POC released its one size fits all Dimension Avalanche Backpack, incorporating its Alpride E2 Electronic Airbag System for avoiding burial in an avalanche and the “best chance of survival.”
To create the bag, POC partnered with Alpride SA, Swiss specialists in avalanche airbag systems. The Backpack incorporates the Alpride E2 system with supercapacitor technology resulting in a lighter airbag system with more volume, deploying faster than the E1 generation.
Henrik Björkman, senior product designer for POC packs, said: “A few years ago, we could only dream of where the new generation of fan systems are today. We have been eager to develop a backpack like this, and with Alpride’s innovative technology, we are incredibly proud of the result and potential for enhanced protection. It is a backpack that integrates material craftsmanship with the speed and reliability of the Alpride system, is lightweight and not subject to any restrictions for flying, transport, shipment, or storage.”
The construction includes 133 pattern pieces and 66 webbings for intuitive use, especially under extreme conditions and in emergencies. Integrated technology offers an intelligent safety approach with an embedded Recco reflector that makes the user searchable by rescue teams. The medical ID NFC chip from twICEme stores the user’s first aid data for first responders. Both function without batteries or an internet connection.
The carrying system offers a reinforced back panel and adjustable weight-distribution straps for an “immediate, safe and comfortable position on the back.” The resulting body-hugging effect “guarantees wobble-free powder descents, while the clever compartmentalization of the pack makes intuitive use natural, and the color-coded straps indicate how to attach skis or snowboard to the backpack correctly.”
The backpack’s fluorescent orange color ensures visibility “even during the worst white-out and the choice of material guarantees lasting durability and absolute reliability when it’s needed most.” The Backpack uses Dimension Polyant developed for the extremes of sailing. The material, a polyester laminate construction, consists of four bonded fabrics “which guarantees durability, complete waterproofness, longevity, abrasion and tear resistance.” The face fabric is made of 100 percent recycled polyester and DWR treated so that the outer fabric does not get wet.
Johan Weman, technology exploration director, POC, added, “Research shows that the best chance to avoid burial in an avalanche is with an avalanche airbag, and they are an essential safety item for those venturing into avalanche-prone terrain. But certain drawbacks, such as weight or practicality when flying, have held some skiers and snowboarders back from adopting the technology. We developed the Dimension Avalanche Backpack to address these issues, to develop a convenient, practical, hassle-free system that works exactly when you need it so there would be no need to compromise or choose.”
Available online and in retail stores in Europe from November 1, and the rest of the world from early December. For more product information, go here.
Photo courtesy POC
