xavier de le rue eva walkner

EVA WALKNER
PROFESSIONAL FREESKIER
XAVIER DE LE RUE
PROFESSIONAL SNOWBOARDER
Ted Ligety
Alpine ski racer
Olympic gold medallist
Dear snow sports enthusiasts,
My name is Ted Ligety and I grew up in Utah, the state with the
“greatest snow on earth.” My career as a ski racer means that I spend
a lot of time on ski trails around the world, but off-piste skiing has
always been a great passion of mine.
As soon as the racing season ends in spring, I go powder skiing at my
home resort, but I‘ve also visited Alaska, Greenland, and Canada. I
always take my freeride equipment with me during the racing season,
and whenever it snows heavily I take the opportunity to leave a few
tracks in the powder. These are moments I really treasure. Powder
skiing feels so liberating, that feeling of snow flying up into your face
is hard to beat!
A few years ago, I traveled to Alaska to shoot a ski video. During one
of our first lines, I was standing up on the ridge and watched as Phil
Meier triggered a huge avalanche and was swept away. Luckily he was
wearing an ABS® backpack. When the avalanche came to a stop, he
was swimming on the surface – with his airbags inflated.
Fortunately he had been able to activate his airbags. However, there
are lots of scenarios where you can’t manage to do this on time or
even at all. The latest studies also show that around 20% of users
fail to activate their airbags. So I‘m pleased that ABS® has addressed
this specific issue with its innovative new P.RIDE system. The new
system provides integrated wireless partner activation as a standard
feature, which dramatically increases my own safety as well as the
safety of my partners. It is extremely easy to operate, and the ability
to activate my partners‘ airbags as well as my own could be absolutely
life-saving.
I have been trusting ABS® for years and I‘m very happy, after a
long collaboration with ABS®, to be able to present the new P.RIDE
system. P.RIDE stands for PARTNER RIDE and the name says it
all: for the first time, it allows companion rescue with an avalanche
airbag.
I am proud to have supported ABS® with this development and happy
at the thought of each of the lives that can be saved thanks to the
new P.RIDE system.
All the best & take care,
Ted Ligety
2
2
The new generation
of avalanche airbags
ABS® P.RIDE is the only avalanche airbag that can
actively help prevent both your own burial and that of
your companions.
“The effectiveness of avalanche airbags”, a study
carried out by Pascal Haegeli in 2014, showed that
20% of airbags were not activated, making activation
a significant functional weakness of avalanche
airbags. Human failure was identified as the main
cause (60%). There were a variety of reasons for
non-activation of airbags in an emergency. In some
cases, users had failed to recognize the situation
or underestimated the severity. Another scenario
involved unsuccessful attempts to flee, with users
then unable to reach the activation handle in the
momentum of the fall. In other cases, the airbag was
not ready for operation. This functional gap can have
fatal consequences and is a recurrent problem even
for experienced snow sports enthusiasts.
ABS® P.RIDE, the only avalanche airbag to offer
mutual wireless partner activation as standard, closes
this functional gap. Group members are synchronized
automatically when they simultaneously open their
activation handles. This enables partner activation –
with no need for complicated programming. Group
mode allows a backpack wearer to simultaneously
activate his or her own airbags and those of all other
members. To leave the group, a member simply closes
his or her activation handle to cancel synchronization.
If the members of a group plan to tackle a slope
individually, one or more of these winter sports
enthusiasts can temporarily switch to single mode.
In the event of a critical situation, this then allows
specific remote activation of individual airbags. In the
event of an avalanche, the protecting partners then
press their single mode button while at the same time
pulling the activation handle. This activates only the
airbags of the partner(s) in single mode. After leaving
the critical terrain and reaching a safe area, the single
skier presses the single mode button again to return
to group mode.
This very simple operation makes the system
accessible to even occasional off-piste skiers.
Mutual protection from burial represents a life-saving
partnership and innovative companion assistance.
