[A self-paying review without any consideration] ORTOVOX AVABAG Litick Tour 40 Review The definitive edition of the avalanche airbag, which is lighter, easier to use, and has evolved.
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
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Niseko Ski Resort is a powder snow heaven that is no longer an exaggeration to say it is a "foreigner." It's surprising to see how high prices are in hotels and restaurants, and the fact that most of the words spoken are in English this season was the high rate of avalanche airbags installed. A quick look seems to me that nearly half of the riders I met were carrying some kind of avalanche airbag.
Of course, there are some unique circumstances unique to Niseko, but in any case, I realized that with the recent popularity of powder, avalanche airbags, which dramatically improve survival rates when hit by an avalanche, are steadily becoming "common sense" around the world.
There have been many types of avalanche airbags, including gas and electric, since ancient times, but it is no exaggeration to say that the electronic airbag system "Alpride E1 (now E2)" developed by Alpride of Switzerland in the winter of 2017, due to its excellent performance and ease of use, it is no exaggeration to say that it is the mainstream of avalanche airbags these days.
This Alpride E1 system uses the innovative "Super Capacitor" power source that can be quickly charged and discharged without being affected even under low temperatures. It can be deployed and re-stored over and over again by charging, and has a light and easy-to-use structure, and is now used by well-known backpack manufacturers such as BCA, ABS, Deuter, Osprey, Scott, and Millet. used Scott and .
However, a powerful competitor has appeared in the "Alpride E1/E2" season. This is the new airbag system " LiTRIC " that we will introduce today, equipped with a super capacitor.
Outdoor Gearzine the ORTOVOX AVABAG LITRIC TOUR 40 , an avalanche airbag equipped with the LiTRIC Avalanche Airbag System which was created through a collaboration between ORTOVOX and Arc'teryx , at my own expense, and has actually used it for over 20 days this season for backcountry skiing in Honshu and Hokkaido, so we'll be bringing you a review.
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ORTOVOX AVABAG Litrick Tour 40 Main Features
ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC Tour 40 is a ski/snowboard backpack equipped with the newly developed electronic avalanche airbag system, "LiTRIC." The "LiTRIC" system delivers the lightest weight on the market today, and is equipped with a mechanism that is safer and more convenient than conventional electronic airbags. Although it is a large 40 liter size for a ski touring pack, the cargo area has a modular structure that can be attached and detached with a zipper, so by combining optional compartments of different sizes, it can be customized to a variety of capacity to suit your needs. This avalanche airbag is suitable for both ski and snowboarding, and has been carefully designed with functional storage that makes ski tours more comfortable, achieving top-class completion in both technical advancement and practicality.
Recommended points
- Achieves the lightest avalanche airbag
- Can be expanded twice on one charge (recharged without AA batteries)
- Easy to re-store after deploying the airbag, and it is not easy to loosen up during action.
- Quick charging time with USB-C
- A large enough capacity of 40 liters (can be compressed without shaking even when there are small amounts of luggage)
- Depending on the optional compartment, you can resize it to 18-40 liters, etc.
- The skis are diagonal and can also be attached to snowboards.
- A well-thought-out storage that efficiently stores lots of BC equipment
- Easy to put on and take off leg groups
- No problem with carrying on flights
Interesting points
- 50 deployments, or 5 years later, product inspections must be performed to ensure quality assurance.
- I want waist belt storage and easy-to-use goggle storage
- expensive
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | ORTOVOX AVABAG Litrick Tour 40 |
|---|---|
| External dimensions | Height 60 x Width 32 x Depth 23 cm |
| Back length | Regular: 42-50cm (Short: 36-44cm) |
| capacity | 40 liters |
| Women's model | ◯ (not classified as male/female, but rather as a model for large/people) |
| Official weight |
|
| material |
|
| Helmet carrier | Standard equipment |
| Snowboarding compatible | ◯ (Use the included strap) |
| Installing the skis | Diagonal Method |
| accessories | USB-Type C cable for charging, snowboard strap, Japanese manual |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Airbag system performance | ★★★★★ |
| High-up comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Sliding stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Backcountry convenience | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed review: I tried using it on backcountry skiing
Airbag system performance: Lightweight and easy to use than the Alpride E1/E2 system
The backpack I've been using for my backcountry up until now is the Osprey Soledenpro 32 . It is definitely a very well-made, excellent backpack, but it is not that there were no regrets about it.
If you would like to know more, please read the reviews at the link, and here are some typical examples: due to the specifications of the Alpride E1 system, when re-stored after airbags are deployed, they must be folded into a fixed shape, or AA batteries are required to be recharged during activity. It was also certain that the capacity of 32 liters (although the space occupied by the airbag unit) was slightly lacking in capacity to pack full BC equipment such as ropes, harnesses, and clamps, so there were some subtle things that were too bad.
the "LiTRIC" system AVABAG LiTRIC Tour 40 was that it was a great improvement in the many concerns that were the "Alpride E1" avalanche airbags, and was easily used.
