For backcountry skiers and splitboarders on the lookout for a higher-volume, low-weight digital airbag, Ortovox’s AVABAG Litric Tour 40 is one in every of only some choices. The pack makes use of the LiTRIC system, a light-weight digital airbag system co-developed by Ortovox and Arc’teryx that’s been examined and principally praised by a number of WildSnow contributors because it debuted in 2022.
Right here, Tahoe-based splitboarder Drew Zieff analyzes the professionals and cons of this Ortovox avalanche airbag–like a forecaster ogling rounded snow grains by a magnifying loupe—and general recommends it for frequent flyers, guides, and anybody seeking to haul a sizeable load and an airbag whereas minimizing the load penalty.
Why Electrical? The Case For Ditching The Canister Has By no means Been Stronger
As talked about in my overview of BCA’s E2 Float 35, I’ve all the time gravitated towards electrical airbags. Why? Primarily as a result of compressed air cylinders are a nuisance to fly with, and touring to shred is my favourite pastime. Touring with compressed air packs means emptying canisters earlier than your flight, after which refilling them upon arrival. In lesser-traveled zones—the precise forms of off-the-beaten-path locations that decision to the backcountry skier—discovering someplace to drag this off is often not possible. At finest, you’re burning journey time on getting a refill.
The power of digital airbag techniques to fireplace off a number of deployments on a single cost gives peace of thoughts you don’t get with a single-use canister. This lets you observe pulling your airbag to make sure performance forward of your journey. Within the occasion of a deployment on an extended mission (say, a multi-day hut journey), you’ll be able to rapidly deflate, reset, and be able to proceed. In case your exit passes by avalanche terrain, it is a main profit.
There are two principal causes digital airbags didn’t fully take over the market when Black Diamond launched its Jetforce packs a decade in the past: weight and price. Early iterations have been heavy as hell and expensive. The airbag techniques themselves have been cumbersome, too, taking on extra pack quantity than producers cared to confess.
Digital airbags have developed and improved, changing into lower-profile, lighter, and extra environment friendly. Working example: the Ortovox Avabag Litric Tour 40 weighs in at a manageable (claimed) 5.42 kilos (my low cost baggage scale has it clocking in at 5 kilos, possibly a hair beneath). Granted, the worth tag is wild at $1,400, however it’s cheaper than Arc’Teryx’s LiTRIC Micon 42, a equally specced albeit barely lighter choice Bergen Tjossem simply reviewed for Wild Snow.
Fairly simple to inflate, deflate, and repack the Ortovox LiTRIC pack.
Why I’m Loving The Ortovox Avabag LiTRIC Tour 40: The LiTRIC System
Two digital airbag techniques dominate the market proper now: the Alpride E2, which you’ll discover on Deuter, BCA, Scott, and Osprey packs, and the LiTRIC, which is proprietary to Ortovox and Arc’teryx. I get into the weeds of the variations between the Alpride and LiTRIC techniques a bit of extra on this overview of BCA’s E2 Float 35, however there are a number of noteworthy promoting factors of the LiTRIC. Most notably, it retains the load as little as potential.
As Mild As It Will get
The LiTRIC system (not together with the pack) is lighter than the Alpride E2 system by 90 grams. Not a lot, however when you’re studying a two-thousand-plus-word airbag overview on Wild Snow, chances are high you’ll admire these grams. In case you’re on the lookout for the lightest-weight digital airbag system you may get, that is the way in which to go. Observe that this pack isn’t as gentle as extra streamlined Ortovox choices, just like the Litric Zero 27 (4.34 kilos) or the pricier Arc’Teryx Micon 42 (4.85 kilos).
Airbag Configuration And Positioning
I discovered that the interior positioning of the LiTRIC airbag pocket (the place the deflated airbag is saved) and airbag fan unit is preferable for benefiting from your pack quantity. The airbag pocket is concerning the dimension and site of a goggle pocket on a non-airbag touring pack, and the fan sits slightly below it on the looker’s left aspect of the pack. I like that positioning, because it frees up the underside of the pack so you’ll be able to pack cumbersome issues like Nalgenes, RAD baggage, crampons, and so forth with no combat.
