Ortovox and Arc’teryx developed a lightweight avalanche airbag for Winter 2022, made possible through a collaboration with LiTRIC technology.
The airbag system weighs 2.4 pounds and features an electronic system run by supercapacitors and a Lithium-Ion battery that holds 60 hours of charge for a minimum of two inflations.
“It’s been such a unique process to partner with a great brand and competitor like Arc’teryx to rethink avalanche airbag safety for a greater cause. The LiTRIC airbag system is the product of two companies that are maniacally obsessed with building the highest quality equipment, and Ortovox’s new collection establishes another milestone in mountain safety,” said Tom Mason, U.S. brand manager, Ortovox.
Made in Germany, the LiTric Airbag System makes multi-day tours possible without recharging. The system can be tested any number of times at no additional cost and charged via USB-C. There’s more space for gear and no travel restrictions with no cartridge. Cold-tolerant supercapacitors add no extra weight. It is height-adjustable and includes a deployment handle, safety leg strap and LED display on the bag’s side to indicate battery charge status.
Avabag LiTric Tour modular airbag base is designed for tourers in two back lengths, regular and short. The pack can be adapted for its intended use with two tour-specific zip-on bags in 28-liter short, 30-liter, 36-liter short, and 40 liters. The full-contact system fits securely to the back and includes a circumferential zipper to the main compartment. Attachment options are included for skis, snowboards, ice axes, ropes, helmet net, and climbing skins. Avalanche rescue equipment can be stowed in a separate safety compartment.
Avabag LiTric Freeride is designed with freeriding in mind. Similar to LiTric Tour, this pack has a modular LiTric airbag basefor short or long days in the backcountry. It can be adapted with the zip-on system in 16-liter short, 18-liter, 26-liter short, and 28-liter. It can be used on the Tour base and vice versa. Clasp Back Technology offers a wide, flexible hip belt and soft shoulder straps while fitting snugly to the back for freedom of movement.
Avabag LiTric Zerio touring pack weighs 4.3 pounds and 27 liters focus on the essentials. There is ample packing space for day tours and features attachment options for skis, ice ax or poles, and pockets to store avalanche safety equipment in the main compartment.
The Pack Series will be available in September 2022 at ortovox.com and select retailers. Photos courtesy Ortovox
