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Update: The article was first published on 01.05.2024. We have now summarised our test experiences in the "Practical test of the Deuter Xberg" supplemented.
Commuters appreciate flexibility, whether it's cycling to the S-Bahn, parking in the city or walking to work or the shops. The Xberg from Deuter can be quickly transformed from a city rucksack with reflective details into a stylish bike bag - and vice versa - thanks to an innovative folding mechanism.
This rucksack can fulfil several tasks at the same time: A back plate attached with press studs can be folded up or down. This either exposes the so-called Bagfix mount to attach the bag to the carrier or reveals the shoulder straps. As usual with Deuter, these are not flabby makeshift straps, but are ergonomically shaped and breathable.
Deuter Xberg bike bag/bike backpack in brief
- Top loader with roll-top
- Volume: 25 litres
- Volume expansion: +5 litres
- Elasticated front pocket
- Organisational unit
- Rain cover
- Smartphone pocket on the side
- Reflective elements
- Bagfix holder
- Reinforced floor
- PFAS-free
- Recycled material
- ClimatePartner, bluesign and Grüner Knopf certified product
The rucksack? The bag? Xberg for commuting!
For the sake of simplicity, because bicycle load transport containers are too complicated, let's just talk about the Deuter Xberg. With a practical roll-top, its 25 litre volume can be adjusted to the amount of luggage by closing it. For those who need more space, the Xberg offers the option of increasing the volume by a further five litres.
The Xberg also helps with organisation: a removable unit inside creates space for a tablet or laptop up to 16 inches in size or classic work documents or old-school notepads. Smaller items can be stored in the front pocket. And of course there is a storage option for the helmet on the front. To keep the contents dry in the rain, the Deuter Xberg bike bag comes with a rain cover.
Cycling is environmental protection - and so is the Deuter bike rucksack
Deuter has fully focussed the Xberg on sustainability. The combination of bike backpack and pannier consists mainly of recycled materials and environmentally friendly components, making it a bluesign-certified product. The Xberg also fulfils the Green Button criteria, is certified by ClimatePartner and contains no PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances)
This means that the Xberg from Deuter does not contain any perfluorinated or polyfluorinated chemicals. In this way, the manufacturer reduces the use of substances that can harm the environment and health. Instead of PFAS, which are often used for rain protection coatings, Deuter uses an environmentally friendly and harmless DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating.
Figures for the Deuter Xberg
(Manufacturer information)
- Main material: polyamide
- Weight: 1450 g
- Dimensions: H: 50 cm W: 30 cm D: 21 cm
- Back length: 38 - 54 cm
- Height: 158 - 195 cm
- Price: 180 Euro (RRP) >> at Sports check or Rosebikes available at a reduced price
Practical test of the Deuter Xberg
The question "Is this a bike bag backpack or a bike rucksack bag?" sounds funny, but we wanted to know whether the Deuter Xberg is more of a stylish backpack or a chic bike bag. The conversion from one to the other is so simple and straightforward that you probably need 15 seconds. With other manufacturers, you have to pull zips and stuff straps in somewhere - not here: Fold it down, press two press studs, done. Really great!
The Xberg is also comfortable to wear as a rucksack, even when heavily loaded. However, due to its design, it lies flat on the back, which can quickly become sweaty. However, the shoulder straps are ergonomically shaped and ventilated. The small zip pockets on the outside are also easily accessible, for example for keys, a mini lock or the rain cover supplied. You really do need this when it rains, as the zips are not water-resistant - when used as a bike bag, they even take a beating as they are bombarded with water and mud at the height of the chainstay.
The grippers for the pannier rack are very smooth-running and hold the Xberg in place as a pannier. The disadvantage - also due to the design - is that there is no frame to support the bag against the pannier rack. The Deuter bike bag snuggles up a little around the chainstay and the struts of the carrier, so to speak, but does not touch the spokes or chain. However, the bag should not be loaded too full or heavy. Compared to a classic bike bag made of "lorry tarpaulin", it tends to bulge out due to the soft material. The Xberg is therefore not quite as dimensionally stable as a rucksack.
The inside of the Xberg backpack is easy to describe: It is light, you can find everything in the arm-deep pocket. An organisation unit, which can be removed with a zip, creates an overview with additional compartments and can also protect a laptop computer from hard knocks.
Conclusion: Deuter Xberg - bike backpack or bike bag?
The idea of a bike rucksack that can also be a bike bag is not entirely new: Ortlieb, among others, already had them - we tested the Ortlieb Vario a year ago. Visually, the Deuter product makes a very urban impression and that's exactly how the manufacturer describes it: as the ideal companion for commuters, for switching from bike to train or for shopping. The Deuter Xberg is great as a rucksack and can be quickly attached to the pannier rack as a bike bag. We found it too soft and too sensitive to water and dirt for use as a genuine pannier on a bike. With the Xberg, Deuter has primarily presented us with a stylish bike rucksack that can also be easily attached to the pannier rack. The look, function and features are excellent. When commuting or shopping, the Deuter Xberg bike bag takes the strain off your back. And the Deuter Xberg bike rucksack is also suitable for spontaneous weekend tours. The manufacturer's price of 180 euros is ok for the dual function, but there are already cheaper offers online. We think it's worth it: It's absolutely worth it!
Marc Strucken
Editor
