Mammut Free Vest 15L Avalanche Airbag Review

The Mammut Free Vest 15 Removable Airbag 3.0 is a versatile piece of equipment designed for maximum safety and optimum mobility. The Free Vest 15 is an avalanche vest packed with features to keep you safe and stoked in the mountains.

Mammut Free Vest 15 Removable Airbag 3.0

The Mammut Free Vest 15 features the Removable Airbag 3.0 system which is ingenious. Easily removed in a few minutes, via a series of burly hooks this system can transform from a vest with an airbag to an ultralight vest, shaving over 1000 grams. This system can also be swapped over to any Mammut bag that integrates with the 3.0 Airbag. That means you can have multiple bags for different missions and the ability to add or subtract the airbag depending on the conditions. I found it extremely easy to remove the system even for my first time. This system can save you money and reduce the amount of gear you need and it allows you to dial in your kit for every different day.

Mammut Free Vest Avalanche Airbag Backpack Fit

The Mammut Free Vest 15 has a snug, jacket like fit that hugs the body nicely and nearly disappears while wearing it. This is perfect for resort laps and sidecountry, not having a bulky pack you can just sit down on the chairlift with no worries. The pack has 15L of space for gear, just enough room for your shovel, probe, water and a layer or two.

The two front pockets are great for snacks and gloves. There is a radio sleeve that can also double as a hydration hose routing. A fleece lined google exterior pocket and an internal pocket round out the rear. A hidden helmet holder pops out of the bottom. There is also a daisy chain of loops for clipping gear, and spots for two ice axes or Splitboard poles. The amount of pockets and how they are placed are nice, you can carry all the essentials easily.

There is the perfect amount of space for small day tours and side country laps.

Ski & Snowboard Carry Compatible Backpack

The Mammut Free Vest 15 has the option to carry both snowboards and skis. I tested the vest with both skis and snowboard and I was very impressed with how it held a load, the side compression straps and the hip belt allow you to dial in the fit. This vest can be worn all day with little fatigue. This thing is built to get gnarly. Jackson Hole ski patrol uses this vest day in and day out to keep them safe during avalanche control. You know it’s the real deal.

The airbag system is lightweight, easy to use and user friendly. The pressurized air cartridge is reliable in all conditions and fires and fills the airbag in 3 seconds. The airbag can be safely deployed with skis or snowboard on your pack, if caught while boot packing. Users with airbags have been proven to have a higher chance of survival if caught in an avalanche by keeping you afloat, on top of the snow.

Mammut Free Vest 15L Avalanche Airbag Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Airbag system is lightweight and user-friendly
• Snug jacket-like fit for comfortable wear
• Option to carry both skis and snowboards

Cons:

• System can be complex for beginners
• May be pricey for occasional users

Overall Impression

From professionals to party laps at the resort, the Mammut Free Vest 15 Removable Airbag 3.0 ($799.95) has the versatility to keep you comfortable and safe while carrying all the essentials. Well thought out and well designed this vest is built to last, and with how useful this vest is, I’m betting you will end up putting it to use a lot- I sure will be! See ya in the Tram Line, I’ll be rocking my Mammut Free Vest 15.

Related Ski & Snowboard Backpacks We Reviewed

1. Dueter Freerider 30L Backpack
2. Dakine Poacher 40L Backpack
3. Osprey Kresta 30L Backpack