Helite H-MOOV Airbag Backpack Assessment

Assessment Abstract

• The detachable backpack is well designed and offers riders many choices for carrying gear or snacks.
• The airbag doesn’t wrap across the decrease facet kidney areas just like the ‘regular’ Helite vests
• The burden of the backpack airbag which features a 60cc CO2 canister is 5.98 kilos and 4.06 kilos with out the backpack hooked up. The massive Helite Turtle 2 tethered air vest weighs 4.06 kilos together with a 60cc CO2 canister.
• Out there in tethered (as examined) and digital set off variations

I’ve reviewed two variations of Helite airbag vests. The primary was the analog model of the Helite Turtle 2 (HT2) vest in August of 2022. The newest was my evaluation of the  Helite e-Turtle 2 Airbag Assessment. These are my impressions of the brand new tethered H-MOOV backpack. (HMV) Helite plans to launch an digital model of this backpack shortly.

About Helite

Helite was based in 2002 by Gérard Thevenot, a French engineer who specialised in fluid mechanics and was keen about mild aeronautics (ULM, grasp gliders, paramotors). The excessive accident fee in these sports activities led him to search for options for pilot safety, and so a primary patent was filed for particular person safety airbags.

As airbag expertise applies to all high-risk actions, Helite has change into an skilled on this subject, dedicating itself solely to the event of particular person safety programs. Helite airbags are already utilized in all kinds of fields resembling motorcycling, horse driving, biking, well being, aeronautics, and industrial work; they’re additionally extremely appreciated in top-level sports activities.

From Helite’s web site:

Our Ambition:

Helite’s mission is to make the world safer by creating new clever options to guard individuals of their sports activities and day by day actions. Our particular recipe: innovation, expertise, and ease, all made in France with our contact of authenticity.

Our R&D Strategy:

From the concept to the design of an airbag, an extended course of and plenty of abilities are concerned. On this sense, our airbag expertise remains to be validated by quite a few prototypes and crash checks.

Development

• Inside textile 3D mesh for max air circulation
• Vest 100% polyester 600D textile
• Airbag 100% polyurethane
• 18L backpack expandable to 23L
• The backpack might be utterly faraway from the air vest and a reflective cowl is provided which might be zipped rather than the backpack unit when so desired
• A hydration pouch and hose attachment factors are integrated. No hydration pack is included
• Exterior pocket for small objects resembling bank cards or money
• Reflective stripes on the again for added visibility on each the backpack and rain cowl
• Waterproof rain cowl constructed into the backpack
• Mesh helmet service constructed into the backpack
• Devoted sleeve for a laptop computer as much as 15” with adjustable securing strap
• Mushy neoprene collar for higher consolation across the neck
• Comfy and lightweight permits full physique movement
• TURTLE expertise with SAS-TEC 1621 stage 1 again protector
• Adjustment straps for a match over any bike garment
• Air safety quantity: 18L
• Water resistant and waterproof when deployed with included rain cowl
• CE Licensed Airbag System

Introduction

I wish to state upfront that I’ve by no means been a fan of carrying a backpack whereas driving a motorbike. My cause primarily revolves round security. The potential for crashing with a backpack filled with strong gadgets that might probably influence my backbone simply didn’t justify the comfort of carrying ‘stuff’ on my again. Up till this level I’ve both utilized a tail or tank bag for issues like water, snacks, instruments, my first help package, and so on. To my information, the HMV backpack is the very first one to include an air vest.

BOOM!!!

First issues first, let’s set off this sucker. Irrespective of what number of instances I’ve examined Helite airbag programs, both deliberately or from a fall, the preliminary growth at all times offers me a little bit of a startle. Testing this time was no totally different. In my evaluation of the Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest, I’m going into element about how the CO2 canister system works, and the way it’s punctured and fills the vest.

In the event you’d wish to know extra, together with how you can change the tethered CO2 canister, merely reference my earlier evaluation. Beneath is how the inside of the HMV seems earlier than inflation.