3
ABS®
TEAM P.RIDE PARTNER
We all share the same passion – POWDER. This fascination becomes even more
beautiful when you share it with others. But partners mean much more – in an
emergency, your life can depend on them. Because no matter how thoroughly
you prepare: Avalanches are unpredictable and can happen to anyone. Imagine
the nightmare scenario of being cought up in an avalanche or watching a
partner being swept away and being helpless to do anything to prevent burial.
Mutual wireless partner activation of avalanche airbags plays a vital role in
this respect. It is an essential requirement for optimal effectiveness.
TED LIGETY
DOUBLE OLYMPIC CHAMPION IN COMBINATION (2006)
AND GIANT SLALOM (2014)
TRIPLE WORLD CHAMPION IN GIANT SLALOM
(2011, 2013 AND 2015)
WORLD CHAMPION IN COMBINATION (2013)
WORLD CHAMPION IN SUPER G (2013)
My career is in ski racing. For my second passion,
freeriding, I accept just as few compromises as I do
in racing. So as well as the standard equipment of
transceiver, shovel and probe, my ABS® backpack has
been my constant companion for years. With the new
system, ABS® has managed to close an important safety
loophole: the risk of being unable to activate your own
backpack. The ability to activate the airbags of other
members of a group opens up a whole new dimension
in avalanche safety. I think it’s fantastic that the new
partner activation is built in as a standard feature and
that it’s so easy to use. As well as ensuring greater
safety for my partners if they don’t manage to activate
their airbags in time, it also gives me the feeling of more
personal safety.
4
EVA WALKNER
FREERIDE-WORLD-TOUR CHAMPION 2015
VICE WORLD CHAMPION FWT 2012
10 PODIUM POSITIONS AT THE FWT
FORMER SKI RACING ATHLETE
As professional riders, we serve as role models for the
next generation of freeriders and can make a significant
contribution to increasing their awareness of risks in
backcountry. You should always be properly prepared in
open terrain and never venture out there on your own.
And under no circumstances should you be without
other important aids: your emergency equipment,
consisting of an ABS® avalanche airbag, transceiver,
probe and shovel. However, even with a full emergency
kit, you should never expose yourself to high risks. The
ABS® TwinBag has been my longstanding companion. I
am therefore particularly pleased to see the inclusion of
avalanche airbags as mandatory competition equipment
for the last two years and ABS® is also a partner of the
Freeride World Tour.
XAVIER DE LE RUE
WINNER OF FREERIDE SNOWBOARD WORLD TOUR
2008 AND 2009
WINNER BOARDER CROSS
2001, 2002, 2003, 2007
I was caught in a huge avalanche in March 2008 and
I definitely believe that it’s only luck that allowed me
to escape alive. Part of this luck was wearing my ABS®
avalanche airbag. Personally, I always take the ABS®
avalanche airbag and transceiver with me when I go
freeriding. This doesn’t mean that I take more risks
when it comes to decisions about mountains, but when
something goes wrong, I want to be equipped as good as
possible. I definitely believe that the ABS® backpack is
going to become the mandatory tool for everyone to have
to go freeriding, and I think that it brings an even bigger
advance than the transceiver in terms of avalanche
safety! The new P.RIDE system can be seen as the next
generation of avalanche airbags as it is now possible to
actively prevent the burial of your companions as well.
5
IN AN EMERGENCY,
THE MOST EFFECTIVE
ACTIVATION IS CRUCIAL –
PARTNER ACTIVATION BUILT IN AS STANDARD
With the introduction of partner activation, P.RIDE is ushering in a new era of self-rescue and
companion rescue. For the first time, a built-in wireless connection with partners makes it possible
to actively protect other group members before an actual burial situation occurs. P.RIDE therefore
closes the functional loophole in all previous avalanche airbags – representing a life-saving
innovation.
