Mammut Pro X Removable Airbag 3.0

The Removable Airbag System 3.0 is an ultra-lightweight compressed gas avalanche airbag system. With a very small packed volume and weighing just 1,010g total with a carbon cartridge, the system doesn’t take up much room in the pack and weighs less than even the lightest fully electric airbag systems. The Removable Airbag System 3.0 is, as the name suggests, fully removable so if you can decide when to take it with you or leave it behind, or you can install it in another compatible backpack.

The deployment handle offers three heights so that the handle can be adjusted to an ergonomic position based on the user's height. Additionally, the upper zipper that stows/exposes the handle features a locking mechanism so that the zipper adjustment doesn’t shift and will always be at the right level for the height at which you have the trigger handle set.

The Mammut Pro X 35L Pack has all your bases covered when it comes to ski and snowboard carry. A-frame and diagonal ski carry options are accommodated and the A-frame option offers super beefed-up bottom loops in order to protect your bag from sharp ski edges. The lower lateral compression straps are separate from this system so you can keep your bag snug regardless of whether you are carrying skis or not. A vertical snowboard carry option is also offered so riders have that quick option to strap the board to the bag, and the mounting straps are located so that the lateral compression straps will pull the board snug to the pack so there it's not flopping about.

At the front of the pack, a zippered compartment offers a place to stow skins (and binding bits for all you hard booting splitboarders out there) so that you need not put snowy gear inside the bag’s main compartment. Below this, a small, hidden, zippered pocket offers a stowable helmet carrier. Two loops provide carry options for ice tools and poles; one of which expands to accommodate a diagonal ski carry. Discrete lash loops on the front of the pack offer convenient spots to tie excess gear or other items to the bag.

The main compartment is accessible via a top zipper and a full back panel u-zip. Inside is the Removable Airbag System 3.0 which takes up about 2L of space. On the inside of the back panel, a sleeve and hanger for hydrations systems can be found. The bag is configured in such a way that the Removable Airbag System 3.0 is tucked up out of the way so that it does not interfere with the back panel access.

On the top of the bag is a moulded, soft-lined goggle pocket that offers a safe place to store your goggles and sunglasses. There is also a designated avalanche safety tool compartment with sleeves and an adjustable webbing loop to keep your gear secure and organized. Inside this compartment, an SOS label with emergency instructions offers a few instructions for emergency communication, a basic safety gear checklist, and a QR code that leads you to backpack instructions.

The back padding is made with high-density, 2-layer EVA foam and the hip and shoulder straps are similarly padded for comfort. The hip belt is fully removable and offers one zippered pocket for small items that you’ll want quick access to.

The pack's U-frame offers increased carrying comfort and load transfer for heavy loads, like when skis or boards are attached to the bag. To top it off, the main fabric used to build the Mammut Pro X backpack is made from recycled material.

• CONTACT U Frame™ Suspension system
• Removable Airbag System
• High-density, 2-layer EVA back padding; hip belt and shoulder straps with stretch fabric cover
• Detachable, padded hip belt
• Front pocket for avalanche safety equipment
• Attachments for ice tool and walking sticks
• Lateral compression straps
• Full rear zipper access to the main compartment
• Integrated helmet carrier
• Removable Airbag System 3.0: ultra-lightweight (with carbon cartridge approx.1 kg); very small packing volume; removable and transferable; dependable compressed gas energy storage; height-adjustable deployment handle; airbag balloon in bright signal color
• Snowboard carrier
• Hydration system-compatible
• SOS label with emergency instructions
• Diagonal ski carrier
• Zipper pocket on hip belt
• U-frame increases carrying comfort and load transfer with attached skis or snowboard
• Moulded, soft-lined goggles compartment

What makes the Mammut Pro X Removable Airbag 3.0 stand out from the competition is that it is very similar in design and function to other standard performance backcountry ski bags while offering airbag safety technology. My main complaint about other airbag backpacks is that they are often sacrificing features and comfort in exchange for the safety that’s offered by an airbag system. This is not the case with the Pro X from Mammut. The bag is comfortable and offers some of my favourite ski touring pack features such as full back-panel access.

Another great feature is that the Removable Airbag System 3.0 is exactly what it says it is: removable. The system is ultra-light and compact so it’s hard to imagine wanting to ski or ride without it, but if you wanted to move to a compatible Mammut backpack with more or less volume, the system can be removed and re-installed so you can keep your safety systems in place for any sized adventure without breaking the bank. 

One complaint about the cartridge airbag system is that it’s less convenient than electric airbag systems. There is a lot to be said for being able to plug your airbag in to recharge it instead of having to go to a shop to have the cartridge refilled. That being said, despite the inconvenience of the air cartridge, the Removable Airbag System 3.0 is 21.1% lighter than the Alpride E1 fully electric system found in the Osprey Soelden Pro (2020 Gear of the Year winner), so you may find yourself choosing between convenience and overall weight on your back.

Another downside to the Removable Airbag System 3.0 is that it does not deflate automatically in order to create an air pocket if the wearer is buried. The hope with these bags is that full burials are avoided, but this is not 100% guaranteed and the ability to have the airbag auto-deflate to create a much-needed airspace during full burial is a good one. 

Another thing to note is that the lower A-Frame carry loops are a bit small for wider skis and splitboards. While the bag offers the ability to carry skis A-frame style, this is not recommended in avalanche terrain as it may interfere with proper airbag inflation. Alternatives carry modes are available to this so this is definitely not a deal-breaker. Diagonal and vertical ski carries are often quicker and easier to employ anyways.

While the Mammut Pro X Removable Airbag 35L is certainly a pricey piece of backpack technology, it’s definitely a cheaper alternative to other leading airbags on the market; nearly $700 cheaper than the Soelden Pro mentioned earlier! So even though it may require a bit of penny-pinching, the quality of the bag will certainly not let you down and the price is much more reasonable than the latest fully electric alternatives.