Review: Deuter Trans Alpine backpack
Benjamin and Basti paid Deuter a visit to find out more about the redesigned Trans Alpine backpack and peek behind the curtain of the brand.
I truly enjoy visiting manufacturers from the bike industry at their digs as it allows me to take an exclusive look behind the scenes. Our trip to premium back maker Deuter in Southern Germany marked a highlight, as it included a face-to-face with one of their designers.
The Deuter HQ is housed in a modern building that suggests the shape of a bird’s nest – just smaller than the Chinese Olympic stadium. We were greeted by Martin Zanker, Deuter’s young head of sales for the bike division. Once on the inside, the building combines design with functionality and a sense of nature, exactly the values Deuter stands for.
The new Deuter Trans Alpine
Then we meet up with Fabian Rampelmann, one of Deuter’s product developers. He presented us the new Trans Alpine backpack, using the previous model to demonstrate the new features and improvements, I was especially interested as I had a multi-day MTB trip across the Alps planned for the coming weeks.
His personal favourite of the Trans Alpine is the new stowable helmet holster that is functional, lighter and looks more aesthetically pleasing than the previous solution. The mesh net can also be used to dry apparel, which is very useful on long trips.
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The Trans Alpine offers many smart features - front.
The Trans Alpine offers many smart features - front.
An example for the changing needs of cyclists is the map pouch. It used to be large to accommodate detailed geographical survey maps and now it has shrunk in size and features a no-scratch liner because now it can hold GPS devices and other electronical gadgets.
Benjamin tries the Trans Alpine on.
Deuter’s product designer Fabian explains the backpack’s features.
The raincover is attached to the back of the bag.
The pouch for your valuable, smartphone, keys etc. is easily accessible.
An update to the previous model, the mesh wings have been redesigned.
Another improvement are the mesh wings for the hip strap. They have moved inwards towards the Airstripes to make for a more snug fit of the Trans Alpine. It’s amazing how much thought Deuter’s R&D puts into the design of each little detail.
After the presentation, I couldn’t wait to test the Trans Alpine on my trip.
This is where the magic happens, Deuter’s backpack works.
Deuter has a huge warehouse next to the HQ that it uses to dispatch their backpacks around the world.
Martin Zanker, head of sales for cycling shows off a custom backpack made for Angela Merkel.
At Deuter, backpacks are omnipresent.
In Deuter’s lobby, the evolution of backpacks over the years is on display.
The Deuter Tour
After the chat with Fabian, we got a guided tour of the Deuter premisies. We saw the marketing department, product management and R&D and learned how new models go through the stages from idea to production. Backpacks are all over on every wall and in every corner. Deuter also makes co-branding models form other industries like a Deuter BMW bag and custom builds like a special edition backpack for Mrs. Merkel, who is an avid hiker.
The product managers showed us samples of prototypes that never made it to the market and of things to come. That’s top-secret though. A lot of their work is done on the computer of course, but they explained that there is nothing like making a real sample.
Later we toured the adjacent 7200 square meter warehouse and the workshop. Deuter is proud of the high quality of their products, but also offers a well-sought repair service for out of warranty models. According to Martin Zanker, satisfied customers routinely send in backpacks that have been around the world twice, but need a new strap or zipper after 20 years of use.
Benjamin and the guys from Deuter in front of their HQ.
Summing it up
We had a great time at Deuter and got to know a company that celebrates outdoor sports and are dedicated to improving their customer’s experience with ever better products. Thanks for a great day guys!