30% MORE PROJECTED AREA TO HELP YOU STAY ON TOP
In an avalanche, in addition to volume, projected area plays a decisive role in ensuring you stay
on top of the snow. P.RIDE airbags have a 30% greater effective area in comparison to traditional
airbags. In combination with the body, P.RIDE airbags therefore create a larger bearing surface.
This places the body in a particularly advantageous horizontal position that significantly reduces
the risk of injury and increases the probability of remaining on the surface. The novel method used
to secure the airbags ensures they stay in their optimal “wing position” after opening, regardless of
which pack is zipped on.
AUTOMATIC SYSTEM CHECK INDICATES PROPER FUNCTIONING
After the system is enabled, operation is monitored automatically and continuously. LEDs on the
handle provide a clear and easily understandable view of the current status. The high-performance
battery supplies energy reliably at temperatures down to minus 40°C and allows at least 6,000
hours in standby mode.
ABS® TWINBAGS FOR DOUBLE SAFETY
Avalanches do not simply flow over smooth mountain meadows. On the contrary. Their path can
be impeded by obstacles such as stones, rocks, mountain pines and tree stumps. In the case of
a mono-airbag without separate compartments, a single tear in the outer material can be enough
to put the entire system out of operation! As the company with the greatest practical experience,
ABS® relies exclusively on TwinBag technology with two independent airbags.
6
YOU NEED
SYSTEM
To save lives, airbags
need to be activated,
operating reliably and
undamaged.
+
+
+
=
=
PARTNER
ACTIVATION
Self-activation
Group activation
Defined single activation
New activation technology
ABS® P.RIDE
+30%
PROJECTED
AREA
IS CRUCIAL
+ Maximum area
+ Shape designed for optimal
effectiveness
+ Maintenance of the “wing position”
= New TwinBag technology
= ABS® P.RIDE
SYSTEM
CHECK
+ Automatic system check
+ Clear, very legible status display
+ Reliable operation even in
low temperatures
= New electronics technology
= ABS® P.RIDE
DOUBLE
SAFETY
+N
o compromises to the detriment of
operating reliability
+ Two airbags which work
independently of each other
+ Airbag material with high puncture
and tear resistance values
= An imperative focus on quality and
effectiveness
= ABS® P.RIDE
1
1
2
7
ABS® P.RIDE
COMPONENTS
AIRBAGS
VENTURI
NOZZLE
ACTIVATION
HANDLE
8
CARBON
INFLATOR
CONTROL
MODULE
Greater security
for your safety.
AIR
BAGS
The airbag is the heart of any avalanche airbag. In the ABS®
TwinBag system, there are two airbags. Although both are inflated
simultaneously, each is completely independent. Any damage
sustained by one airbag will have no effect on the functionality
of the second one. A benefit that could even mean the difference
between life and death in an emergency. A mono system with a
damaged airbag loses its effectiveness, rendering it useless.
The shape and position of the airbags play a decisive role in terms
of optimal effectiveness. The larger the effective area generated,
the greater the probability of staying on the surface.
The positioning of the airbags at both sides is also designed to
provide good all-round protection and prevent any accumulation of
compressed snow between the back of the head and the airbag.
The new 3D webbing technology increases the bearing surface
by 30% together with a reduction in volume. A unique weaving
technology is used to produce a fabric that keeps its optimal
shape. Its puncture and tear resistance values exceed the required
DIN standards.
30% MORE EFFECTIVE AREA
WOVEN IN A CONTINUOUS SHEET OF FABRIC:
NO LOSS OF VOLUME THROUGH SEAMS
DOUBLE SAFETY THANKS TO TWO INDEPENDENT AIRBAGS
COMPACT PACKING DIMENSIONS –
FREE SPACE INSIDE THE BACKPACK
9
ABS® P.RIDE
COMPONENTS
Safety within reach
at all times
ACTIVATION
HANDLE
The activation handle is the command and control center
of the P.RIDE system. Pulling the handle activates your own
airbag, the airbags of the entire group or a specific member‘s
TwinBag – all these functions are available automatically when
the activation handle is opened.
