Review: the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL backpack
Trans Alpine bike trips require a lot of gear and the Deuter Trans Alpine 32 EL is perfect for one. Read how well it performed on my trip through the Alps.
When searching for the perfect backpack for my 6 day Alpine crossing, I decided to stick with a classic: the Deuter Trans Alpine. I am 2 m tall so the EL (extra-long) version was the right choice for my long torso. I’ve always heard great things about the Trans Alpine, but I had to put it to the test myself. And what better place to do this than the French Maritime Alps?
First look
Those who have ever taken a longer trip through the Alps, know that the excitement about the trip begins roughly 6 months beforehand. Routes are planned, books are read, and the right gear is chosen. The question of which backpack to use can be difficult. One wonders how riding with the extra weight will feel and if your shoulders can handle the extra load. After everything good I’d heard about the Trans Alpine EL 32, I decided to give it a shot.
Lookin good on a lake.
Taking the Deuter Trans Alpine all the way to the top!
When the backpack arrived I was immediately impressed with how it looked. It is well manufactured with beautiful seams and a cool design. Many of the classic features of the previous Trans Alpine models are in the same place, but there are a couple of things that are new. For example, the compression straps, helmet net and a new hip belt. Overall, the backpack is slimmer and the new Deuter Ripstop 210 and Macro Lite 210 materials keep the bags weight down to 1300 g. And that with a size of 58 x 28 x 24 cm and 32 litre volume. The helmet net can store both full-face and open-face helmet and it provides a great place to dry wet clothing too. Another new feature is the cell phone pocket, which can be reached without taking off the backpack.
The cell phone pouch is easy to reach.
The Trans Alpine is super comfortable no matter the terrain.
Preparation
Before leaving on my Trans Alpine trip, a few dry runs were in order. I wanted to answer these two questions: Does all my gear fit in the backpack? And how do I properly adjust it?
When I started packing, I had the feeling that roughly half of my belongings needed to go in the backpack. Especially, since I wanted to bring a pair of city shoes. I was pleasantly surprised that everything fit in the 32 litre pack. However, when I put it on the scale, it weighed in at a whopping 11 kg!
All of this fit, no problem.
Now, I'm ready to ride.
I definitely needed to drop weight so I unpacked everything, made a bare-bones list and packed it once more. After, the backpack weighed only 8.3 kg, including the filled 3 litre hydration bladder. I also used Deuter’s dry bags to keep my clothes organized and compressed. With everything inside, the compression straps can be tightened, which keeps the weight close to the back. Now that the bag is packed, it can be adjusted to fit the body like a glove.
The Alipine Traverse
With my packed Trans Alpine backpack I made my way down to the French Maritime Alps. The idea of living out of the backpack for the next 6 days made me a little uneasy, but I knew I had everything I needed. Right from the start, the Trans Alpine sat perfectly. It distributed my weight evenly over my hips, keeping the load off my shoulders. It also did a great job of staying in place and keeping my back cool. Temperatures were hitting 30° C and I was sweating quite a bit, but the Trans Alpine didn’t store any extra heat, even when pedalling uphill for hours.
There was one day that consisted of 10 hours of riding and an unlucky crash, but still the backpack preformed without question. Some might think riding around with such a heavy load for so long would be a deal breaker. However, the Trans Alpine stayed comfortable without causing pain to my shoulders or back.
No matter the trail, the backpack stays put.
It goes where I go.
And it gives me the break I need.
Summary
Six days in the French Maritime Alps were a dream, especially with the comfort the Deuter Trans Alpine EL 32 affords. The newly designed hip straps offered enough freedom of movement while spreading out the load and the ventilation was superb. When you decide to traverse the Alps, or any other mountain range, the Trans Alpine is the best backpack for the job. This way you can spend more time planning your routes and getting your gear together, then fretting over which pack to use. And for those who aren’t as tall as me, the Trans Alpine 30L is the way to go. Happy trails!
Look how far we've come!
Cheers friends!
