Vario 18 Ultralight Silver Edition Airbag Backpack
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Lighter than a helium balloon on the moon (maybe not quite, but you get the picture), the ABS Vario 18 Ultralight Silver Edition Backpack is a narrow, ergonomically-designed avalanche airbag pack that prioritizes light, effective, and minimalist avalanche protection over the All theability to schlep incredibly heavy loads.
Like all ABS packs, the Vario 18 is actually a combination of two systems: the Vario Silver Edition base unit and the Vario 18 Ultralight zip-on cover. The Silver Edition base unit is narrower than the standard unit, allowing for more freedom of movement and a better fit, and has a modified neoprene waist belt, which sacrifices some load-bearing capability for a more comfortable, ergonomic fit, making the Silver Edition a prime choice for skiers and riders looking to send hard and stay safe without weighing themselves down. There's a padded, water-repellent back panel and ergonomic shoulder straps, too.
Though it's narrower and lighter, the Silver Edition has all the same lifesaving capabilities as the standard base unit. It packs a serious airbags punch, using two 85L bags that inflate within three seconds--simply activate the trigger handle, which mounts on either shoulder for easy access, and the bags inflate and help keep you on the surface. Once you've deployed, you need to replace the trigger handle and the nitrogen-filled canister (replacement must be done through ABS or an authorized representative), but the airbags simply fold up and stow back in the side panel compartments.
The Silver Edition is compatible with all Vario zip-on covers, but comes with an 18L ultralight option that's big enough to carry everything you need for a day without adding any unnecessary bells and whistles. That said, there are plenty of key features on the 18, like ski and snowboard carrying systems, internal shovel and probe mounts, and two easy-access side pockets for skins or snacks. It's hydration compatible as well, and comes with a stowable helmet net so you don't have to leave your dome exposed on the way down--there's no sense in surviving an avalanche just to knock your noggin against a tree.
Please remember, an airbag system is NOT a guarantee that you will survive an avalanche; get educated, get the right tools, travel with partners, and be smart out there.
Details
- Included full steel canister and activation handle with release protection (both must be replaced after use)
- Two independent, reusable 85L airbags with fill/outlet valves and piercing unit
- Neoprene waist belt, height-adjustable chest strap, and safety leg strap
- Diagonal ski carry and snowboard carry
- Shovel/probe mounts
- Hydration compatible
- Compatible with all ABS Vario covers
- Large fits torsos 46cm and longer
- Because the canister comes loaded with compressed nitrogen, the Vario 18 must ship via ground, and only within the continental US
- Item #ABS0037
- Material
- nylon, PVC
- Airbag
- yes, ABS twinbags
- Deployment System
- ABS Activation Unit (nitrogen)
- Canister Included
- yes, steel
- Ski Carry
- yes diagonal
- Snowboard Carry
- yes
- Shovel Pocket
- yes, snow tool/shovel
- Support/Suspension
- padded back panel
- Shoulder Straps
- ergonomic
- Waist-Belt
- yes, neoprene
- Pockets
- [external] 2 side, [internal] 1 shovel/probe, 1 stowable helmet net, 1 stash
- Hydration Compatible
- yes
- Access
- top U-zipper
- Volume
- 1098 cu in
- Claimed Weight
- 6 lb 7 oz
- Recommended Use
- backcountry skiing and snowboarding, touring, snowshoeing
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 2 years
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