Flipping open the activation handle triggers an immediate
system check: including battery charge, correct positioning of
the carbon inflator and operational readiness. A wireless connection with partners standing together in a 10 meter radius is
also established within the first 20 seconds. A flashing light on
each partner‘s activation handle indicates successful creation
of the group. Closing the activation handle cancels the group
formation or allows a member to leave the group.
To define activation for individual group members, these
members press a button on the activation handle to switch to
single mode. If one of the protecting partners then pulls his or
her activation handle while pressing their single mode button,
only the TwinBags of these specific group members will be
activated.
The ability to protect both yourself and partners from burial
adds a new dimension to companion rescue.
ALL FEATURES AUTOMATICALLY ENABLED
COLORED LEDS DISPLAY THE STATUS WHEN THE
ACTIVATION HANDLE IS OPENED
WIRELESS GROUP AND SINGLE ACTIVATION
SUITABLE FOR LEFT-HANDED AND RIGHT-HANDED USERS
SIMULATE ACTIVATION IN TRAINING MODE
10
CONTROL
MODULE
The control center
The control module receives the signals from the activation
handle and connected partners. The signals are interpreted, operational readiness is checked and, in an emergency, the system
is activated.
A single charge of the integrated high-performance battery provides at least 240 hours of operation in standby mode. The integrated USB cable can be used to charge the battery at any time
without reducing its charging capacity. A full charge takes around
2 hours. The minimum capacity is 6,000 hours, with a remaining battery capacity of around 80% still available. Replacement
batteries are available for around $ 10.
The entire control module can also be equipped with thermal
protection for extreme minus temperatures.
CONTAINS ALL CONTROL ELECTRONICS WITH
INTEGRATED WIRELESS PARTNER ACTIVATION
ATTACHMENT AND LOCKING OF THE CARBON INFLATOR
A SINGLE BATTERY CHARGE IS SUFFICIENT FOR 30 DAYS
OF SKIING WITH 8 HOURS IN STANDBY MODE
FAST CHARGING USING THE INTEGRATED USB CABLE
11
ABS® P.RIDE
COMPONENTS
CARBON
INFLATOR
The Powerhouse
The carbon cylinder is connected to the activation module.
Irrespective of temperature or external pressure, 165 ml of
inert gas – nonflammable, non-toxic, component of breathable air – fills the TwinBags in 2-3 seconds. This is the most
reliable filling method. The unit can be easily replaced and
is refillable. The carbon cylinder also meets North American
requirements and has an integrated burst protection disk. It is
a high-tech product made from top-quality materials.
FILLED CARBON CYLINDER AROUND 280 GRAMS
COMPLETE WITH ACTIVATION MODULE
AROUND 370 GRAMS
VOLUME 165 ML
GAS PRESSURE300 BAR
CERTIFICATIONS APPLIED FOR
ADR/DOT/TL AND IATA*
*As at December 2015
12
VENTURI
NOZZLE
Excellent performance
A flow-optimized Venturi nozzle makes it possible to achieve
ideal filling values with a smaller quantity of gas. This means
a reduction in weight with no impairment in filling pressure, a
high air-to-gas ratio and rapid filling time. Tried and tested on
millions of occasions, this filling technique ensures trouble-free
and reliable inflation of the TwinBags. The flow-optimized Venturi unit ensures maximum utilization of the compressed gas.
EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE
AIR-TO-GAS RATIO: 1/3 GAS, 2/3 ATMOSPHERIC
COMBINED FILL AND OUTLET UNIT
13
ABS P.RIDE
®
BASE
UNIT
COVERED SYSTEM
Completely covered system,
no loose components.
CARBON INFLATOR
Electrical activation module with
fixed carbon cylinder.
