacks is weight reduction. Snowpulse has also been thinking along these lines and has launched the Lite 35, a weight-optimized backpack that focuses more on use away from the infrastructure of well-developed ski resorts.
The new Snowpulse Lite with the familiar head-on-top technology weighs in at around 2 kg (without cartridge) and is aimed specifically at winter sports enthusiasts who value lightweight equipment. For me, this backpack fits perfectly into the gap between the Snowpulse Guide 30 and the Tour 45. When ascending above 1000 m, the total weight to be carried uphill becomes more and more important for me. Because I want to have enough power for long, enjoyable turns on the descent.
The design of the Snowpulse Lite 35
If you're familiar with the Guide 30 or Tour 45 models from Snowpulse, you'll notice when you first lift the backpack that the Snowpulse Lite 35 is one of the lightweights among its colleagues. The first time you hold it in your hand, the workmanship of the bag looks very delicate. This model comes in the classic version with a lid closure and a tubular luggage compartment. There is a separate compartment inside for stowing a probe and shovel. The lid has a small zippered compartment on the inside and outside. The tube can be opened from both the bottom and the top, but only on one side. There are side pockets on the outside that cannot be closed.
Skis and snowboards can be attached vertically in front of the backpack, and there is also a diagonal holder for skis. Personally, I prefer to carry my skis sideways using compression straps, even if this prevents the airbag from deploying or, in extreme cases, can even damage it. There is also an ice axe holder. On the inside there is a flap on which a drinks bag can be attached. The drinking tube is led out via the tube compartment and under the lid. There is no integrated hose insulation.
The airbag in use
When lifting the backpack to put it on my back, I noticed that my standard load (first aid kit, change of clothes, skins, water bottle, snack and DSLR) was significantly lighter than other backpacks. The backpack sits very comfortably and is pleasant to wear all day long. The new Inflation System 2.0 is also lighter, but does not have a pressure gauge. As with other airbag concepts, the cartridge must now be checked by weight.
On the Guide 30, I complained that the chest strap loosened during the day. In my opinion, the chest strap on the Lite 35 has been modified, as it now holds its position throughout the day. If you only want to ride variants, the volume of the backpack can be easily reduced using straps, allowing you to comfortably use chairlifts without taking it off; even if it is clearly not intended for this use as its main purpose. On the other hand, the backpack offers enough space for multi-day tours. On longer ascents, I found it pleasant to be able to stow the water bottle in an outer pocket. This allows quick access without having to open the bag.
In summary, despite all the "weight fetishism", the backpack offers a number of useful features, which in turn means that uncompromising weight reduction was not the only requirement in the specifications for this backpack development. Rather, they apparently wanted to create a multifunctional, weight-optimized backpack that didn't have to make too many compromises in terms of functionality.
"All that glitters is gold"
As nice as some of the features are, this airbag also has its weaknesses. I particularly miss a hip pocket, loops on the hip belt for carabiners to attach gloves, a compass or other small items, or a helmet holder. The organization options of the inner compartment leave something to be desired, as too little material can be separated into small compartments for my taste. A quick reorganization (skins out, clothes in) is helpful and saves time, especially for off-piste skiing, where you sometimes make several short ascents with skins. The latter is certainly a matter of personal preference and it is debatable whether this should all be criticized. However, storage space for probe and shovel is not ideal and should always be a priority. To access the equipment, you first have to open the lid and then an internal zipper, which may be covered by your luggage. The delicate first impression has unfortunately been confirmed in one or two places. I broke a fastening cord and due to the lack of edge protection when carrying skis on the side, the material quickly wears away at the contact points.
Conclusion
The Snowpulse Lite 35 is clearly aimed at reducing weight and is not simply a medium-sized backpack between the Guide 30 and Tour 45. With a weight advantage of over half a kilo over both its big and small brothers, this weight reduction is also significant. Both in terms of functionality and durability, you have to accept compromises or use more robust, equally weighted material. For winter sports enthusiasts who like to undertake longer ascents and for whom the weight of their equipment plays a role, this could be a shortlist product. The compromises between trauma and avalanche protection on the one hand and weight-optimized touring equipment on the other have become a good step smaller.
Advantages & disadvantages
+ Head on Top Technology
+ very comfortable to wear
+ the weight reduction is clearly noticeable compared to the Guide 30 L
+ new Inflation System 2.0 has significantly less volume and weight
+ side pockets on the outside are very convenient when touring (e.g. water bottle
).e.g. drinking bottle
+ simple compression option to reduce the volume of the backpack
- relatively quick wear in exposed areas
- few options for organizing the main compartment
- somewhat cumbersome access to probe and shovel
Product details
RRP: € 700 EUR (incl. cartridge)
Weight: 1,950-2.200 g (without cartridge)
Volume: 35 liters
Available sizes: M/L
Color: black
Material: Cordura 100D, Spandex 6.6, ITW Nexus Cyberian buckles and Cam Lock Buckles
tubular main compartment with side, self-locking zippers
reinforced compartment for shovel & probe
ergonomic waist belt
lid compartment with 2 pockets
stowable, vertical ski & snowboard holder
diagonal ski carrier strap
side compression straps
ice axe holder
hydration system compatible
