DEUTER
Alproof Tour Avalanche Airbag
Winter 2023.24

Published by Mountainblog on 11/22/2022.

The latest addition in deuter’s successful Alproof series: the Alproof Tour avalanche airbag backpack for ski traverses.

Whether it’s an Alpine classic like the Hoch Tirol route, or an adventurous ski tour through the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, ski traverses are increasingly popular. And so, for fall winter 23/24, the backpack experts at deuter are expanding their successful Alproof series with the addition of another avalanche airbag backpack, in collaboration with Alpride, the renowned airbag system manufacturer. The Alproof Tour combines deuter’s high-quality workmanship, materials and carry comfort with the reliable Swiss engineering skills of Alpride, to create an avalanche backpack specially designed for ski/touring.

Ski traverses are the ultimate alpine discipline and increasingly popular undertakings. It’s hardly surprising, since crossing great distances over mountains covered in snow and skiing down through pristine virgin slopes is both thrilling and good for the soul. Alpinists these days not only seek out adventures through remote natural landscapes during the summer months, but also in winter. Far from the crowded pistes, and often over several days, they move through areas that can be prone to avalanches. And so, knowing how to avoid avalanches or how to recognize early signs, or what action to take in an emergency is extremely important. In addition to having a basic set of safety equipment – beacon, shovel and probe – an avalanche airbag can drastically improve chances of survival. On multi-day tours a backpack with adaptable capacity that offers easy handling is a further advantage when moving from hut to hut

The new TÜV Süd certified deuter Alproof Tour combines the carry comfort, high-quality materials, and craftsmanship that deuter is known for, with the reliable Swiss engineering of Alpride. The Alproof Tour is a lightweight, technical avalanche backpack built specifically for ski (& splitboard) traverses. It features the very latest, fully electric Alpride E2 avalanche airbag system with supercapacitor technology. It’s one of the lightest electronic airbag systems out there and unaffected by cold temperatures. In addition to deployment that’s fast and produces high air pressure, this proven technology has huge advantages compared to traditional cartridge or lithium-ion battery powered airbags – not just for maintenance but also for unrestricted transportation. The large LCD display shows the charge status of the supercapacitors, AA battery levels, release valve status and the self-test status, and it houses a USB-C port too – all in one place. The status can also be checked from the outside using the three LED lights so that partner checks can be carried out. The extra-large 162-liter airbag (standard size = 150L) offers increased safety levels. The trigger handle on the shoulder strap is height-adjustable and intuitive to use, and deployment can be practiced before the start of the season at no cost. Letting the air out of the inflated airbag can be done manually via a release valve that’s easily accessed from the outside; or it will deflate automatically after a period of three minutes with the electronic release of the valve.

The Alproof Tour comes in a 36-liter SL version or a 38-liter Regular version. The lightweight deuter Alpine back system, ergonomic shoulder straps and padded hip fins with gear loops combine to create a compact, snug fit that’s really comfortable and generates effective ventilation across the back. The waist belt, two-way adjustable sternum strap, and the leg safety strap in particular all work together to prevent the backpack from being ripped off in an avalanche. For easy handling the leg strap is secured without having to undo the waist belt.

A clamshell-opening main compartment with full-length, 3-way zipper accommodates the supercapacitor, has space for a 3-liter hydration system, and offers a zippered inside compartment with organizer pockets. Like all models in the Alproof series, there is a dedicated avalanche equipment compartment with reinforced shovel sleeve and organizer pockets, which is equipped with a high-viz orange zipper in case of an emergency. Personal items are well organized in an internal valuables pocket with key clip, and a two-part zippered pocket on top — with one fleece-lined side for ski goggles, and the other to stow gear straps. And the outside of the pack is well organized too, with two stowable modular gear straps for diagonal ski attachment or for strapping a snowboard onto the front. Side compression straps keep the load close to the center of gravity or can be used to strap skis onto it in an A-frame. There is also a special ice axe attachment. An innovative detachable helmet bag that connects to the front of the pack has various applications. It’s a standalone mesh helmet bag and it’s also a helmet flap when attached to the front of the pack. When used like this, the bag can accommodate other items, like wet clothing. Insulated hydration tube sleeves on both shoulder straps allow the trigger handle to be rigged on the left or right side, according to preference, and the hydration tube can then be threaded through the sleeve on the other side.

GALLERY:

The roll-top extension adds an extra 5 liters’ capacity when needed, with a stowable gear strap that serves to compress the load from the top and keep a climbing rope securely attached. The roll-top also serves as secondary access to the main compartment. The zipper layout keeps the pack’s shape in such a way that airbag deployment and range of head movement are not impaired by the extra volume.

And so, the Alproof Tour not only boasts clever features, excellent carry comfort and the latest supercapacitor airbag technology, but it’s also lightweight, weighing just 2,790 grams (38 +5-liter version) and 2,770 grams (36 +5-liter SL version) including airbag system.

The body fabric is very hard wearing and abrasion resistant as well as water repellent and, of course, PFC free. With high-quality workmanship and trim, this pack is made to last, and therefore a more sustainable option too.

And since its customers’ safety is paramount to backpack pioneer deuter, each Alproof Tour comes with a half-year subscription to white risk, the avalanche prevention and ski tour planning platform, which also comes in handy app format. The code to be redeemed at whiterisk.ch can be found on the backpack hangtag.

deuter backpacks have accompanied outdoors fans on their adventures for the past 125+ years. It is deuter’s close collaboration with professional mountaineers, physicians and athletes that helps guide the development of new concepts and new products. These include innovations like the ‘Aircomfort’, the first patented mesh back system, or the first ever bike-specific backpack on the market, and the ‘Exosphere’ stretchy sleeping bags. Under its SL label, deuter also designs women-specific backpacks that are tailored precisely to the female anatomy.

Environmental protection and sustainability underpin deuter’s corporate philosophy. deuter’s approach is one of ‘360° Corporate Responsibility’, which means ensuring sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of its products; starting with the selection of durable, recycled materials, to the methods of production used by its longstanding manufacturing partners, and through to its lifelong worldwide repair service.

www.deuter.com