Ortovox is synonymous with high-end safety and emergency equipment that meets the highest quality standards. With its products, ORTOVOX provides complete usage instructions - safety comes first. To practice with peace of mind, it is also essential to choose a climbing and mountaineering backpack suitable for your expedition, thus ensuring comfort and safety.

Despite all quality controls, defects may occur for various reasons on the products and affect their functionality.

That is why we renew our safety warning to raise awareness among end users about the importance of checking the weight of the cartridge before each use.

Alpinstore partners with Ortovox at the beginning of this winter season to strongly remind you of the importance of checking each AVABAG CARBON CARTRIDGE.

Why is it important to check your cartridge before each outing?

All customers who own an AVABAG cartridge are concerned by the safety warning.

It has been noted that in isolated cases, some AVABAG CARBON CARTRIDGES may experience a loss of pressure. In unfavorable circumstances, this can hinder the triggering of the AVABAG airbag system.

A potential loss of pressure in the cartridge can be identified simply and with certainty by weighing the cartridge before each use of the system.

To eliminate any risk, we want to remind you once again that the weight of the AVABAG CARBON CARTRIDGE must absolutely be checked using a weighing test before each use of an AVABAG airbag backpack. A detailed description of this weighing test verification can be found in the user manual of each AVABAG airbag backpack.

Cartridges for which the weighing test has revealed no loss of pressure can be used without hesitation as soon as they have been verified. Cartridges that have experienced a loss of pressure must be exchanged at your specialized Alpinstore dealer.

How to check your Avabag carbon cartridge?

Nothing could be simpler! To complete your equipment, don't forget to equip yourself with quality mountaineering accessories that can facilitate your mountain outings.

Here are the steps you need to take.

  • Step #1: take the cartridge without the protective cap

  • Step #2: To check the weight of the cartridge, equip yourself with a normal household scale (display in grams)

  • Step #3: check the weight: The weight of an unpunctured AVABAG cartridge must correspond to the weight indicated on the AVABAG cartridge (+- 5g). If the weight deviates by more than +- 5g from the specified value, the cartridge can be exchanged at your specialized Alpinstore dealer.



When weighing your cartridge, ensure that it is not punctured and that you have removed the cap. On your cartridge is a sticker with the weight of your cartridge (without the protective cap).

For those who also wish to get technical mountaineering clothing suitable for high mountains, make sure to equip yourself well to face all conditions.

What to do if your cartridge is defective?

Don't panic. It's very simple and free.

If your cartridge is affected, you can bring it informally and free of charge to our customer service. You will receive a new cartridge there.

To maximize your safety during your outings, it may also be interesting to discover our selection of quality mountaineering harnesses for optimal protection, and to purchase high-performance mountaineering equipment for your next ascents.

All ORTOVOX retailers are informed. If there are no cartridges in stock, Alpinstore can order a new cartridge from ORTOVOX. The delivery time is generally three to four business days at most. Also think about completing your equipment with our quality mountaineering ice axes to ensure your outings on ice or snow, and buy mountaineering equipment directly online at Alpinstore for a wide choice of references.


If you want more information, Alpinstore will be happy to answer you!

Now ... To your scales!