Product test

The Deuter Race Exp Air has the courage to leave a gap

27.8.2020

Translation: machine translated

I hate it when my back starts sweating after just a few minutes of hiking. Is a bike rucksack the solution to the problem?

I was sweating blood and sweat. The almost 27-kilometre hike - from Celerina to La Punt and back via Bever - left me extremely exhausted at 29 degrees Celsius. My legs are throbbing. My head is slightly reddened. My face is sweating, but not my back. A novelty, as my back is normally dripping wet after such tours. I am thrilled. In times like these, it's the little things that get me going. My rucksack has passed the acid test.

Backpacks

Deuter Race EXP Air

14 l

Since I've been working at Galaxus, my friends have been asking me for product recommendations time and again. Lately, it's all been about hiking rucksacks - no wonder. During my research, I kept coming across the Race Exp Air from Deuter. The fact that this is a bike rucksack made me suspicious. In the end, I was convinced by the special back system and a comment from user Grembo.

When I pick up the rucksack in the shop, I am pleasantly surprised. The flyweight weighs in at 890 grams. Due to the spring steel frame on the back section, I was expecting more. Every gram counts on hikes. That's why I'm relieved that the pack sack itself doesn't add too much weight.

The back system

My highlight and the reason why I ultimately opted for this model is the mesh back system. The rucksack does not lie directly on the back like a conventional model, but on a mesh that is stretched over a spring steel frame. The gap allows the back to be ventilated from three sides - from below, left and right. Because the spring steel frame is flexible, I can easily bend down with my rucksack piggyback when I have to tie my shoelaces halfway through the journey.

The fact that the centre of gravity is further away from my back due to the mesh back didn't bother me at all. I also don't have the feeling that the rucksack is pulling me backwards, as can be the case with rucksacks with a mesh back.

Thanks to the elasticated spring steel frame, my rucksack doesn't stick stiffly to my back.

During the hike, I don't feel any pressure or zipping. The hip belt and the mesh hip fins ensure a wobble-free fit. And here too, the mesh fabric ensures good air circulation so that the hip area stays dry. I actually don't sweat in this area. The padded s-shaped shoulder strap sits comfortably on my shoulders and has a loop for my sunglasses, which I like to keep out of the way when hiking. As the straps don't slip even when the chest strap isn't fastened, I deliberately leave it open as chest straps feel constricting per se.

The inside

The main compartment is large enough to stow a windbreaker, a water bottle if you don't put it in one of the two outer side compartments, and provisions for a day trip. The additional stretch inner compartment is suitable for a drink bladder with a maximum capacity of three litres or wet clothes. After a short swim break, I put my wet swimming costume in it.

Less is not always more: the outer compartment of the previous model (right) is far too small. On the test model (left), it is all the larger: the entire front.

In contrast to its predecessor, the Race Exp Air has a large outer compartment that can be opened completely. It offers enough space for my iPhone, wallet, sun protection and other bits and bobs such as blister plasters and the like. There are also two additional bottom compartments with a stowable bike helmet holder and a detachable rain cover. Which brings us to the first shortcoming: Why isn't the rucksack itself waterproof?

If it pours, you can pack the rucksack in a waterproof cover. As the weather was non-stop favourable on my last tour, I photographed the cover in the sunshine.

Conclusion

I have finally found a comfortable and non-sweaty companion for hikes. The rucksack fits perfectly and doesn't wobble when walking. Because the small 10-litre model is relatively small, I'm glad that I finally opted for the large 14-litre model. There's just enough space for the essentials for a day trip. In an emergency, the extra capacity allows me to pack three more litres. I deliberately don't make use of this, as I'm happy with the limited storage space. This means I have to keep my packing to a minimum and my rucksack is no heavier than necessary. That way, the only reason for the beads of sweat on my forehead on my next hike is the walking and not the unnecessary weight.

Packed to the brim: The rucksack shouldn't be any smaller - unless you have your hiking partner carry everything for you.

36 people like this article

Vanessa Kim

Editor

vanessa.kim@digitecgalaxus.ch

When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.

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