A 22 litre, hydration system compatable backpack.
I bought this backpack at the end of the summer of 02, I was looking for a large capacity backpack with hydration system compatibility. My wife had a camelback mule and after a few months was not impressed so I looked for something different.
A few reviews in magazines, and on websites such as wiggle, prompted me to try the Cross Air, the main feature, apart from taking a bladder, was the aircomfort system. This promised to keep the body of the backpack away from the my back and allow heat and moisture to escape. This is what I wanted!
I am delighted with the pack, the capacity is right for me, the hydration system works well and the air comfort design is one I will look for in future packs, though with some reservations I'll come to later.
Most people who ride are looking for a small pack that will take the essentials, I want a large pack to take everything I believe I might possibly need: 3 litres of water, spare tyre, first aid kit, spare chain, spare tubes, spare brakepads, spare cables, extra jersey, tools and pump. Have I forgotten anything? The Cross Air carries these and has space for much more! I take so much because I like riding on my own and don't like walking.
In the front pocket I can put my wallet and change in the small waterproof compartment, this is quite small though and will only take a small credit card sized wallet. The two mesh pockets will stop keys or a mobile phone rattling around and still leaves room for a change of gloves, headband, chewing gum, a trail bar or two and basic front and rear lights.
The mesh side pockets are a decent size, easily taking a 1 litre drinks bottle each and the elastication at the top helps prevent me losing bananas and trail bars and stuff when riding the bouncy bits.
What I really like about the pack though is the 'Air Comfort' system. Most packs I've seen either have padding with air channels or just padding. I've found the padding with air channels does not work well, becoming very hot and sticky and the plain padding is worse!
The dueter system has what I can only describe as a large 'D' shaped frame. The flat part of the 'D' is a tough mesh and this sits on your back, allowing heat and sweat to escape relatively easily. The curved stays of the 'D' hold the pack away from your body, creating a space through which air can circulate easily. With a full pack you can still pass your hand comfortable between the rear of the mesh and the body of the pack.
The forces of the metal frame hold the mesh taut at all times, so the mesh feels firm yet supportive on your back with no pressure points. As the backpack itself does not make contact with your body, badly packed or awkward shaped items will not dig in and cause discomfort. The metal bands on the Cross Air allow the body of the hydration bladder to sit between them, thus preventing the bladder sliding about in the quite roomy pocket.
From what I've seen, there are at least two derivatives of the 'air comfort' system:
I come now to the reservation I mentioned earlier. I don't like the plastic 'shell' system because it makes it difficult to put the hydration bladder into the pack due to the curvature it forces the pack to take. We managed this problem on my wifes pack (a 20+ litre Berghaus.), by having a 2 litre camelback unbottle. The tough fabric covering allows the bladder to slide easier in the restricted space.
The other aspects I like about the Cross Air pack are all in the details, the adjustable sternum strap, the comfortable padded shoulder straps with a hose clip already in place, the padded hip supports, (which are not actually on my hips when riding) that prevent rubbing on my ribs, the bright yellow rain cover that pulls out of it's own 'secret pocket' (I love secret pockets!), the rain cover is elasticated so it just silently slips snugly over the pack, (I love alliteration too!).
For me, at the moment at least, the Deuter Cross Air is the perfect pack, comfortable even when heavy, takes lots of stuff, takes an existing hydration system and lets heat and moisture escape. I'll buy another when this one is no longer serviceable, despite the extra it costs.
Easily 10/10.
Andrew Joseph
February 2004
I shed a little tear as I dumped it in the bin and then skipped happily off to the shops to buy a new pack! Woohoo! Bev said I can buy sumpink!
Deuter no longer make this pack in the same design, it has been upgraded and change a lot.
| 2Danger Enduro 3 MTB | IRD Teflon Chain | Fusion Raid MTB | |
| Deuter Cross Air backpack | Casco Passion Sport helmet | Howies NBL |