Our history
The foundation for this was laid with the invention of the avalanche airbag in the 1970s. Peter Aschauer acquired the patent for this in 1980 after he was exposed to an avalanche situation himself and founded the company ABS Peter Aschauer GmbH. Since then, ABS has been doing pioneering work in the field of safety equipment for snow sports enthusiasts, supporting mountain athletes in achieving inspiring natural experiences and has stood for more safety in winter sports for 35 years.
THE HISTORY
In the 1970s, the Bavarian forester Josef Hohenester discovered that he remained on the surface in snow slabs with hunted game on his shoulders. This expansion of the body's volume was then tested with large canisters and balloons - the idea of the avalanche airbag was born.
FOUNDING A COMPANY
The enthusiastic skier and entrepreneur Peter Aschauer acquires the patent and founds the company ABS® (“Avalanche Balloon Secutem”, where “Secutem” is an artificial term from security and system) Peter Aschauer GmbH and begins to develop a system that is within the reach of the avalanche victim Seconds allows a sufficient increase in volume so that it does not sink.
PREMIERE
The first fully functional ABS® avalanche airbag is presented at ISPO.
NEW SYSTEM
The first ABS® system with double airbags (TwinBags) is introduced. There will also be a complete change in the system - the pyrotechnic-pneumatic release replaces the previous Bowden cable.
NEW MATERIAL
A new airbag material enables optimized folding and accommodation of the airbag.
INTRODUCING THE ZIPON PRINCIPLE
The ABS® Vario-Line, in which the packing volume of the backpacks can be changed quickly and easily by attaching different packing bags, is presented.
REMOTE RELEASE
With Wireless Activation, the radio-controlled partner activation, ABS heralds a new era in self-rescue and companion rescue. The standard radio connection to partners makes it possible for the first time to actively protect partners even before a burial occurs.
LIGHTER CARTRIDGE
For the first time, backpacks can be equipped with the lighter carbon cartridge instead of the steel cartridge, which offers a weight saving of almost 50 percent.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
ABS begins collaborations with industry partners who integrate the ABS® system into their backpacks (ABS inside) or produce corresponding ZipOns for the base units (ABS compatible).
PROTECTORS
The Vario Base Unit can now be equipped with a certified back protector from Komperdell for greater safety.
30 YEARS ABS
ABS celebrates 30 years of research and innovation. With 50,000 ABS® systems produced this season, ABS remains the market leader in this area.
PRIDE
With the P.RIDE system, ABS introduces the new generation of avalanche airbags. With standard partner release, 30% more effective area, automatic system control and double safety thanks to ABS® TwinBags.
SPIN CAPITAL TAKES OVER ABS
The market leader in the field of avalanche airbags is acquired 100 percent under the leadership of Spin Capital. Dr. Stefan Mohr will also be responsible as managing director in the future. Peter Aschauer continues to make the contacts and network he has developed over the years available for the benefit of the company, but is handing over operational responsibility.
S.LIGHT
The new ABS® s.LIGHT is the first avalanche backpack with the proven ABS® Twinbag system, whose base unit weighs under 2 kg. However, this weight optimization in no way means a loss of safety or functionality.
S.CAPE
Together with freerider Géraldine Fasnacht, ABS is developing a new avalanche backpack that, for the first time, has integrated a certified high-altitude harness.
ENJOY YOUR WILD
Even after 35 years, ABS stands for Protection in Adventure and in 2020 it presents itself with a new brand identity, completely renewed product design and portfolio and presents the first digital products - all under the new claim "Enjoy your wild", which is intended to inspire people to express their passion for to live out nature.
GERMAN DESIGN AWARD
The new day touring backpack A.CROSS wins the German Design Award in the Excellent Product Design - Sports, Outdoor Activities and Leisure category. This is one of the most prestigious design awards in the world and enjoys a high reputation far beyond specialist circles. Whoever prevails against the top-class competition here has successfully proven that they are among the best.
ABS BECOME PART OF THE EDELRID GROUP
Start of a new company chapter. Both companies see the bundling of competencies in the development and production of high-quality mountain sports products as a strategic expansion of market opportunities and the safety of mountain athletes.
