Imagine hitting the slopes for the ultimate free ride down the edge of a cliff. Now picture being caught in an avalanche with only a shovel to free you from hundreds of pounds of snow -- the odds don't look too good. The North Face hopes to change all that by integrating an Avalanche Airbag Safety System (ABS) into its tried and true backpacks with the launch of its ABS Patrol 24 Pack and ABS Vest, two new body-worn fixtures that inflate to protect your from falling snow much like the airbags in your car. Add two new fabrics into the mix, FlashDry and Thermoball, and it seems like we've come a long way since the days of working out in our college sweats. We go hands-on with pro snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue after the break to see how it works. Gallery: The North Face ABS System hands-on | The North Face is moving beyond basic cold weather clothing and backpacks to integrate Avalanche Airbag Safety System technology into its ABS Vest and ABS Patrol 24 pack. The request came from pro snowboarder and The North Face team member Xavier de Le Rue, the free rider who found himself caught in an avalanche four years ago.

After facing death, de Le Rue demanded the ABS be built into his pack -- pushing the safety trend forward into the mainstream.It works like this: if a skier or snowboarder finds themselves trapped under heavy snow, the system will inflate to give pinned athletes 150 liters more body volume, equalizing some of the extreme density and helping to bring the body towards the surface as the snow gains speed. backpack roraimaCompared to airbags in your car, this body-worn variety utilizes nitrogen canisters rather than CO2, a gas that's safe to carry around or travel with as long as TSA gives you the go-ahead.xootr backpackStrapping the backpack on, it was surprisingly light, similar in weight to a normal pack filled with a book or two. backpack vietnam pantip

Featuring the same chest clip as the standard variety, the ABS Patrol 24 has an additional between-the-leg and waist clips to help it stay put. Before the ride, athletes screw the pull lever into the left strap, connecting it to the nitrogen canister inside. In the case of an emergency, riders can pull the lever, which will inflate the pack into a full-sized body buoy. hiking gear rental tongariroAlong with its portable ABS, The North Face is introducing two new fabrics called Thermoball and Flashdry. hellolulu laptop backpackSomewhat reminiscent of down, Thermoball is an insulate that uses small balls of synthetic fiber to provide lightweight warmth along with wet-weather protection. backpack zadarFlashDry on the other hand, uses micro-porous particles to increase wicking and breathability -- making it ideal for clothing across the company's various sports offerings.redmax backpack blowers for sale

Both the vest and pack are slated to launch by fall 2012 in specialty stores only, so you won't be able to purchase these higher-end products in your local sporting goods shop like that puffy jacket that keeps you warm around town. The vest is currently in testing so there's no word yet on how much it will cost, but the pack will set you back $900 plus an additional $150 for a nitrogen tank and starter lever. Of course, if you have to deploy the system, a new nitrogen tank will cost around $50 -- a small price to pay for safety. Combining clothing expertise with ABS body airbag technology, The North Face just made shredding your way down a ledge a little bit safer. Zach Honig contributed to this report.Submissions can be made by Facebook here: A HUGE thank you goes to our contest sponsor, GGB!! Check out their website here, or their Facebook page here: Need a hand with all that snow? Don’t hire out, get a self-propelled Cub Cadet Snowthrower! It will help you cut down your shoveling time, so you’ll be done in time for dinner!

For work or play, Hi Line Polaris Suzuki has what you need to get it done. Conveniently located between Edmonton and Red Deer in the thriving community of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Hi Line is only a short drive from the communities of Hobbema, Ponoka, Sylvan Lake, Millet, Rocky Mountain House, Leduc, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Bittern Lake, and Hay Lakes. Look to our staff for all your motorcycle, ATV, side x side and snowmobile needs. You can choose from a huge selection of new units and our inventory of used units is constantly changing, offering a multitude of different brand names such as Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki. Hi Line offers part and accessory sales from great brands like Motovan, Parts Canada, Kimpex, Motorfist, Scott, Edge Eyewear, GGB Exhaust, 509, ABS Backpacks, Snow Pulse Airbags, FXR, WASPcams, Dragon Fire Racing and more! If you are looking for tires, we can get those for you too. Choose from Dunlop, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, Avon, Michelin, ITP (Holeshot and Mud Lite), and Kenda (Knarly and Bear Claw).

, or just drop in and see us at the store! If you need service on your Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Can-am, Ski-Doo or other brand name unit, come see our service staff! With over 100 years of combined knowledge, we will service any unit! SAFETY DISCLAIMER: ATVs and side by side vehicles can be hazardous to operate. Polaris adult models are for riders age 16 and older. Always wear a helmet, and be sure to take a training course. Polaris ATVs and side-by-side vehicles are not intended for on-road use. Professional rider on a closed course. Polaris® recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride.Equipment Outdoor Outlet ABS Shop ABS (AirBag System) backpacks are conceived as an additional safety measure for those practicing mountain sports where there is an increased risk of causing avalanches or being exposed to them - namely ski touring, freeriding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Risk management is paramount, but, should a person find themselves in an avalanche anyway, the ABS backpack is supposed to keep them from becoming completely buried. The Avalanche Airbag System works based on the so-called "Brazil Nut Effect". This highly complex physical effect causes more voluminous particles in a mixture to end up on top when the mixture is shaken (think trail mix), while the smaller ones tend to fill the gaps below. ABS has attempted to take advantage of this effect by designing backpacks with integrated airbags that greatly increase the wearer's surface area within seconds - making them much more likely stay on the surface of the avalanche, according to ABS. Chances of survival are significantly higher if one can stay even partially on the avalanche's surface. Please note: While they have proven extremely useful, ABS backpacks do not replace standard avalanche safety equipment (avalanche transciever + shovel + probe). The bright red/orange twin airbags do however remain on the surface of avalanches in most cases, enabling the wearer to be located and rescued much more quickly.

ABS Backpacks The Vario Base Unit contains twin airbags and is the centerpiece of the ABS backpack. The Vario Base Unit is suitable for ski touring, snowshoeing and freeriding.  One pressurized carbon cartridge is included, which must be replaced every time the airbags are deployed. ABS refills the cartidges and is liable for any malfunctions. You can customize your ABS backpack to suit your needs with different zip-on elements that change the size and style of the backpack. Check out our ABS backpack online shop for deals on zip-on elements for the different base units. The ABS Vario Zip-on 15 can be attached to the Vario Base Unit and has several useful features. An emergency pocket for your avalanche shovel and probe as well as an SOS Label with emergency phone numbers contribute to your safety on the mountain. The main compartment can hold valuables or a reservoir for a hydration system. Attachments for skis, a snowboard or a helmet round out the ABS Vario Zip-on 15. ABS Powder zip-ons for the ABS Powder Base Unit work using the same principles as the Vario Line but are specifically designed for freeriders.