Safety on the Verticals, Even in the Snow: The Inventor of the ABS Avalanche Backpack Becomes Part of the Edelrid Group

The EDELRID Group has expanded its range of personal protective equipment (PPE) for winter sports through the acquisition of the Munich company. The two businesses believe that combining their skills in the development and manufacture of high-quality mountaineering products will enable them to strategically increase their market opportunities and mountaineers’ safety. Since September 1, 2022, the company has operated as ABS Sports + Protection GmbH & Co.KG in association with EDELRID and Vaude Vietnam as the manufacturer of the ABS avalanche backpacks.

Two well-established manufacturers from southern Germany with a similar product understanding and affinity for developments in the field of mountaineering have now come together: EDELRID and ABS. “Safety and a love of vertical movement are at the heart of everything we do. The same is true at ABS. As such, I’m really looking forward to working together to generate even more knowledge and innovations in relation to the mountaineering world of the future”, comments Vitus Wuhrer, EDELRID Managing Director and son of Albrecht von Dewitz. The new ties with EDELRID enable the use of synergies within the established international sales network in the field of protective mountaineering equipment.

“As the inventor of the avalanche backpack, we have been following the mission of making winter sports safer ever since our establishment. EDELRID’s support as an established sister company offers us new market access with the same objective for our development”, says Andreas Balk, operations manager at ABS. 

The ABS avalanche backpacks are produced by Vaude Vietnam Co., Ltd. Albrecht von Dewitz, CEO and founder of the production facility, believes that the acquisition will strengthen the company network. “For me, combining the strengths of all three companies is a logical next step. Vaude Vietnam gives us a long-standing and well-established team. Our proximity to production processes not only guarantees product quality for our users but also ensures delivery capability throughout the global sales network”, says Albrecht von Dewitz.

EDELRID

Since its establishment in 1863, EDELRID GmbH & Co.KG has developed into a leading production company for ropes, climbing equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Since its acquisition by Albrecht of Dewitz in 2006, the company has been particularly characterized by high levels of innovation and sustainability. EDELRID not only developed the first kernmantle rope but also brought the first bluesign® certified ropes to the market. All product development activities take place in the German town of Isny im Allgäu, where 60 percent of all products (including 100 percent of ropes) are produced. This guarantees not only the exceptional quality and functionality appreciated by EDELRID users worldwide, but also ongoing innovation. The renowned climbing shoe brand Red Chili has been part of EDELRID’s product portfolio since 2017.

ABS

The brand ABS specializes in the development and sale of innovative sports equipment that saves lives and helps mountaineers enjoy inspirational experiences in the great outdoors. ABS developed the first avalanche backpack back in 1985 and is regarded as the inventor of this pioneering product for the protection of winter sports enthusiasts. Since then, the company has performed pioneering work in the field of safety equipment for mountaineers. The company was acquired by EDELRID in 2022 and has since operated under the name ABS Sports + Protection GmbH & Co.KG. The brand regards itself as a holistic partner for responsible mountain adventures, a view that is reflected in new product features, an ever-expanding product portfolio and enhanced digital services for mountaineers.