ABS Avalanche Rescue Devices

Vario Base Unit Silver Edition

Look, you really shouldn't venture out into the backcountry on a red-light day anymore than you should practice your kite-flying in a thunderstorm or work on your backstroke in a shark tank. That said, yellow-light days are when the most accidents happen, and even a forecaster's green light is no guarantee of stability, so it's always wise to bring a few things with you. A working brain and finely tuned decision-making skills are the most important, but, along with a beacon, shovel, and probe, an avalanche airbag like the Silver Edition ABS Vario Base Unit can keep you alive if an accident does happen.

First, take note: ABS base units aren't your traditional backpacks. As the name suggests, they're the foundational piece of ABS's Vario airbag system, a design that allows you to customize the volume of your airbag pack. The base unit includes two independent 85L airbags, a nitrogen-filled inflation canister, and a activation handle/trigger system all within an ergonomically-designed backpack frame—to complete the system, you need a compatible ABS Vario Cover, available in sizes ranging from 8 to 55 liters. Just zip the cover onto the base unit and you're ready to go.

As for the base unit itself, the Silver Edition has a narrower, more ergonomic design than the standard Vario base unit, and uses an elastic neoprene waist belt that's exceedingly light and comfortable. It doesn't carry weight as comfortably as the wider standard unit, so shouldn't be overloaded, but is an ideal companion for ski mountaineering and long tours where lightness and freedom of movement are paramount (And, it should be noted, the Silver Edition is perfectly compatible with all Vario covers.) The shoulder straps are ergonomically designed, the chest strap is height-adjustable, and the integrated leg strap helps your pack stay firmly on your back even in the turmoil of a slide.

The Silver Edition uses the same deployment system as the standard ABS airbag packs: a trigger handle attaches to either shoulder strap, and uses a small pressurized capsule to trigger the main canister, inflating the airbags within three seconds of deployment. Once deployed, both the trigger capsule and main canister must be replaced by ABS or an authorized dealer, but the other parts of the system are fully reusable—simply fold up the airbags according to the instructions, pack them in the hook-and-loop side panels, screw on your new canister and trigger handle, and you're ready to ride. 

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.