TESTED: Deuter TransAlpine 30AC
The needs and wants of an Australian mountain biker are varied - but this snazzy backpack from German manufacturer Deuter has been made just for us!
Specifically designed for the Australian market and retailing for $199, Deuter’s TransAlpine 30 AC is a multipurpose, all-day pack loaded with features and versatility.
Based around the company’s patented Aircomfort system that allows an enormous amount of airflow between the pack and the riders back, even when fully loaded, the TransAlpine is easily one of the coolest packs on the market . On even the hottest of summer days soggy back sweat is kept to a minimum. The system also features a pocketless waist strap, adjustable chest strap and padded hip area.
Its huge thirty litre capacity has room for a three litre bladder and three compartments of various sizes for separating and stuffing your wares. There’s also a sneaky internal divider that allows you to have some stuff accessible from the main top zip, and others more readily available via the smaller front zip – handy for quick access to snacks, tools or wet weather gear.
Speaking of wet weather, a high visibility rain cover folds out from the base of the pack protecting your stuff from all but the most torrential of downpours. This, along with a reflective light loop, external helmet storage and load adjustment straps make it a solid choice for commuting too.
The outer of the pack is constructed from Deuter’s own Ballistic material providing a good mix of strength and durability while aiming to keep weight down. Our test pack came in slightly under Deuter’s claimed weight, at 1214grams.
As with all packs it’s a good idea to make sure they fit you first. I’m a lanky 180cm and found that the TransAlpine sat a little too high for my liking, fouling on the rear of my helmet even when half loaded. The Aircomfort system was super comfy and very breezy but not that stable when the going got a bit rough. It does sit quite high and out from your back and no matter what adjustments I made I was unable to stop it from rising and falling over waterbars or rough terrain.
If you’re after a very well ventilated pack that can do a lot – mountain bike, commute, hike, travel – then the TransAlpine 30ac is definitely worth checking out – get your shop to help load it up in store to make sure it fits, and then you’re set.
Hits: Versatility, less back sweat, lots of features
Misses: A more rigid back means its fit is less versatile.
From: Velo Vita
RRP: $199