Lightest class electronic airbags
When the Alpride E1 system was introduced, its shocking lightness (system weight: 1280g) was a hot topic, but the LiTRIC system achieves 1100g, which is even lighter than the current generation Alpride E2 (system weight: 1140g) (2460g for the overall LiTRIC Tour 40).
Moreover, since the LiTRIC system uses a rechargeable, built-in lithium-ion battery rather than an AA battery like the Alpride series as the secondary power source for recharging, it is actually about 100g lighter than the weight of the Alpride E2, which includes two AA batteries (approximately 50g).
100 grams may seem like a slight difference, but when you carry it with the preconceived notion that "avalanche airbags are heavy", it seems surprisingly light as an avalanche airbag is far from standard. This may also be related to the fact that the airbag unit is located at the top, which makes the center of gravity closer to the shoulders in a balanced way, making it difficult to feel the weight.
Airbag deployment is as easy and fast as Alpride
The "LiTRIC" system can be quickly charged via the USB-Type C terminal, and when used, press the button right next to the pack's entrance, and the continuous operation time is 60 hours, so you can continue using it without charging even on a few days of tours.
Lift the orange tab and press the button to automatically test the operation, and if there is no problem, the light will come on and the set is complete.
It operates stably even under ultra-low temperatures of -30°C, and the Alpride instantly expands (maximum in 4-5 seconds) when the lever is pulled. The deployment of the avalanche airbag itself is not significantly different from the conventional avalanche airbag, with the airbag installed at the top of the backpack being deployed using a lever switch, and a large capacity (150L) balloon inflated to cover the top of the pack (around the head). After inflation, the airbag is reinjected twice every minute about every minute after initial inflation, as European safety certification standards require that the airbag remain in max for 3 minutes.
Below is a video of the first expansion.
By the way, electronic fan drive systems like LiTRIC allow you to deploy the airbag multiple times once you charge them, and like gas-based systems, you can practice until you feel at ease without having to buy or refill the canisters at a time, so it is a system that is overwhelmingly easier to recommend to beginners than gas-based systems.
*The "LiTRIC" system is guaranteed to inflate up to 50 times over a period of 10 years, but after 50 times inflation, the LED lamp will inform you of this and you will need to receive inspection services from the manufacturer. Although it is practically impossible for normal use to inflate more than 50 times in 10 years, it is not possible to expand infinitely, so be careful as it cannot be used infinitely.
One charge allows for at least two airbag deployments
The "LiTRIC" system is one step further than the Alpride E2, ensuring at least two inflation on a single charge. Therefore, you can rest assured that it may unfold incorrectly while you are taking action. Once the airbag is deployed, the built-in lithium-ion battery recharges the system itself and restores it to a state that can be used twice in about 25 minutes, so even if the airbag is activated during an action, the airbag can remain in standby state almost uninterrupted.
Once unfolded, it does not need to fold and is easy to re-store
Re-storing the airbag after deployment was the easiest and smoothest airbag I've ever used. Here we will explain steps 1 to 4 for re-storing.
First, deflate the inflated balloon (①) (②), but simply insert the fork-shaped plastic tool installed in the top pocket of the pack into the slot in the airbag itself. The balloon air is exhausted throughout the insertion, so it was easier than Alpride, where you have to pick the opening switch (photo below).
Once the air has passed away, store the balloon in the compartment (③). While many airbag balloons, including the Alpride E2, are made from a hard coated fabric, LiTRIC balloons use two layers of supple and durable fabric. For this reason, the Litrick Tour 40, there is no need to fold the airbag using the specified procedure when re-storing it. It was stress-free, as it was simply designed to push it evenly into the storage space.
Once the balloon is pressed safely, close the lock in the center of the balloon compartment until it clicks (④). Next, close the zippers on both sides. Finally, cover the flap firmly until the zipper is hidden, and you are ready to unfold (photo below).
This new locking system is extremely excellent, and the unfortunate problem that was seen in previous Alpride and Jetforce systems, where "a packed backpack often loosens the zipper and opens the balloon compartment" has become a thing of the past.
Easy to grip and pull even with light force, adjustable height, and also comes with a lock mechanism to prevent malfunction by rotating 180°.
The leg group, an essential part of an avalanche airbag, is designed to be less stressful, with the standard carabiner attached to the loop instead of the tedious process of passing it through the waist strap.
Storage and convenience: A variety of storage and functions designed to make your backcountry skiing comfortable
As ORTOVOX still produces many excellent backpacks that are loved by many BC skiers today, its shrewdness in storage is nothing short of stunning. While maintaining simplicity, the pocket attachments are carefully thought out in the quality and quantity needed for backcountry skiing, and are always able to pack your luggage with little dissatisfaction.
The base and cargo space are separated and can be customized to a variety of capacity depending on the combination
The AVABAG Litrick Tour 40 has a modular structure that combines the base part made up of the rear panel and the airbag system, and the cargo space part that can be attached and detached with a zipper.