For now, I’ll illustrate the place the canister is positioned on the HMV. Not like the Turtle vests, the HMV’s canister is positioned in a double-zippered pouch above the fastening buckles. It makes use of a 60cc canister which is indicated on the internal portion of the opening.

Because the HMV doesn’t have a devoted slot sewn into the vest, double zippers place the tether to exit the canister’s ball set off mechanism. The right place of the zipper pulls is marked on the vest by two blue dashes.

And the place is specified on web page 32 within the person’s information.

Putting in the Tether

Since it is a tethered set off system, you could set up the tether (duh) to your bike body, ideally towards the middle of your bike. I’ve put in mine simply the precise of the entrance of the seat subsequent to my gasoline tank. Listed below are the Helite person guide’s directions.

HMV Growth Areas

As a result of the HMV is thinner and shorter in size than the Turtle line of airbag vests, it accommodates gussets alongside the perimeters and backside. The scale distinction is clear in these pictures. As some extent of reference, Turtle 2 is a dimension giant. The HMV solely is available in one dimension.

Either side of the HMV’s entrance shoulder straps makes use of small snaps which permit the airbag to quickly develop when the CO2 canister is launched.

The underside of the vest permits the airbag to increase beneath the backpack.

The airbag covers the thorax, stomach, neck, again, and sacrum. The pictures above present the sacrum airbag sections. The next photographs illustrate the neck and entrance rib airbag sections.

HMV Inflation

It is a brief video exhibiting the HMV throughout inflation.

Listed below are photographs of how the HMV seems when inflated. I had anxious that the neck and tailbone sections of the backpack weren’t effectively lined. However each of these issues have been confirmed to be nonissues as soon as the vest inflated. Protection is great.

In each of the photographs beneath you possibly can see simply how effectively the airbag extends to cowl the tailbone part of my physique.

The backpack was eliminated and changed by included cowl with the vest inflated.

How the inside of the vest seems after inflation. Notice the cradling of the backbone space and the tailbone protection.

Changing the CO2 Cartridge

If you want to see how you can change the CO2 canister within the MC set off, you possibly can view the process I’ve outlined in my evaluation of the Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest, in my Putting in the CO2 Canister part. The process is identical.

Match

One of many issues that involved me after I first unboxed the HMV was its lack of buckle size adjustment straps just like the earlier Helite Turtle 2 vests I examined. The HMV solely accommodates two buckles, not three like the opposite Helite vests. The topmost buckle doesn’t comprise any further nylon webbing which permits adjustment of the strap. The decrease buckles do through the usage of friction clasps.

I’m not a giant man, 5-8 165lbs with out gear. To check the sizing of the HMV, I made a decision to put on two totally different jackets, first my KLIM Marrakesh summer season jacket after which my Alpinestars Halo Drystar. Each have differing thicknesses when worn.

I’m completely happy to report that in each circumstances the HMV match effectively and the decrease adjustment straps supplied loads of adjustment for both jacket. For people with very giant chests, I’m hoping Helite provides an extension buckle, very similar to when airways provide seat belt extensions to ‘bigger’ individuals. Helite does provide a web based ‘session’ assembly the place you possibly can ask questions on match. Fairly slick.

These facet views of the HMV within the 18L configuration whereas carrying the Alpinestars Halo Drystar and KLIM Marrakesh driving jackets. The picture within the gray Marrakesh reveals the HMV with the backpack eliminated and the included cowl put in.

Separating The Backpack From Airbag Vest

The power to take away your complete backpack from the airbag vest makes the HMV an extremely versatile security gadget. The backpack is held in place by a zipper that runs 100% of the circumference of the backpack and begins on the higher left-hand facet of the unit and unzips clockwise.

Hydration Pouch

Earlier than I transfer onto the again protector I wish to cowl the hydration pouch Helite has included within the HMV. Please word that no hydration bladder is included, simply the integrated potential to mount one if that’s the case desired. An attachment clip within the heart of the higher portion of the world the place the backpack resides is there to clip into many water bladders made by Camelback, or different makers of water bladders.

