We’ve got 2 new packs and a redesigned shovel from Mammut this winter, here’s what we think of them…
Spindrift 26
The new Spindrift pack is a great day pack for skiing, ideal for both days on piste as well as day tours where you won’t be needing to take lots of kit. It has loads of features, all of which have been carefully thought about so that they take up as little space as possible and weigh as little as possible.
Examples of this are the helmet holder, which unfolds from its little 2 litre pocket and has an additional storage pocket on the outside designed to fit a small down jacket; the diagonal ski carry loop which goes through the top of one of the straps and into the main compartment – simple yet perfectly effective if you need to carry your skis.
It also has a separate avalanche safety pocket, a goggle pocket and a large pocket on each of the wide hip belts. There’s also dual ice axe carry plus a special pole carry attachment on one side. Plus, if you’re not sure which little attachment is for what there’s a little symbol next to it to illustrate what it does.
Trion Light 50+
This winter Mammut have made a new large version of the Trion Light, their lightweight and strippable mountaineering and ski touring pack. We’ve been super impressed by both the 28 and 38 litre versions of the Trion Light so it’s good to see Mammut have expanded the range with the new 50+ litre version which is ideal for anyone undertaking bigger missions where the 38+ is just not quite large enough.
I won’t go into exactly what’s on offer with the Trion Light 50+ as it’s got all the same features as the 38 litre version – just read Stu’s blog here.
View the Mammut Trion Light 50+.
Alugator Light Shovel
Mammut have also updated their shovels for this winter as well, though we only stock the Alugator Light (which is the only one most recreational users really need). The new shovel is much the same as the old one but it does now have an oval shaft rather than a round one. This means it’s quicker to click into place as the holes always line up. Overall it’s a really packable, lightweight and easy to assemble shovel – ideal for ski touring.
The main reason for the changes are so that shovels comply with the new UIAA regulation covering shovels designed for avalanche safety. This essentially certifies that the shovel is large enough and strong enough to be an effective rescue tool. For anyone who’s got too much time on their hands there’s a 17 page document on the UIAA website with the specs and tests detailed!