The Ascent 30 Avabag is a minimalist, lightweight (2,170 grams with carbon cartridge) airbag pack that doesn’t skimp on the essentials (storage, ski/ice axe carry, tool pocket, etc.). The airbag is welded not sewn, for a stronger, more compact build; the venturi unit is slimmed to almost half the weight of the former ABS M.A.S.S. system; and the number of components in the system is down to 20 from 70. Aside from weight, Ortovox’s mechanical, rather than percussive, release mechanism allows the user to pull the trigger without consuming the cartridge in order to practice and build muscle memory to prepare for an actual slide scenario.