On the higher left facet of the backpack is a small icon indicating the place the hydration hose might be routed. By leaving the backpack or backpack cowl zipper open one inch, the hose might be routed up via the elastic loop on the higher left facet of the vest.

Within the entrance left facet of the vest is webbing that means that you can maintain the hydration chew valve which is handy to achieve whereas driving.

A slender zippered pocket resides on the left facet chest strap. I imagine it’s meant for bank cards, ID, money, or keys. It’s handy for earplugs too. Bear in mind that that little pocket extends down about two inches beneath the tip of the zipper. Are you able to say “Misplaced change down there someplace?”

Earlier than transferring on to the again safety I wished to focus on that the whole lot Helite has constructed into the backpack as comfort options are housed OUTSIDE of the again protector. For me, that is key since my sole function in contemplating any gadget like that is to guard myself from severe damage in a crash.

Sure, the comfort options are great, however not if the design doesn’t take into account safety first. Helite has demonstrated by its design that safety is paramount on this HMV.

Again Protector

Not like Helite’s turtle vests, the HMV makes use of a stage 1 again protector which is smaller than the turtle models. Within the following photographs, I’ve set Turtle 2 and HMV facet by facet as a comparability.

 

Right here’s a close-up of the HMV’s again protector’s score.

 

A zipper positioned beneath the detachable backpack portion is the place the extent 1 safety is accessed.

In my prior evaluation of the Helite e-Turtle 2 Airbag, I addressed a person’s query in regards to the potential to make use of a special pad within the vest. His query surrounded the flexibility to retailer a Helite in baggage making it simpler by utilizing a extra pliable pad. Helite knowledgeable me {that a} pad of comparable dimension and form can be acceptable. Within the photographs which observe I’ve used the extent 1 pad out of my KLIM Marrakesh jacket. It’s rather more pliable and ventilated than the unit that comes with the HMV. If I determine to buy the HMV, that is the again pad I plan to make use of.

With the backpack eliminated, Helite provides a nifty little cowl that replaces the backpack. It accommodates reflective strips and is definitely saved both within the backpack or may also be saved within the hydration pouch. On this instance, I’ve saved it within the hydration pouch.

Pockets, Extra Pockets, and Options

I’ve already lined the built-in hydration pouch on this HMV, so earlier than I get into the backpack’s pockets and storage capability, I’ll discuss in regards to the built-in rain cowl and helmet service. Yep, each are included and except you’re an entire fool they will’t be misplaced.

Small cute AF icons seem everywhere in the HMV that point out what’s included. This little umbrella rain icon offers us a touch in regards to the built-in rain cowl. Positioned on the high of the backpack to the precise of the carrying deal with.

Unzipping the little pouch simply behind the carrying deal with reveals the built-in rain cowl.

The quilt stretches all the way down to the underside of the backpack and suits whether or not the HMV is expanded or in its retracted, smaller-liter configuration. On the backside of the rain cowl is a triangular piece of velcro hooked up to an identical velcro patch on the backside of the backpack. Two elastic bands with clips stretch across the again of the HMV to maintain the rain cowl tight. And naturally, there are reflective strips and the Helite emblem on the rain cowl.

This simply reveals the little pouch the place the rain cowl is saved within the HMV backpack.

And that is for example the rain cowl used when the backpack is in its stuffed 23-liter configuration. Notice the facet reflective strips too.

Constructed-In Helmet Holder

Yep on the backside of the backpack is that this cute little icon.

I’m utilizing my Arai XD4 helmet with a peak for example simply how the HMV can deal with a big journey helmet. The stretchy mesh is secured on the high of the HMV with two eyelets and holds the lid securely. I had talked about in the beginning that solely an fool can lose a few of the built-in conveniences on the HMV. Because the helmet holder might be indifferent from the backpack if some software decides it could be an important banana hammock and forgets the place he left it….OH WELL! As a lot because the individuals in France attempt to ponder something, they can’t plan for stupidity!

