Although other airbag packs have arguably equaled ABS, ABS is still the standard by which all other airbag packs are judged. To date no one has been able to say they have built an airbag system that works better than ABS. But the packs themselves have consistently received lackluster praise while competitors have clearly been able to design packs that fit the American’s backcountry mindset better.

However, that disparity in pack quality is about to be eliminated. In the wake of several high profile avalanche accidents in February 2012 demand for ABS packs stripped retailer shelves bare and they were forced to begin shipping next years models now. With that came the recognition that ABS finally has a solid hit with their Vario25. Maybe not a homer, but a triple or at least a double.

As the name implies it holds, not barely but easily, 25 liters of stuff. Room for a shovel, probe, repair kit, first aid kit, food, water, clothing, goggles, and an extra who-haw or two. It has two main compartments, one next to the frame with a U-shaped clam shell zipper giving easy access to everything when opened. Next compartment on the back of that is accessed from a clamshell zipper that only goes part way down, but is positioned so it opens up like a top lid giving access to the main compartment like a semi-top loader. Finally there is a stash pocket with zippered access on the top. All the zippers have nice, double pull tabs.

Daisy chained webbing adorns either side for strapping skis, a snowboard, ice axe or whatever else to the back, but you need to get creative on your own to make those attachments work well. Side straps to compress the pack when half loaded, or to carry skis A-frame style are unfortunately absent, a consequence of needing the side panel free from clutter so the airbags can inflate without interference. Another side effect of the airbags is the straps securing the pack to the frame at the top and bottom of the pack overlap the access zipper to the first compartment. Just put the zipper pulls on the side so you can still access it without undoing the straps.

Where ABS remains a clear winner is in the airbag department. A cylinder of compressed nitrogen is what drives the inflation of the airbags. These canisters are sealed and can only be discharged with the pyro-technic trigger that pierces the top, letting the compressed gas out. That trigger is easily disconnected so it can’t be accidentally discharged while traveling, and is held fast by a Velcro™ strap so you don’t accidentally pull it when you’re wearing it.

When activated, an airbag on either side of the pack is deployed and inflated, giving a redundancy to the system in case one should be punctured. It is even possible to add a radio controlled group trigger so that someone, like a guide, can remotely trigger your airbag should you be caught and unable to pull it yourself.

Last but not least, if you want an airbag pack, maybe two different sized packs, the ABS Vario System will let you do that. One of the driving forces behind the decision for ABS to create their Vario line was to be able to have multiple airbag pack sizes without having to buy multiple airbag systems. With the Vario system the airbag plumbing and hardware is housed on a pack frame that various sized packs can be attached to via a circumferential zipper and a few reinforcing straps. The frame includes the shoulder straps, metal buckled waist belt, and leg loop. All the important stuff is there and well built. And in case you’re still not enamored with the packs ABS has designed to go with their Vario frame, Da Kine will be offering a series of packs that mate with the vario frame next fall.

As with every airbag pack, the extra weight of the safety hardware feels heavy when you lift the pack, but is easy to bear on your back.

It is hard to argue against the ABS Vario system. To date, the only serious complaints revolve around the quality of the packs available. That changes this year with the Vario25. It is large enough for a day pack, well suited for going hut-to-hut, and it packs simply and easily. It has two large compartments, one with a full clam shell zipper, and the larger of the two with a half-shell zipper, making it a semi-top loader. Plus a fast access utility pocket. And airbag hardware you can count on. Ah, but quality does come at a price. You’re worth it though, aren’t you?

Successful survival of avalanche with ABS pack.

Dealing with the TSA to fly with your ABS
(page 2)

ABS
Vario 25
Pricing: Vario base – $995,
Activation Unit (Canister + Trigger) – $150,
Vario25 Pack – $129,
Recharge canister – $30.
Weight (Vario base+Vario25 pack+canister):
7 lbs., 1 oz. (3.2 kg)

© 2012

Flying with ABS

What is not so easy to bear is traveling with the ABS system. In talking with owners of the pack it appears that traveling is not a big issue. Theoretically even though the pyro-technic trigger of ABS packs is an explosive device, it is not like that explosion is sufficient to bring down a plane. Let’s face some obvious facts here. You’re okay with wearing it and having that small explosion go off on your back because when it does, the airbags fill up and hopefully you will ride on top instead of to the bottom of an avalanche.

But that word explosion makes government bureaucrats in the alphabet agencies (like the TSA or FAA) nervous and even if it is a safety device you better tow the line or their rules and regulations could let them sideline or confiscate your canister of compressed nitrogen. That’s the least of it. Actually, there are some pretty hefty fines possible too.

Here’s what you need to know. If you’re traveling with an ABS airbag pack ABS advises you to contact the airline two weeks prior and inform them you will be traveling with and ABS pack. Be sure to point out to them that there is an exception that allows to to fly with this pack per the International Airline Transportation Authority (IATA). Send them a letter explaining this and include the attached PDF document as your evidence.

When you fly, be sure to disconnect the canister of compressed nitrogen. Be sure to advise the airline as you check in that you have an ABS airbag pack and have the IATA paperwork handy in case you need it. If asked, point it out to the TSA inspectors that the cylinder is disconnected, and legal to fly with per IATA exceptions.

However, a recent check with the FAA makes it clear that this is still not necessarily legal in the USA. According to FAA agent James Berk, the IATA rules are accepted in Europe, but are merely recommended guidelines for the USA. In particular there is State Variation US-2, an exception to the IATA exception which states:

“Dangerous goods not permitted for carriage by passenger or crew in checked or carry-on baggage by 49 CFR 175.10 are not permitted for such carriage even when authorized by IATA or ICAO. For example, the carriage of avalanche rescue backpacks by passenger or crew is not authorized.”

Agent Berk went on to specify, “At this time, 49 CFR 175.10 does NOT list the avalanche backpacks. Therefore they are not allowed to travel to, from or within the United States.”

(Updated TSA guidelines for Compressed Gas Cylinders)

Except…a friend from Europe says he flys through US airports with an ABS pack “all the time” and has no problems. Thus, my best advice is pretend to be European and don’t act suspiciously and don’t make too big of a deal about it and you’ll probably be fine. And if you’re not…please let the rest of us know here.

And in the meantime, let us all hope that The North Face is using their marketing and lobbying clout to deal with this for everyone’s benefit.

© 2012