I examined this pack on a three-week journey to northern Norway final spring, which included day journeys once I was bringing all of my sharp shit and a 10-day expedition by the fjords of Finnmark with Upguides. Even on the larger, colder days, once I’d pack my gentle puffy and a heavier emergency layer, two water bottles and loads of meals, splitboard and boot crampons, I wasn’t taking part in tug-o-war with zippers to open or shut pockets. I credit score this to the pack design (extra on this beneath), however the airbag configuration additionally deserves kudos.
locking mechanism ensures the airbag pocket stays shut
Strong Airbag Pocket Closure Mechanism
In case you’re planning to overstuff this unhealthy boy on larger days or in a single day journeys, there’s one other useful design characteristic: the avalanche airbag closure is secured through a latch, not only a zipper. In case you’ve ever had points closing your airbag pocket or, extra seemingly, having the airbag pocket zipper flop open whereas touring or descending (a serious annoyance, not less than for me), you’ll dig this characteristic. Even after tremendous lengthy days with a totally loaded pack and all through the expedition, I by no means had the airbag pocket pop open.
On-Off Button
Final however not least, I additionally just like the on-off button of the Litric in comparison with the pull toggle of the Alpride E2 (it’s just a bit simpler, not a dealbreaker both approach).
Critiques of the Litric System
I’ve discovered a few fiddly elements of the LiTRIC design price mentioning. These aren’t full-blown negatives, simply minor critiques chances are you’ll or might not share when you get one.
Checking Your Battery
To examine the battery lifetime of the Litric system, you have a look at the aspect panel of the backpack, the place you’ll see a sequence of flashing lights. The Alpride E2 system, alternatively, has each flashing lights seen by the aspect panel and an inside LCD display that exhibits a diagram of battery life with bars representing energy. This Alpride E2 display exhibits each the battery lifetime of the supercapacitors (the electromechanical part that fires the airbag) and the lithium-ion battery that re-powers the supercapacitors after a deployment. It’s a preferable characteristic, however it may be a part of the rationale why the Alpride system is a bit of heavier.
Lithium-Ion Battery vs. AA Batteries
The largest distinction between the Alpride E2 system and the LiTRIC system is how the supercapacitors are topped off after a deployment. The Alpride system makes use of AA batteries, whereas the LiTRIC system has a built-in lithium-ion battery.
Ortovox claims the LiTRIC system gives 60 hours of battery and not less than two deployments per 25-minute cost. I had no drawback with the battery lifetime of the LiTRIC system on my Norway expedition. I charged the pack earlier than I left and was in a position to make use of it all through a 10-day journey, which included some brutally chilly temperatures. I used to be cautious with use although, turning off the airbag in a single day and on mellow camp-to-camp excursions that didn’t move by avalanche terrain to make sure I’d have juice til the top of the journey.
Some skiers and splitboarders, particularly ones on longer expeditions, would possibly want the AA battery-style rechargeability of the Alpride E2 system. In case you all the time carry a photo voltaic panel or an influence financial institution with USB-C on longer expeditions, this isn’t as related. Topping off the LiTRIC’s lithium-ion battery is fairly fast and straightforward if in case you have an influence supply.
Minor LiTRIC Deal with Gripes
The LiTRIC system includes a pull deal with that’s simply adjusted to the left or proper shoulder strap. It additionally boasts a nifty twist system that locks or unlocks the airbag pull and is visually apparent—orange is able to rock, black is locked. That deal with is well twisted with gloves or mitts on and the twisting characteristic is one in every of my favourite elements of the system. So—the place’s the meat?
