Lightweight inflatable tents: In 2008, two Hamburg-based inventors founded their Start-up company Heimplanet. Now the think tank has come up with a new project, a backpack series for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It's called the Motion Series. Behind it are two universal rucksacks for sport and everyday life. To finance the series production, the company is collecting Heimplanet just via the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter Money. The project has hit like a bomb and has long since exceeded the funding target of 20,000 euros. The campaign is still running until 15 December, when you can pre-order the ARC and Ellipse backpacks. We have already tested the 25-litre Ellipse model in practice.
Home planet Ellipse - the technical data
Volume: 25 litres
Dimensions: 57 x 32 x 25 cm
Weight: 992 grammes
Price: 150 Euro
Country of manufacture: Vietnam
Equipment: Hydration bladder/laptop compartment, water-repellent outer material, breathable spandex pocket on the outside, two small pockets on the front, concealed gear loops, two detachable hip belt pockets
Heimplanet has high expectations of the Motion Series. According to the manufacturer, the ARC and Ellipse are "the most versatile outdoor rucksacks on the market". So we were excited when the stylish space miracle in grey/purple fluttered into the editorial office. The Ellipse doesn't have classic bike details such as a rain cover, helmet holder or tool compartment, although with its 25 litre volume it is also suitable for multi-day MTB tours. However, the Heimplanet backpack does have a spacious hydration bladder compartment on the inside. The tube can be routed over both shoulder straps. If you use the rucksack for commuting, you can use the padded compartment for your laptop. A very special detail is the breathable spandex compartment that stretches across the outside of the lower half of the rucksack. You can store sweaty clothes there or stash a bottle or bar that you want to access quickly on tour without having to open the rucksack.
The two front compartments can be loaded with all kinds of small items. However, the main compartment should be able to be opened a little wider to make it easier to get to belongings that are hidden deep down. The centrepiece of the back system is the EVA foam with an angular 3D structure, which ensures excellent carrying comfort. Even when heavily loaded, the Ellipse sits snugly on the back. The ventilation of the flat back system is good, although not as airy as with a pre-tensioned mesh back. But the Ellipse's ergonomic shoulder straps keep it in place on rough descents. Only the hip wings could be wider and the hip belt wider to increase the contact surface on the body and take the load off the shoulders. A sturdy click system allows the hip belt to be extended with two flat hip pockets that offer space for money, keys or gels.
Overall, the Heimplanet Ellipse impresses with its high-quality materials, and the workmanship of the zips, buckles and seams is also first-class. It cuts a fine figure for commuting to work, on a mountain tour or as a load carrier on a weekend bike tour. But there are better pure "specialists" for mountain bikers.
