A Hydration Pack for "real" Freeriders?

One of the things I love about riding is the opportunity for adventure every time out. You really never know what might happen. It may be you have one of those Golden days when the skinnies seem wide and gravity has joined your team. It may also be one of those when someone breaks their saddle off, you find a fellow rider with a busted leg or perhaps just a hiker needing directions. Whatever happens I like to be prepared for it (I was only a Scout for a couple of months but it left a mark).

That means I tend to haul a reasonable amount of stuff around when I ride; tools, small parts, a rudimentary first aid kit and often our mini Digital Vid Cam to document those moments of Gold. When you add my pads to the equation, and perhaps a fullface helmet you get the idea that space becomes an issue wearing the average hydration pack. I also find that when packed to capacity these bags tend to protrude uncomfortably out from my back and they bang around too much. All this made me much more likely to start pedalling from the trailhead instead of beginning the ride from home. I now live fairly close to some of the best trails in the world and if there is a chance to leave the auto at home I take it.

That was one of the reasons the Deuter (pronounced doiter for us anglos) packs caught my eye - they had models with large storage capacity without too much bulk. The load seemed at first glance to be carried close to the rider's back as well. On closer inspection these packs employed some keen design elements I hadn't seen before. I called up ROI, the local distributor, who was more than happy to hook me up with a tester (thanks Tim!)

The first thing you'll notice about the Deuter Cross Air is the unique suspension system which incorporates a mesh panel supporting the pack away from your back. This leaves a several centimetre gap through which air can flow keeping you cool. With my Camelbak HAWG I used to hate putting it back on after completing some repair (because it was cold and soggy against my delicate skin!). The Deuter pack feels bone dry no matter how sweaty I get. This system makes such a difference that I found myself dressing more warmly for early morning rides because I was so well vented. This feature of the pack could be improved even more if a gap was designed into the top of the pack where the straps attach so wind from forward motion could be more easily channelled through the gap.

The straps and buckles do a great job keeping the pack in one place. So much so that I didn't feel the need to use the waist or sternum straps except on the steepest trails. The shoulder straps curve in as they descend toward your waist allowing you excellent movement while keeping your load secure.

I usually have to hang my Hoots knee pads off my bike for the ride up, but the Cross Air incorporates a neoprene web system designed to hold a helmet. I put my shin pads inside the pack and then use the webbing to strap my knee and elbow protection on. This feature isn't designed to accept a full face (I usually strap mine to my bars anyway) but it will quite comfortably if you run the straps over the jaw piece.

The main storage compartment is long and wide but doesn't protrude out from your back, even when full. The load stays close to your body. The advertised capacity is 25 litres but the neoprene webbing allows you to carry much more. There is a smaller top pocket which can be accessed easily, even when the webbing is full. This pocket is large enough for some tools, food and a tube and there is a zip pocket inside for a wallet or even a small cell phone. There are two side mesh pockets which I used to store my gloves for the climb on hot days. This aspect of the pack is so thoughtfully laid out that everything seems to have a spot.

The hydration bladder pocket is simply an inner sleeve that runs 2/3 the way up the inside of the pack. The opening at the top makes water filling easy but it doesn't keep your water separate from your gear. I would prefer to see an insulated zipper pocket on a pack of this quality. My bladder (not included with the pack) is old and tends to leak so I like to have it well stowed.

The bag at first glance seems a little wide. Only once did I hook it on a branch but it was enough to tear one of the mesh pockets. Otherwise I did't even know it was there.

This product has the sort of attention to detail that I value in a product. The real test for me when I am evaluating a product is whether or not I would buy it. I purchased a cross air after trying it and I never leave for a ride without it. The Canadian retail price is in the neighbourhood of $125 ($80 US) without a hydration bladder.

For information about retailing Deuter packs in Canada contact Tim Murphy at ROI at 604-320-3350 ext16. In the US check out Ortlieb USA.

Cam McRae