My one criticism right here is the deal with can’t be zipped up into the backpack strap. This appears to be the case for all LiTRIC airbags, versus the BCA Float E2 35 I simply examined, which has a deal with that may be zipped into the shoulder strap. Bergen requested Arc’teryx concerning the LiTRIC deal with for his Arc’Teryx Micon 42 overview and so they mentioned leaving it completely out is an effort to fight the widespread drawback of customers forgetting to drag the deal with out earlier than descending (which clearly defeats the aim of carrying an airbag pack).
That’s admirable, however I just like the stowability on the E2 for journey, because it makes the pack much less conspicuous and protects the airbag system in transit. Extra importantly, on snow, it’s a sensible choice to have. If I’m hitting a leap, mountain climbing alongside a cliff, or dropping a pillow line that deserves a haphazard 360, I could be extra involved with an unintended deployment than an precise avalanche.
pulk towed behind the Ortovox AVABAG LiTRIC Tour 40 in Norway
What I Love Concerning the Ortovox AVABAG LiTRIC Tour 40 Backpack
The Good Steadiness of Low Weight, Excessive Quantity
Contemplating the quantity of the pack and the airbag inside, the Ortovox gives gram-counters wonderful bang for buck at a claimed 5.42 kilos (once more, my baggage scale clocked a bit of lighter). Due to the LiTRIC system itself, even handed pack design (some options, however not too many), and use of lightweight-yet-strong supplies, the designers stored pack weight very manageable.
I believe the largest praise I can provide right here is that I used this pack on many excursions when avalanches weren’t a priority (it was the one pack I introduced on my 10-day expedition, in any case, and we loved a principally steady spring snowpack). Regardless of that, I by no means discovered myself wishing that I’d introduced an ultralight, airbag-less backcountry pack.
Finest-In-Present Compression Straps
More often than not, I don’t want a full 40 liters of quantity, so I admire having the ability to cinch a bigger pack down. The Tour includes a well-designed set of compression straps that assist you to cut back quantity for higher downhill efficiency. Particularly, I dug the decrease triangular strap–it’s fast to drag, safe, and distributes compression evenly. These straps are additionally swell for stashing poles (see my current Wolverine Cut up Sticks overview).
Comfy, Dependable Carry System
I spent a bunch of days within the backcountry with Ortovox’s AVABAG Litric Tour 40 absolutely loaded and some extra lugging an overpacked Pulk sled behind it. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt are snug, and I didn’t have any stress factors on lengthy days.
Touring with the Ortovox LiTRIC Tour 40 in Tahoe. Picture credit score: Gloria Liu
Wonderful Predominant Compartment With Twin Entry Factors
As I discussed above, the airbag system quantity and positioning allow you to benefit from this capacious principal compartment. I like that it may be rapidly accessed through the highest zip (good for stashing a puffy or grabbing a drink of water mid-tour) or fileted open through an outer 270-degree clamshell zipper (higher for donning crampons, stopping for lunch, and so forth.)
A number of Backpacks In One
That high zip can truly zip the backpack fully off of the bottom airbag system (again panel and harness), so you’ll be able to swap out the pack for different-sized add-ons (like this smaller, and comparatively reasonably priced, 30-liter choice). The expensive a part of airbag packs is the airbag system, not the backpack, so the interchangeability helps you to transfer the costly half between packs simply.
Whereas I didn’t take a look at this characteristic past testing the zipper, the attract is there. Who doesn’t need to have a number of airbag pack quantity choices with out shopping for a number of (very costly) airbag techniques? I may see myself shopping for a smaller-volume choice for shorter excursions if I ran this pack for a number of seasons.
Goldilocks Ranges Of Compartmentalization
The outer panel holds avalanche instruments with designated sleeves. It match my widest shovel (the BCA Dozer 2T), no drawback.
The panel additionally options three smaller pockets for organizing necessities, together with:
A deep high pocket, accessed through exterior zip (can be utilized for goggles and shades when you cram them, however better-suited for instruments and treats. Extra on this beneath.)
