Ortovox’s ultra-lightweight Avabag system is now built into a brand new 40-liter pack meant for long outings in the backcountry. With the Avabag unit hooked up, this bag weighs only 1,980 grams. Ortovox achieved this by constructing a bare bones exterior that focuses only on essential features such as ski carry straps and rope fasteners, while, of course, keeping its safety features intact. As for the backpack itself, Ortovox utilizes a compact venturi (which houses the activation unit) to save space and welds the seams of its airbag to prevent tearing and leaks. Additionally, Ortovox provides two positions for the trigger, catering to your unique height and reach. Because the system is mechanical rather than percussive, you can pull the trigger without an installed cartridge as many times as you want to get used to the act of deploying the airbag. Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to backcountry skiing.