Ortovox: on your body, on your back, in your head

In 1980, Gerald Kampel and Jürgen Wegner developed the F2 at Ortovox. It was the first avalanche transceiver with two frequencies, according to the brand’s history. That was how it began, with the moment when things get serious. Today, Ortovox covers what lies between you and the mountain: wool against your skin, the backpack on your back and the knowledge you need when it matters.

Ortovox has worked with wool since 1988. On the body, that means merino against the skin and wool in the insulation. New is Metawool: according to the manufacturer, Ortovox’s first insulation filling made from merino wool, with the wool sourced from southern Germany.

This is most evident in the Ortler Metawool 60 REV Jacket. It has two sides. According to Ortovox, the “Going up” side absorbs sweat during the ascent, while the “Riding down” side keeps you warm on the descent. At the top of the ridge, you simply turn the jacket inside out.

A touring backpack carries your skis and everything you put on at the summit during the ascent. At Ortovox, it carries something else too: a separate safety compartment for your shovel and probe. According to Ortovox, you can access it from the front and through the back on the Free Rider 22, while a back protector fits into its own compartment. Most ranges are also available with a shorter back, indicated by the S in the name.

This is where Ortovox began. According to Ortovox, the new Focus Voice tells you aloud what comes next at every stage of the search. But a device alone is not enough. The Ortovox Safety Academy offers avalanche courses with mountain guides, along with the free LAB Snow learning platform.

How a rescue after an avalanche unfolds, from searching for a signal to first aid, is explained stage by stage in The first 15 minutes. And in The search, you can practise it yourself in your browser.

You can find everything from Ortovox here in Discover Ortovox.