An inside, spacious velcro and elastic stretch pocket (I used this for lunch and snacks)
An inside decrease zip pocket, only a contact smaller than the elastic stretch pocket (I appreciated utilizing this for crap that not often leaves my pack, like a restore package and a small first help package)
All instructed, the design is measured. There are not any superfluous extras—all the things serves a goal.
credit score Gloria Liu
A Quad-pack of Critiques
To be trustworthy, I don’t have too many complaints relating to the pack itself, however let’s nitpick:
Deal with Woes: I already talked about that I wanted the deal with zipped into the backpack strap.
Stash Goggles At Your Personal Threat: The goggle pocket (or not less than, the zippered high compartment that I assumed was meant to be a goggle pocket, as a result of it’s often a goggle pocket) isn’t lined with microfiber. I all the time admire a lined, devoted goggle/glasses pocket, simply in case I overlook or lose my goggle sack.
However my larger qualm right here is that when your pack is absolutely loaded, stuffing goggles in that pocket turns into frustratingly tough. I typically resorted to stashing goggles and sun shades in a case and protecting that within the pack’s principal compartment. Not a dealbreaker, however it was sufficient of an annoyance that I made a word on my telephone whereas touring to incorporate this gripe in my overview.
Much less Sturdy Than The BCA Float 35: The outside material doesn’t appear fairly as sturdy as that of the BCA Float 35 E2 I’ve been testing in tandem. Granted, I haven’t had any actual sturdiness points after 25 to 30 days of touring, however it positively doesn’t come off as bomber or waterproof because the BCA, which has a thicker PU coating. In fact, some would possibly take into account this a professional, not a con, for the reason that Ortovox choice is considerably lighter whereas having the next capability.
utilizing an aftermarket gear pouch as a hip pocket on the Ortovox Tour 40 pack
No Hip Belt Pocket: My largest criticism? No hip belt pocket. Sigh. I discovered that I missed this characteristic tremendously. Particularly, I wish to have snacks available whereas I’m touring. I’ll additionally typically hold a scraper in there, a Voile strap, a splitboard device, possibly a slope meter, and so forth.
In reality, I missed the hip pocket a lot, I truly lashed a bit of Patagonia Black Gap packing dice to the hip belt throughout my Norway expedition, so I had three liters of Scandinavian sweet (amongst different issues) simply accessible whereas traipsing by the fjords. It was overkill, certain, however higher than nothing.
Including a hip belt pocket isn’t arduous or costly, however they’re higher built-in if included within the design. In case you get used to having one like I’ve, you’ll positively discover the omission.
Remaining Ideas on the Ortovox AVABAG LiTRIC Tour 40 Pack
In case you’re available in the market for an digital airbag since you need added security with out added grams, the Ortovox Avabag Litric Tour 40 is a good selection. The airbag system itself is as light-weight, dependable, and user-friendly because it will get, and Ortovox’s Tour 40 is cheaper than the Arc’Teryx choices that characteristic the identical airbag tech.
The pack itself gives a superb volume-to-weight ratio and is snug for lengthy missions and massive days. It’s positively minimalist with no hip belt pocket and few exterior straps and pouches, however the construct is light-weight, and the group is sensible and helpful within the discipline.
The perfect airbag packs are those you employ day-in, day-out—you don’t depart it behind on a giant day since you’re stressing about weight. Hovering close to the five-pound mark, this Ortovox pack has turn out to be that every day driver airbag for me. Final week, I took it on the largest tour of my winter up to now (nothing loopy, thoughts you, however sufficient that once I got here residence my boot liners prompted my fiancée to gag). At no level throughout that four-lap affair did I ever assume to myself “Rattling–I want I’d introduced a lighter pack.”
I’m Drew Zieff. A mountain-loving, powder-chasing, ink-slinging freelance journalist and copywriter. I’ve penned tales for publications equivalent to Exterior Journal, Backcountry Journal, and Well-liked Mechanics, amongst others. Longtime WildSnow reader and now a contributor.