Therefore, by combining the large and small cargo space parts sold as options, you can adjust the size to suit a variety of purposes, from light side country for half-days to long tours for several days.
However, the large-capacity 40-liter backpack I purchased has a well-made side strap, so even small amounts of luggage can be fully compressed, allowing me to carry my luggage comfortably on either side country or fully equipped tour. By the way, the position of this side strap can also be adjusted depending on the height of the slit to be set (photo below).
Pocket attachments that are necessary and sufficient for ease of use
The main storage is opened wide and can be easily put in and taken out by zippers that circumnavigate like a suitcase (photo below). The compact airbag unit allows you to fully utilize the large space of 40 liters.
One of the biggest complaints about Avalanche airbags is that the airbag system takes up a lot of space in the cargo area. If BC beginners judge the capacity in their usual sense, they will most likely feel that it is a bit lacking. In my own experience, when equipment such as ropes, harnesses, and clamps are added, the capacity of avalanche airbags with a size of 30 liters often becomes slightly short of capacity. For that reason, personally, I was very pleased with the size I wanted (which is generally said to be large) of the 40 liter model, and I was very pleased with the ample storage capacity.
The main storage zipper has a double zipper, so it can be opened from both the top and bottom.
The avalanche safety gear storage is also neatly arranged. The zipper here has a double zipper design, allowing for quick opening and closing in any condition.
There is another zipper pocket on the front where you can use tools, snacks, sunscreen and other small items that we introduced earlier to deflate the air. Although physically, I was able to store goggles, I didn't think it was suitable because the pockets had fleece lining, but they interfered with the hard airbag unit itself and became uneven. I would have liked to have space to store goggles a little more smartly if possible.
There are two pockets on the back of the main storage area. It is convenient for storing small and thin items such as USB cables and maps.
It's not uncommon these days, but the lower part of the front is also equipped with a helmet holder to secure the helmet.
I also really liked the ease of use, such as the large, mitten-friendly zipper pull (left photo below) and the easy-to-operate, detachable axe holder (right photo below).
Two ice axes can be attached to the minimalist front loop.
There was a gap that came out from inside the shoulder strap, where hydration tubes and transceiver speaker microphones could be passed through.
Ski/Snowboard attachments that can be attached quickly with diagonal
Skis can be set diagonally. It was not impossible even with an A-frame, but please note that manuals do not allow it to interfere with the airbag.
By using the included strap, you can also attach snowboards and snowshoes.
Comfort: No fatigue even with heavy loads, and comfortable to carry with excellent stability even when gliding
The basic form and construction of the Litrick Tour 40 is similar to the company's "HAUTE ROUTE" series, but the back, shoulder and waist belt are slightly adjusted to make it lighter. However, rather than being dissatisfied with the way it is shaved off, the comfortable back, three-dimensional harness, and shoulder stabilizer at the shoulders provide a comfortable fit that is resistant to shaking.
The lightness of the system itself, calculated center of gravity balance, and the simple yet comfortable rear system cultivated over many years of accumulation will not cause unnecessary weight or stress even with a capacity of 40 liters.
If you tighten the side straps of your backpack to compress the pack, and tighten the waist belt with the shoulder harness, sternum straps, shoulder stabilizers and leg group firmly, the pack will not shake no matter how fast you glide at, and there will be no discomfort.
Summary: I'm very satisfied with both performance and practicality. The best choice of avalanche airbags at the moment
The avalanche airbag has finally been released by Ortbox, a comprehensive outdoor brand that started out as a development and manufacturing avalanche beacon in Munich, Germany, and is now a backpack that has produced many sturdy, robust, high-quality mountaineering gear, including backpacks. Even the Osprey Soledenpro 32 it was a backpack that was more "usable" than I imagined, as I thought, as I had decided to switch to.
I feel that Osprey still has a strong sense of comfort when it comes to carrying it on your back, but the Litrick Tour winning over the rest of the time (airbag performance, capacity, and usability).
There is no guarantee that if you have an avalanche, you will survive even if you encounter an avalanche, but it is said to double the chances of survival, and there is no doubt that it will increase safety even a little in the snowy mountains that are next to danger.
It's true that you may think that it's still too expensive when looking at the prices alone, but for people who spend more than a few days a year in the backcountry, if you consider this to be 10 years' worth of insurance, depending on how you think about it, it's not something that can be considered that extraordinary. Among these the ORTOVOX AVABAG Li-Ritrick Tour 40 is one of the best options for the most safety, comfort and functionality of the avalanche airbags that will become an essential item in the future, and is a product that we recommend not only for BC skiing and snowboarding, but also for those who want to enjoy activities in avalanche terrain such as snow mountain climbing and snowshoes.
Details and purchase of ORTOVOX AVABAG Litrick Tour 40
For product details, please check the official Magic Mountain website
