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Description

Because avalanche safety is a backcountry basic.

Risk exists when you're traveling in avalanche-prone terrain, no matter what the forecast or your snow pit says; the ABS Vario Base Unit Pack is always a wise idea. The Avalanche Airbag System consists of dual airbags, so all your life-saving eggs are not in one basket. With a single pull release, they position laterally and dorsally on either side, so you maintain freedom of movement and line of sight. Plus the unit has a padded back, adjustable chest strap, and ergonomic hip-belt. Attach any of the Vario zip-on packs, and off you go, peace of mind, gear, and all.

  • ABS system features two strong, lateral, nylon and PVC airbags for double the protection, unhindered sight and movement, and large 170L buoyancy volume
  • ABS carrying system is comprised of shoulder straps, adjustable hip-belt, infinitely adjustable chest strap, and anchoring leg loop for security
  • Progressive pneumatic-pyrotechnic release activates system—quick pull of the handle, using very little force, quickly inflates the system
  • Canister(included) loaded with compressed nitrogen for performance at low temperatures
  • Nylon construction is durable and strong
  • Padded, foam back structure with breathable mesh reduces strain and fatigue and improves comfort
  • Ergonomic hip-belt carries the load in comfort; belt has pocket for easy access to essentials
  • 19.3-inch maximum (size S) back length; 18.1-inch minimum (size L) back length
  • Weighs 4lb 10oz (without cartridge)
  • Weight capacity (with use of separate zip-on pack) is 175lb, plenty for all you'd want to carry
  • ABS pack covers (sold separately) attach to this base unit via zipper and 4 straps that anchor and stabilize the pack and load
  • The carrying system is TUV-certified for extreme use
  • Please review instructions on yearly maintenance and inspection before use and after deployment
  • Editor’s Note: wearing this airbag system does NOT guarantee that you will survive an avalanche burial or a slide amidst avalanche debris; get educated, get the right tools, travel with partners, and be smart out there
  • *The Vario Base Unit Pack can be shipped via air to the lower 48 states only; no air shipping available to AK, HI, or international addresses

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ABS Avalanche Rescue Devices Vario Base Unit Pack

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4 5

Arthur Debowski

Member since 
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  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

First I'll address what my conerns with the pack were before I got it:
It's heavy
It won't carry well
Hydration will be a pain.

After some use I find that it is indeed kind of heavy but not really that much heavier than my other pack (Black Diampond Covert Avalung) since I tend to bring the works with me when I tour (water, first aid kit, layers, repair kit, etc.). It carries really well and comfortably so it encourages me to wear it all of the time. As for hydration, there is a tube routing hole but I've just switched to drinking from a dromedary bag since it never freezes and is way more versatile.

I'm reviewing the base unit and the 25L cover. That is the perfect size for all day tours here in the Wasatch and it also comes with what some people call the "0" cover which basically will allow your avy gear and a light layer, perfect for sidecountry use.

I have yet to deploy the airbags on the one I bought but have blown them off in demos at other times and find the system very intuitive and easy to use.

Now for the cons...
-There are a ton of straps everywhere (which are removeable) which makes it feel like there are too many danlgies everywhere. You can remove them so it's not that big of a deal.
-The zippers so far are doing just fine but I think that they will likely be one of the failure points on the cover.
-The load lifter straps cross over the zippers for the avy tool pocket instead of staying clear. This seams as though it can be easily remedied by ABS by attaching them in the right place. I simply remember to keep the zipper pulls on the side so you can pull the pocket open without having to deal with the load lifter straps.