Backpack storage

Helite lists the storage quantity as 18L expandable to 23L

I’m not that good at determining what number of liters I can carry. So I did it two methods. First making an attempt to place odd giant issues within the backpack and second, making an attempt to suit my driving jackets in there. Oh and a 14” laptop computer too. Right here goes, first a 2 liter(!) cooking pot, my giant Camelback water jug, and a giant loaf of bread. And when you plan to provide me shit about white bread preserve it to your self.

Yep, all of it match and I didn’t squish the bread both!

Now for a extra customary ‘stuffing,’ I stuffed every jacket separately into the primary compartment of the backpack. I wished to check if the primary compartment was giant sufficient to suit a lighter summer season driving jacket and a bigger all-season one. First my KLIM Marrakesh and second my Alpinestars Halo Drystar. They each match effectively, not collectively, however individually. Oh and I forgot to say that I had my 14” Lenovo laptop computer in there too. A useful adjustable elastic velcro strap saved it safe.

Right here I’ve my Lenovo, my KLIM Marrakesh jacket, and my Arai XD4 helmet in/on the HMV. My instance right here is for many who don’t have baggage on their bikes, go for a journey within the hotter months, and may carry their junk with them to go to lunch or a hike.

One other instance for these with out baggage is to bungee internet the backpack to your bike’s rear seat or rack and reattach it once you arrive at your vacation spot.

Since I’ve baggage on my bike I plan to both simply put on the HMV with the backpack, or pack day hike issues within the backpack, carry it in my high field, after which connect it to my airbag vest to go on a hike.

The Pockets

I photographed and measured the pockets with the intent of explaining every one. As an alternative, I made a decision to easily present the pockets and for these particulars that I really feel deserve point out, I’ll.

Conclusion

At first, the HMV is an unbelievable security gadget which will/will save the lives and limbs of many a biker. Helite airbag vests are a few of, if not the perfect within the trade when you think about the fee, the flexibility to easily reactivate the vests with a screw in CO2 cartridge, and the sheer quantity of air protection. Their newest entry, as an airbag backpack providing so many choices to hold equipment safely, has been not solely effectively thought out however executed. My damaging surrounds what I check with as “child onesie snaps” within the areas that enable the airbag to develop is secondary to their function.

To deploy rapidly and persistently. I’m not sure why velcro was not used to permit the gusset seams to develop upon deployment. I can solely assume that the engineers felt that velcro might not current a constant launch strain to make sure correct deployment.  Having crashed in a Turtle 2 and never having to ‘snap’ collectively seams after the airbag deployed is a real-world expertise. My feelings after a fall might forestall me from reattaching the snaps effectively or in any respect. Since I used to be not injured due to the Helite, I reinstalled a CO2 canister and was again on my bike in simply 12 minutes. If I used to be injured sufficient to not proceed, snapping over 40 snaps wouldn’t even be a priority since I might not have continued on my means.

After testing the vest’s deployment, it took me 25 minutes to snap all of them collectively and that was with out the emotion of simply having crashed. Maybe there’s a approach that might enable me to reattach the snaps quicker, I simply couldn’t work out how to take action.

 

Specs

• Producer: Helite
• Worth: (When Examined) $799.00
• Colours: Black
• Sizes: One
• Assessment Interval: March 2023

Vital Hyperlinks / The place to Purchase

Execs

• Seams are effectively sewn with no fraying
• Zippers are YKK, easy, and straightforward to function
• Air Luggage positioned in strategic areas across the backbone, neck, clavicle, and sacrum
• Degree 1 again protector is positioned within the optimum place
• The backpack accommodates giant gadgets simply
• Built-in rain cowl
• Built-in helmet service
• Zippers are waterproof
• Hydration holder included
• Accepts as much as a 15” laptop computer
• Cheap CO2 substitute canisters are person replaceable
• Very comfy over all kinds of driving gear
• Glorious consideration to element

Cons

• Small growth snaps are troublesome to snap collectively after a fall
• Facet areas across the decrease kidney areas are unprotected
• The nonadjustable high buckle fastening strap could also be too small for larger-chested people