ABS Avalanche Rescue Devices

Vario Base Unit Pack

Risk exists when you travel in snow-covered terrain, no matter what the forecast or your snow pit says. The good news is, the ABS Vario Base Unit Pack will provide some extra peace of mind out there. The Vario has independent twin airbags, one on either side of your pack, with a combined volume of 170L to help you rise to the top of the debris if caught in an avalanche. An included adjustable activation handle comes with a small, internal pressurized release capsule and can be set up on the left or right shoulder strap for easy access, and the safety bracket zips into a compartment on either shoulder strap to prevent accidental releases. When pulled, the activation handle punctures the small internal trigger capsule, which in turn activates the piercing unit, puncturing the main canister to fill the airbags within seconds. The shoulder straps, waist belt, and secure leg strap work together to ensure the pack stays securely attached and correctly oriented, even in the turmoil of an avalanche.

Once you've deployed the airbags, you must replace the trigger handle and the airbag-inflating canister (replacement must be done through ABS). The other parts of the system are reusable—just fold up the airbags according to the instructions and re-pack them in the hook-and-loop side panel compartments, attach the new canister, trigger handle, and you're ready to ride. The Vario Base Unit is purely an avalanche airbag system, which comes with a small 8L pack that carries the bare minimum for backcountry travel (shovel and probe), but the system is compatible with the Vario system, which allows the pack to be fitted with zip-on packs ranging from 18 to 45L (sold separately). This system allows you to have the added assurance of an ABS pack whether you're out for a quick day tour or loaded up for a long hut-to-hut traverse.

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.