For 2017, ION is extending its backpack range by adding a third model: called Villain, the backpack comes with optional capacities of four or eight litres and rounds off ION’s range with a view to compact backpacks for use in racing and training. Also in the range is the versatile Rampart with a volume of eight or sixteen litres. Winner of a Eurobike award 2015, the Transom, includes the revolutionary Air_Condition cooling system to regulate ventilation on the back.

VILLAIN 4 & 8

As from 2017 ION is offering a fully fledged water carrier with the new Villain. Availa-ble with a capacity of four or eight litres, the backpack comes with a 2-litre water reservoir as standard. To ensure you can comfortably bear the weight of water and also to give the backpack an ergonomic fit, the Villain has preformed EVA shoulder straps. Their open texture also makes the straps very breathable.

In both Villain mo-dels, the hip belt provided as an additional fastening aid is fitted with a small pouch for stowing keys and other small items. It can also be detached, which makes the backpack an ideal travelling companion. On the front of backpack, ION has included an elastic cord pull, which provides a safe and handy place to stow a waterproof jacket or similar garment. Both backpack models have flexible side panels to add that little extra storage space when the pack is fully loaded. The Villain 4 and Villain 8 will be available from Spring 2017 in a choice of Black and Stream Blue.

RAMPART 8 & 16

Depending on the capacity, the Rampart can be used for more or less everything: the eight-litre version is just as useful for racing as for half-day tours. The 16-litre model becomes even more suitable for tours. Entirely independent of the backpack volume – through the use of the optionally available SAS-TEC protection plates – the Rampart is also a convincing companion on demanding trails. In fact this is when the Rampart upgraded to a protector backpack demonstrates its protective function in compliance with the requirements of the standard EN 16212-2, Level 1.

The support system is unconventional, yet that’s precisely what makes it so good. In addition to the preformed, breathable EVA shoulder straps and conventional hip and chest combination, two straps are arranged in a V-shape from the shoulder blades to below the hip belt. They anchor the Rampart to the body in the lower back region and keep it firmly in place, especially when you’re descending head-first. Other features of the Rampart in both 8-litre and 16-litre versions are an integrated helmet holder, a detachable tool compartment and an additional map pocket. Both models are prepared for the use of a drinking system. The Rampart 16 additionally comes with elastic side sections and compression straps which double as fasteners for knee and elbow pads.

Rampart 8 and Rampart 16 are each available in the sizes S/M and L/XL with different back lengths and in Black or Blazing Red. From Spring 2017.

TRANSOM 16 & 24

Wearing the brand new TRANSOM backpack will blow you away, literally. ION has solved the problem of limited ventilation in full-contact carrying systems on back-packs in general – and protection packs in particular. ION did this by engineering a backpack feature called Air_Condition system (patent pending) that allows cooling ventilation at the back by shifting the backpack away from the hips when going uphill. On the descent, just release the system and pull the backpack tight. This ensures a close fit to the back when you need it. ION offers the optional SAS-TEC protection plate for all ION backpacks in two sizes (S/M, L/XL).

The protection plate fits into the SAS-TEC Spine Plate Interface and meets the requirements of the EN certificate 1621-2, Level 1. Another new feature is the V-String_Carrying_System to hold the backpack in place, even when upside down. Available in two versions with a 16l or 24l capacity, these backpacks can accommodate all your gear for a whole day: up to 3l in the water reservoir, tools, pumps, tubes, additional rain jacket and jerseys for changing, protectors, energy bars and candy. And of course you can attach your helmet, too. Still not enough space? Don’t worry, the Flex_Panels on the sides hide extra volume and allow you to pack even more… By the way, the slick design has a special coated, lightweight ripstop fabric that enables you to easily remove what your rear tyre has deposited on your rucksack. Available from Spring 2017 in sizes S/M and L/XL.

About ION

ION is part of Boards & More GmbH based in Molln, Austria with the operating office located in Oberhaching, Germany. Since 2005 the brand serves the international markets in kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, SUP, wakeboarding and biking (since 2012) and is available in more than 40 countries worldwide. The product range consists of high-quality and technical wetsuits & neoprene accessoires, harnesses, bike wear, protection, backpacks and lifestyle apparel with a unique and progressive design for the global action sports scene.

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Photos: Bartek Woliński /ION