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With the A.LIGHT, ABS is bringing a small, fine avalanche backpack onto the market. It looks great, but can it really do anything? Our ambassador Robert Werner from the Flow Valley Crew tested it for us.
Futuristic avalanche backpack ABS A. Light
Today I get to test the avalanche backpack from avalanche airbag pioneer ABS. The new high-tech model for freeriders and off-piste skiers. I eagerly open the package from Sport Conrad, which the postman has already put in front of the door this morning in the freezing cold. I was amazed when I unpacked the rucksack. My first thought: Holy shit what a clean design! The feel of the base unit is more reminiscent of an oversized storage box for an action cam. In chic metallic grey, the minimalist “Ready to Ride” base weighs just 2.9 kg in size L. Since the BaseUnit is specially designed for the target group of off-piste riders, unnecessary packing volume was avoided. This means that the backpack remains compact and does not get in the way when powdering. Nevertheless, the backpack has 10 litres of packing volume for LWS equipment, goggles, power bars, mobile phone, hydration bladder etc. I’m definitely glad that the 25-litre extension pack was also included so that I can stow crampons, a change of clothes and snacks for my splitboard tour tomorrow. A carbon cartridge is also included, which brings the total weight of the base unit to 3180 grams.
packing the backpack
According to ABS, all the necessary utensils can be stowed in the 10-litre basic model. When packing, you immediately notice how well thought-out the logistics of the A. LIGHT is. Despite the minimalist 10 litres, you are very well organised here.
Avalanche Safety Equipment
Avalanche shovel, probe and first aid pack can be stored in the Rescunit safety compartment. In an emergency, the red loop can be pulled out with a single movement, even when the rucksack is still on the back. By pulling the loop hard, the zip of the Rescunit opens automatically and saves valuable time in the search for buried people.
Goggles
There is also an extra padded compartment for goggles on the top of the backpack.
Smartphone
A really good feature is the insulated mobile phone pocket on the right side at the height of the hip belt. This prevents temperature-related battery loss on tour. The zip is super easy to use, even when the backpack is strapped to the back. This ensures easy access to the mobile phone at all times, especially if you want to take a souvenir photo of the tour now and then.
Small parts: key, minitool, wax etc.
The hip belt has spacious side pockets on both sides for quick access during the tour. Ideal for small items or a bar in between.
Drink belt
The most common hydration systems can also be accommodated in the base unit. The drinking tube is simply fed through the padded shoulder straps.
The Gridlab-Systeme
After I have dealt with the inner workings of the A.LIGHT, I take a closer look at the fastening options on the backpack. The magic word from ABS here is Gridlab. With the two universal UniGrid straps supplied as standard, a snowboard, jacket etc. can be securely fastened. The UniGrid straps can be attached in various positions to the two side flaps. This offers numerous possibilities for securely attaching equipment and accessories to the backpack.
Diagonal ski holder
The A.LIGHT backpack has an integrated diagonal attachment point for skis. The lower loop of the ski attachment is located in the left hip pocket. The skis are threaded into this from above. The upper loop is in the mesh pocket of the cartridge compartment. This hook loop is passed over the skis from above, hooked onto the webbing of the right shoulder strap and lashed down. The pair of skis then sits bombproof on the backpack. Nothing wobbles or dangles. And again, the ceane look of the backpack is not disturbed, not even by the fastening options. This loop stowage system from ABS is simply ingenious.
Helmet
There is a helmet holder for the A.LIGHT that can be used to attach the helmet either centrally or further up from the centre of gravity. However, this must be purchased separately as an accessory. A bit of a shame given the price. As standard, the helmet is attached between the flaps with the two Unigrid straps. The helmet’s goggle holder, together with the UnitGrid straps, ensures a secure hold. Despite these straps, the backpack looks very clean and tidy.
Ice axes
If an extension pack is used, up to two ice axes can be easily and safely stowed between the extension pack and the base. Once again, clean without end.
The carrying system
Probably one of the most important criteria for buying a backpack is the carrying system. The A.LIGHT is available in two back lengths, S/M and L/XL. In my case, I tested the L/XL version with a body height of 187cm. Already when adjusting the shoulder straps for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the absolute WOW effect. The back padding clings directly to the spine and you immediately feel at one with the backpack. Of course, there is also enough padding so that, in the event of a fall, the probe and shovel are not felt in the back compartment. In addition, there is the option of Fine Tuning to individually adjust the back panel with two flexible aluminium struts. In my case, everything felt perfect right away, even when I had a snowboard attached to the backpack. The wearing comfort is fantastic, nothing presses and it feels as if I have melted into the base unit. Especially variant riders and freeriders who like to play in the terrain will love this feeling. The comfortably padded shoulder straps are optimised by the easy-to-use chest strap with magnetic closure. It is super easy to close with gloves. The hip belt with its two side pockets and metal buckle also sits just right and offers a good way to secure the backpack optimally. The protruding straps are casually fixed with a Velcro fastener and tidied away. And again a clean design. Oh yes, even the standard leg loop, which ensures that the backpack is not pulled over the head in the event of an avalanche, can be neatly stowed in a special pocket in the hip belt for transport. Everything simply has its place here.
the Airbag Systeme
As the inventor of the avalanche airbag, ABS revolutionised winter sports in 1985. The ABS TwinBags system is still considered the golden standard. In an emergency, two independent airbags are triggered, which significantly increases the probability of remaining on the surface. The proven pyrotechnic deployment system has stood the test of time. The deployment handle is also height-adjustable.
Extension Systeme
The packing volume of the A.LIGHT can be increased with various extension packs. There are 15 and 25 litres available. In my case, I tested the 25 litre pack. The right choice for extensive day and multi-day tours. It is the perfect place to stow snacks, a change of clothes, skins, crampons etc. To attach the pack to the base unit, aluminium bolts on the top and underside are spring-loaded into the fastening loops. In addition, the extension pack is fixed lengthwise to the flaps with Velcro fasteners. The ingenious docking system makes me forget that the rucksack consists of two parts. The centre of gravity does not change either.
comments
The A.LIGHT is an all-rounder among avalanche backpacks. Here, off-piste skiers/freeriders who also like to go on longer ski tours will get their money’s worth. The base unit is light enough to play in the terrain and even in drops the A.LIGHT does not interfere with the good fit and the low weight. This means that you are also safe when skiing off-piste. When it’s time for an extended day tour, simply zip on the extension pack and the A.LIGHT transforms into a fully-fledged touring backpack. If you want to use the backpack with all its features, you can’t do without certain accessories. Firstly, there is the helmet holder, which is really practical if you have already attached a snowboard with the UnitGrid straps. It’s a bit of a shame that this is not included in the price. If you want to attach skis to the side, you need SkiGrid Pro Straps, which are also not included. I also recommend ordering the matching ABS A.Ssure set for the RescUnit safety compartment. The LVS set of probe and shovel is super compact and perfectly matched to the ResUnit safety compartment. My Black Diamond avalanche shovel didn’t really fit in there. The clean product design totally convinced me. Super aesthetic but also super functional. There is no unnecessary strap dangling from the backpack. I recommend that you read the instructions before using the backpack. The backpack can do so much. It was a premiere for me too.
Have fun and stay safe!