VENTURI TECHNOLOGY
Even higher performance
Venturi filling system.
ZIPPER
Airbag compartments
with practical burst
zipper.
ABS® TWINBAG
3D webbing technology for high resistance
to punctures and tears.
*The P.RIDE Base Unit is supplied with the 18 liter Zip-on
14
ABS® P.RIDE Base Unit Features
The P.RIDE Base Unit has been completely redesigned: with a robust
back plate, comfortable back padding and a height-adjustable and
adaptable hip belt to improve both fit and carrying comfort. The shoulder
straps and hip belt are also ergonomically preshaped and padded. The
new airbags are attached to the honeycomb back plate in a manner
designed to stop them folding backwards, even with an empty pack. The
aim being to keep them firmly in place at the sides of the backpack to
create the largest possible surface area in the avalanche. The P.RIDE
Base Unit is available in the color options of Snow White, Deep Blue
and Ocean Blue. As well as the redesigned and color-coordinated P.RIDE
Zip-ons, the P.RIDE Base Unit is also compatible with all other existing
ABS® Vario Zip-ons. The P.RIDE Base Unit is supplied with the colorcoordinated 18 liter Zip-on.
ACTIVATION HANDLE
The activation handle with integrated partner
activation is height-adjustable and it can also
be positioned on the right-hand shoulder strap
for left-handed users. In the “off” position, the
handle can be stowed in the shoulder strap.
CHEST STRAP
Seamlessly height-adjustable chest strap with
integrated emergency whistle.
BACK PLATE
Honeycomb padded, robust back plate to
absorb shocks and stabilize the airbags.
HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE HIP BELT
The hip belt can be moved up or down and
adjusted to the length of the wearer’s back. It is
ergonomically preshaped and padded to ensure
high carrying comfort.
HEAVY-DUTY LOCKING SYSTEM
Makes sure the backpack stays on the body
even in an avalanche.
LEG STRAP
The leg strap prevents the ABS® backpack being pulled
upwards during an avalanche.
15
ABS P.RIDE
®
COLLECTION
P.RIDE 18
16
P.RIDE 32
P.RIDE 45+5
17
ZIP-ON PRINCIPLE
P.RIDE
P.RIDE Base Unit
P.RIDE Zip-on 18L
P.RIDE Zip-on 32L
P.RIDE Zip-on 45+5L
CHANGE ME!
No need to convert the airbag system, simply change the Zip-on.
No handling of system components.
Zip-on can be changed easily and economically.
Compatible with all Solid Zip-ons including partner manufacturers (ABS® compatible).
18
ABS® P.RIDE
ZIP-ONS
P.RIDE 18
The P.RIDE 18 liter is the perfect Zip-on for shorter
trips in backcountry terrain. It has a special emergency
compartment for rapid access to avalanche equipment,
a robust diagonal ski holder as well as an attachment
for a snowboard and snowshoes. A helmet can be
stowed in a removable mesh carrier. The Zip-on is
hydration system-compatible and features a separate
valuables compartment for keys, money and a cell
phone. The 18 liter Zip-on is supplied as standard in
the coordinating color to the base unit.
Snow White
Ocean Blue
Deep Blue
P.RIDE 32
Snow White
Ocean Blue
Deep Blue
The clever pack for backcountry day trips: the P.RIDE
32 liter is equipped with a separate emergency
compartment. Two easily accessible compartments
at the sides provide space to carry a 1.5 liter drinking
bottle as well as offering side access to the main
compartment and a handy storage option for skins
and similar items. The front compartment is ideal
for carrying maps, GPS devices or snacks. Optimal
transportation options are provided in the form of
a diagonal ski carrier, a snowboard or snowshoe
attachment as well as an ice axe holder and removable
mesh helmet carrier. The bottom of the Zip-on can be
compressed to reduce the packing volume if required.
