Gerald Kampel is the founder of Ortovox. 40 years ago his inner voice told him that he could make mountaineering safer. In response, he developed the first avalanche transceiver that could save numerous lives by sending and receiving a double frequency. Thus the foundation of the Ortovox brand was there and the revolution in avalanche victim search began. For 40 years the company has been following its inner voice and developed products that make the world of mountain sports safer. Despite the constant changes in design, Ortovox remains true to its values.
Safety revolution since 1980
Even before 1980, avalanche transceivers were used to simplify the search for buried subjects. However, avalanche transceivers were designed to transmit and receive on two different frequencies. This caused delays that could often cost the life of an avalanche victim because they could not be found immediately due to the different frequencies.
In 1980, Gerald Kampel developed the F2, which covered both frequencies and thus became the market leader within a very short time. Since then, Ortovox has been constantly working on the development and improvement of avalanche transceivers and regularly presents new models and innovations.
1994: The F1 Focus becomes the world's best-selling avalanche transceiver with its optical search aid
1999: The M2 makes it possible to locate multiple buried subjects
2002: The X1 is developed with two antennas, an unsurpassed range and a fully automatic search system
2007: The S1, the world's first sensor-controlled avalanche transceiver, is launched
2011: The S1+ follows with smart antenna technology that makes it easier to find and to be found
Ortovox avalanche backpack and shovel for even more safety
To ensure even more safety off-piste, Ortovox developed the Touring Pack in 1985. With the Touring Pack, Ortovox launched the first deep snow backpack on the market that was specifically designed for off-piste skiing. The backpacks come with an avalanche shovel and an emergency equipment assortment. By introducing the clearing function on avalanche shovels and the PFA quick release system on probes, valuable time could be saved, which is crucial when saving lives. The legendary ORTOVOX deep snow backpack and the ORTOVOX avalanche shovel are still in use today - after more than 30 years.
Use of sustainable materials at Ortovox
When deciding on materials, Ortovox also follows its inner voice and goes its own way. Innovation and sustainability play a major role during the production. Until 1988, mainly synthetics were used to produce functional clothing. But Ortovox wanted to remain true to its values and continue to protect nature. Thus, in 1988 the brand developed functional sportswear made of fulling wool. Touring jackets, sweaters, caps and other products were made of 100% milled sheep's wool, which is sustainable and has many "natural" advantages.
Thanks to the great popularity of wool, the first functional underwear made of Merino wool was introduced in 1995. Ortovox introduced the Ortovox Wool promise, which is one of the most comprehensive standards for the protection of animals, nature and people. The merino wool suppliers work in faraway Tasmania and have shared Ortovox's beliefs for many years. They treat animals and nature responsibly and are so successful that many farmers are following their approach.
In 2011, Ortovox introduced the use of Swisswool, which is a natural heat source and comes directly from Switzerland. Not long ago, Swiss mountain farmers were not able to make profit from mountain sheep wool. But since it has been known that Swisswool is highly functional, resistant, odorless and temperature-controlled, they are experiencing financial success and high appreciation. Swisswool brings many advantages that Ortovox recognized early on. Ortovox has again gone its own way and listened to the inner voice, remained true to its values and was successful.
Avabags: Avalanche Backpacks
In 2016, Ortovox developed the revolutionary lightweight AVABAG system. The AVABAG system is characterized by its lightness, functionality and simple operation. The backpack weighs only 690 grams and offers a maximum of safety. This makes it possible for all tourers to be on the move easily despite the airbag. The airbag system is removable and can be easily released again and again without a screwed-in cartridge. Thus, the releasing the airbag can be trained to react quickly and correctly in an emergency. The self-developed cartridge system with corresponding ski touring and freeride backpacks was awarded "Product of the Year" at the ISPO.
Each AVABAG unit consists of a release unit, an airbag, a deployment handle and a pretensioning tool. The handle is designed to be gripped with any type of glove and is suitable for both left and right handed users. The AVABAG Unit is removable and therefore compatible with all Ortovox Avabag backpacks.
We say congratulations! We have trusted Ortovox for many years, because the brand has proven that it protects alpinists, freeriders and tourers – back in the days and still today.
