Ortovox Ascent 28 S Avabag Kit for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

10
out of 10
1 Positive, 0 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 1 Review
Retail Price:
$720.00
Used Value:
$432.00
Sale Value:
$648.00

With a shorter back system and carefully designed hip and shoulder straps, the Ortovox Ascent 28 S Avabag was created for ripping chicks who get after it in the backcountry. The 28-liter carrying capacity is the perfect size for a day mission in the backcountry, with enough space to hold food, extra layers, and crampons, but not so roomy you'll tote along those luxury items that end up weighing you down.

The main front-accessed pocket holds most of your belongings, with a separate compartment for your safety gear and a small front pocket for goggles or a cell phone. Ice axe, ski, and snowboard loops make it quick and easy to throw your gear on your back, and the included Avabag system is removable in case you want to use it as a summer bag as well.

Specifications

Brand:
Access:
front panel
Airbag:
yes
Canister Included:
no
Claimed Weight:
[without Avabag unit] 2lb 8.2oz, [with Avabag unit] 4lb 1oz
Deployment System:
compressed air
Gear Loops:
yes
Helmet Carry:
yes
Hydration Compatible:
yes
Ice Axe Carry:
yes
Manufacturer Warranty:
5 years
Material:
Nylon 420D Oxford HD, Nylon 100D Robic Ripstop
Pockets:
1 main compartment, 1 small front, 1 safety
Recommended Use:
backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding
Ski Carry:
yes
Snowboard Carry:
yes
Volume:
1709cu in

Full Reviews

10
I deliberated over this purchase for a long time. It’s hard to spend this much money on anything! Here is why I decided on this pack specifically: lightweight, women’s specific shot torso cut, compartments and loops for stuff (and a decent volume), and the sale price. I really wanted a jet force pack, but those are super heavy and super expensive. 
I have used it a bunch (never deployed the airbag), and here are my impressions so far: What I like about it: -Very pretty color! -Fits well (not weirdly resting in the middle of my butt like some other packs I tried on). If you are super tiny it might not work but it’s great for me. -I can fit everything I need for a long day, and if I’m doing a shorter day there are straps on the side to cinch it down. If I have a ton of layers I have to clip my shell to the outside. It’s easy to do. -Helmet pouch thing looks flimsy but works surprisingly well -Pull tab has a lower position and I feel like I can reach it easily -Same weight as my old (airbag-less) ski pack! -You can practice pulling the tab without wasting a cartridge fill What I’m less crazy about: -The cartridge isn’t included (this is pretty standard but still) -The plastic loops all over it strike me and kind of cheap and not super durable (I guess it’s a weight saving thing?). -Along those lines, the zippers and pulls don’t seem like they are going to last forever -The Camelbak strap is really hard to put in behind the avabag unit. I literally leave the hose in at all times and remove the bladder to wash/fill it. -Waist clip is hard to do with mittens on (probably a good thing but it can be annoying when it’s super cold) -Shoulder straps aren’t the most comfortable and sometimes get twisted up putting the pack on. It’s not a big deal. -My normal shop did not want to fill the cartridge for me because they usually just do BCA (but a scuba shop did it for cheaper instead) Overall, I’m super happy with it! I would recommend it if you are looking for something on the lighter side that still has enough room to be functional.
Kate Alta, backcountry.com
February 2, 2018