P.RIDE 45 + 5
The adjustable height of this professional pack
provides a packing volume of up to 50 liters to cater
for longer tours or excursions of several days. The Zipon features a convenient ski carrier at the side as well
as an attachment for a snowboard or snowshoes. In
addition to a spacious XXL compartment on the flap,
there are compartments to hold drinking bottles, skins,
maps or snacks as well as a separate valuables pocket.
A special emergency compartment at the front of the
pack ensures easy access to avalanche equipment at
all times. The base of the Zip-on can be compressed
to reduce the packing volume if required. Additional
features include a removable mesh helmet carrier and
an ice axe holder.
Ocean Blue
Deep Blue
19
ABS® P.RIDE
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
BASE UNIT
P.RIDE BASE UNIT
incl. P.RIDE 18L
Packing volume
Weight without Carbon Inflator
Colors
2650 g / 5.84 lbs
Snow White
Ocean Blue
Deep Blue
Additional storage
Hydrobag compatible
–
Sizes
One size
Height-adjustable and adaptable hip belt
✔
Ergonomic hip strap with handle pocket
Comfortable, padded hip strap
for good load carrying
Water-repellent and cushioned backplate
✔
Leg strap and adjustable chest strap
✔
TwinBag with 150 liters buoyancy volume
✔
Placement of shovel and probe
Ski mount
Snowboard / snowshoe mount
Removable helmet net
Ice axe mount
Compression at the bottom
Daisy chain for convenient mounting options
20
P.RIDE 18
P.RIDE 32
P.RIDE 45 + 5
ABS® Zip-on
ABS® Zip-on
ABS® Zip-on
18 liters
32 liters
45+5 liters
540 g / 1.19 lbs
730 g / 1.61 lbs
1140 g / 2.51 lbs
Snow White
Ocean Blue
Deep Blue
Snow White
Ocean Blue
Deep Blue
Ocean Blue
Deep Blue
Valuables pocket
Valuables pocket
Valuables pocket,
top compartment
✔
✔
✔
–
–
–
Mount inside
Separate emergency compartment
Separate emergency compartment
diagonal
diagonal
on the side
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
–
✔
✔
–
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
21
ABS® P.RIDE
FEATURES
1
2
3
SKI
SNOWBOARD
HELMET
Diagonal ski mount
directly
Convenient snowboard
and snowshoe mount
Removable
elastic helmet net
4
5
ICE AXE*
EMERGENCY
Fast access and
secure fit of
one ice axe
Instant access to
shovel and probe
6
SOS
110/112
SOS
Instant help thanks
to SOS label with
international emergency
numbers
7
8
9
DRINKING
SYSTEM
TOP COMPARTMENT
VALUABLES
Ideal integration of
hydration systems
Quickly locate
equipment thanks to
the bright interior
Securely stow away
money, keys and
mobile phone
10
11
12
DAISY CHAIN
COMPRESSION*
FRONT POCKET*
Additional adjustable and
convenient
mounting options
Convenient compression
straps can be fastenend
at the bottom of the
Base Unit
Convenient front
pocket for maps,
GPS or snacks
13
14
15
EASY ACCESS
SIDE POCKETS*
QUICK ACCESS
MAIN POCKET*
SKI MOUNTS
ON THE SIDE**
Easy-access side
pockets for skins, rope,
water bottle etc.
Zipper in side pocket
for quick access to the
main compartment
Stable side ski mount
16
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT**
Height adjustable
top compartment for
additional storage
space
22
*Additional features of P.RIDE 32L / 45+5L
**Additional features of the P.RIDE 45+5L
Photo: Jeremy Bernard · www.jeremy-bernard.com · Rider: Eva Walkner
Concept and Graphic Design: Pascher+Heinz GmbH · www.pascher-heinz.com
Concept and Graphic Design: Pascher+Heinz GmbH · www.pascher-heinz.com
www.abs-airbag.com
01/16 – EN
P.RIDE
ABS®