COMPANY PHILOSOPHY

Burial prevention, research and development

 

The ABS Peter Aschauer GmbH is a dynamically growing and owner managed company dedicated to avalanche safety borne out of passion for winter sports. The ABS avalanche airbag is the original and market leader with sales in more than 25 countries worldwide. In the case of an avalanche it can prevent burial and therefore significantly increase the chances of survival. Innovation and commitment to highest quality standards ‘made in Germany’ are the essential factors for our long-term success.

BACKGROUND

In the 70s, a German forest ranger made an interesting discovery – caught in an avalanche, he owed his survival to the game he was carrying on his shoulders, since the latter allowed him to remain on the surface of the snow. Experiments with voluminous canisters and balloons followed. The idea for the avalanche airbag was born.

In 1980, Peter Aschauer acquired the patent after a first-hand avalanche experience. He founded the company ABS Peter Aschauer GmbH and started to develop a system that allowed avalanche victims to gain a sufficient increase in volume within seconds, without obstructing their ability to move.

 

1985

Presentation of the first fully functional airbag system at the ISPO exhibition.
The initial reactions were rather mixed. Preventing burial had not yet been recognized as the most important factor for the survival of an avalanche victim.

 

1989

During the "Ski-Plus Wochen" event, the DAV Summit Club equipped all participating versatile skiers with ABS and thus made a significant contribution to the awareness of the ABS airbag system.

 

 

1995

The renowned Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research agreed to carry out extensive series of tests. The system was completely redesigned.

     

 

1996

Presentation of the first ABS® system with two airbags (TwinBag)
The two airbags are arranged on both sides of the backpack to improve the relationship between volume and lifting surface and unparalleled dynamic lift. At the same time the weight was reduced by around 1 kg. The Spindrift and Glissade backpacks were designed and manufactured by VauDe. Alongside the introduction of the ABS® TwinBag, the error-prone Bowden cable was replaced by the pyrotechnic-pneumatic activation unit.

      

 

1998

Deuter takes over further development of the ABS packs, and helps expand the system's success. The backpacks were extremely comfortable and highly functional in real-life situations. New packs for any kind of activity, from versatile skiing to ski touring with 50 l packing volume became available.

    

 

2002

Dynafit starts distributing ABS backpacks worldwide.
With the acquisition of Dynafit by Salewa, ABS started distributing the backpacks again.

    

 

2003

A custom-made bag was made for freeriders. This extra-lightweight pack with its new neoprene hip belt fit snugly to the body. This particular model has often proven its protection for the rider’s back, in real conditions.

 

2004

New design for the entire backpack assortment called ECOLINE.

    

 

2005

By using a new material, the airbag could be more easily folded and housed. The backpacks were modified accordingly. A new line of backpacks was created, called ESCAPE. The airbags are housed in flat exterior pockets, without obstructing the main compartment.

        

 

2008

The ABS® Vario line is the patented best-practice solution for the individual demands of freeriders, ski tourers and mountain guides. The twin system consists of the ABS® Base Unit with integrated ABS® TwinBag system and the Zip-Ons with different packed volumes.

        

 

2009

With ABS Wireless Activation, the radio-controlled remote activation, skiing in a group becomes even safer. For example, in an emergency, one member of the group can activate the airbags of all other members.

  

 

2010

Backpacks are equipped with extremely lightweight carbon fiber cartridges for the first time. Weight saving of almost 50% (not available in North America). More flexibility also for freeriders. Backpack back pad specifically designed to meet the needs of freeriders with the proven ABS TwinBag system: compact, narrow and lightweight.

        

 

2011

ABS Zip-Ons for the Vario and Powder lines in a new functional design. Among other things, they feature an emergency compartment for instant access to shovel and probe, including an SOS label with international emergency numbers.