The best avalanche airbag on the market! - Ortovox Ascent 40 Avabag Kit

This airbag is an absolute game changer. I picked up this pack at the beginning of the 2018-2019 ski season and it was the best piece of gear I've gotten in several years. There were 3 things that really make this pack stand out from the competition:

1. Weight: This pack is the lightest canister airbag on the market right now. When the pack arrived this was the first thing I noticed as I pulled it out of the box. The Ascent 40 Avabag with canister came in a little over 400 grams lighter than my old 32 liter airbag! The weight savings is fabulous, but I was also able to get an extra 8 liters of storage. The weight savings is a result of innovative, intentional, and practical design and use of materials. It's clear they didn't skimp on R&D. The design of this pack is well thought-out and it shows inside and out through every feature. The meticulous attention to detail down to every zipper pull, strap, buckle, loop, attachment, etc. shows the company spent a significant amount of time on research and development of the product. Every feature on this pack was developed with safety, weight savings, and practicality in mind.

2. Comfort: Comfort and weight have always been the top two disadvantages for airbags. Over the years I've owned and tested several different airbags and they all felt like I had a suitcase strapped to my back with little to no suspension or hip support. As mentioned above, this pack is a game changer when it comes to comfort and weight savings. I wanted to put the pack to the test right away and so I loaded it up with all of my spring mountaineering gear, added some extra weight for good measure, and took it out for a long tour. The suspension system along with the soft and supportive shoulder and hip straps make for a very pleasant experience. Unlike other brands the straps on this pack stay put and don't loosen-up over the course of the tour. The reinforced straps and 3D foam padding on the back provide a soft and snug fit throughout the length of my back. I have yet to experience any hot spots from the straps and the materials have held up very well to a full season (55+ days) of use. You can really load this pack up and the suspension system does a wonderful job of distributing the weight. I no longer experience that suitcase feel I had with other brands. This is by far the most comfortable airbag I've ever worn.

3. Features & practicality: Usually with lightweight products there's a lack of features and practicality. Not with this pack! From the circumferential zipper (clamshell pack opening for easy access to your gear) to the lightweight fixed helmet net to the D-Skifix (one of the best ski carry systems I've used) this pack is loaded with awesome features. The ice axe and ski pole fasteners are designed nicely and don't interfere with any of the other carry systems on the pack. The avalanche safety gear compartment has individual mini compartments for your probed shovel. Super easy access when your gear is needed. The waterproof zippers help keep the contents inside your pack dry throughout the day and the loops on the zipper pulls are easy to use even with bulky gloves. The pack has nicely placed pockets to hold additional gear and items. The hip pocket holds energy bars and other snacks well for easy access. One of the coolest features is the ability to practice activation of the unit without deploying the airbag. Simply unscrew the canister and practice activation over and over again.

Overall, this pack is amazing. Whether you go with the 40 liter or the smaller 30 liter version, you will not be disappointed with your purchase.