ORTOVOX, Arc’teryx Partner on New Avalanche Airbag System Setting New Benchmark for Mountain Safety
German and Canadian mountain brands combine global expertise to develop one of the lightest electric airbag systems on the market
LONGMONT, Colo. (Feb. 9, 2022) – ORTOVOX and Arc’teryx, two global leaders in mountain safety equipment and apparel, have teamed up to develop a boundary-pushing new avalanche airbag technology for Winter 2022 that is lightweight, intuitive, and reliable. Made possible by a special collaboration, LiTRIC technology enables both brands to produce airbag systems that weigh just 2.4 pounds and feature an electronic system run by supercapacitors and a long-lasting Lithium-Ion battery that hold 60 hours of charge for at least two inflations.
“It’s been such a unique process to partner with a great brand and competitor like Arc’teryx to rethink avalanche airbag safety for a greater cause. The LiTRIC airbag system is the product of two companies that are maniacally obsessed with building the highest quality equipment and ORTOVOX’s new collection establishes another milestone in mountain safety,” says Tom Mason, U.S. brand manager at ORTOVOX.
Made in Germany, the LiTRIC airbag system will increase safety by providing at least two inflations for at least 60 hours when it is fully charged, making multi-day tours possible with no need for recharging. The system can be tested any number of times at no additional costs and easily charged at home via USB-C. With no cartridge, there’s more space for gear and no travel restrictions. The system itself is only 2.4 pounds, saving weight with the cold-tolerant supercapacitors and ultra-lightweight airbag making it one of the lightest airbag constructions on the market. From the height-adjustable, secure deployment handle to the reimagined safety leg strap, the intuitive design makes LiTRIC easy to operate and simple to pack away. On the side of the pack, the LED display shows the charge status of the battery and its readiness for operation.
Ski tourers love the versatility of their sport, from quick training sessions on their local mountain, to high alpine backcountry tours, right through to multi-day ski excursions. AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR ($1,300-$1,400) is the perfect versatile companion for all the above. The modular LiTRIC airbag base is specifically designed for tourers in two back lengths, regular and short. The pack can be adapted for its intended use with two tour-specific zip-on bags in 28-liter short, 30-liter, 36-liter short, and 40 liters. The lightweight Full Contact Light back system fits snugly to the back, providing a high level of comfort on long tours, and the circumferential zipper to the main compartment offers quick access to the main compartment. LiTRIC TOUR has all the necessary attachment options for skis, snowboards, ice axes, and ropes as well as a helmet net, and space for climbing skins. Additionally, avalanche rescue equipment can be stowed in a separate safety compartment.
AVABAG LiTRIC FREERIDE ($1,250-$1,350) is designed with freeriding in mind, offering the highest level of safety and comfort in a lightweight pack for riders that are willing to climb the extra mile for the best line. Similar to LiTRIC TOUR, this pack has a modular LiTRIC airbag base, making it a versatile option for short or long days in the backcountry. LiTRIC FREERIDE can be adapted with the zip-on system in 16-liter short, 18-liter, 26-liter short, and 28-liter. The modular FREERIDE LiTRIC airbag base can be used on the TOUR base and vice versa. The Clasp Back Technology offers a wide, flexible hip belt and soft shoulder straps while fitting snugly to the back, allowing for complete freedom of movement.
Also new in the collection is AVABAG LiTRIC ZERO ($1,200), a pack designed for tourers who seek to keep things as lightweight as possible and safe as possible while in the backcountry. At only 4.3 pounds and 27 liters, this technical LiTRIC airbag pack only focuses on the essentials. There is ample packing space for day tours and it is equipped with the important features, like an attachment option for skis, an ice axe or poles as well as pockets to store avalanche safety equipment in the main compartment, helping keep gear organized.
The ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC Series will be available in September 2022 at www.ortovox.com and select retail partners. For more information, please contact Account Manager Maria Brickman at maria.brickman@rygr.us.
About ORTOVOX: ORTOVOX is a four-season mountain brand headquartered in Germany known as an expert in avalanche rescue equipment and wool apparel designed specifically for ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, alpine climbing and alpine touring. Since its founding in 1980, ORTOVOX has stood for a sophisticated approach to protection and comfort in the mountains, characterized by the responsible treatment of people and nature. As pioneers in avalanche rescue, ORTOVOX has played a key role in the development of emergency equipment and targeted training measures for mountain sports, with protection as the brand’s most important value. This protective ethos extends to include safe and fair working conditions for its employees, setting the highest standards of animal welfare on the brand’s Tasmanian merino farms and ensuring environmentally friendly manufacturing of its products. www.ortovox.com
Contact: Maria Brickman
maria.brickman@rygr.us
970-236-1668 ext. 2104
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