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You will find these 4 MTB backpacks for a Transalp in the test:
Click to go to the individual rating
MTB backpack - how to pack it correctly
Few people have packed their bags for a transalp more often than tour guide Peter Brodschelm. Here are his tips for the perfectly organised multi-day rucksack for a crossing of the Alps.
A change of clothes for the evening is stored at the bottom of the main compartment. You don't usually need to go there during the day. Peter's tip: he rolls up his clothes. This prevents creases, saves space and the laundry always looks fresh.
Peter uses water bottles, which can be refilled more quickly at sources. He uses the long hydration bladder compartment directly on his back (not pictured) to stow rarely used but important items such as spare spokes or long, sturdy cable ties. If you're travelling with a hydration bladder, you should make sure it has a separate compartment. Stuffing it back into a fully loaded rucksack is tedious.
Please also read our other tips:
Arm and leg warmers or a change of shirt for the descent? Both are perfectly stored on the sides of the main compartment. You only have to open the zip a few centimetres at the right point to remove the items. Be sure to stow them back in the same place after use.
The top layer in the main compartment depends on the weather. If rain is forecast, the rain jacket is the first thing waiting to be used. Otherwise, the place at the top belongs to the first aid kit. In emergencies, things usually can't happen fast enough.
Unusual, but clever: the centre of the main compartment is occupied by a separate pouch containing Peter's tools. A lot of metal means a lot of weight, and this should be stowed as centrally as possible in the rucksack and close to the body. In addition, you have all your tools to hand in one go and can easily switch between different backpacks without forgetting anything important.
Clever details on the rucksack for multi-day tours
Glasses compartment
On long climbs you often sweat unnecessarily on your glasses. Many rucksacks have special scratch-free compartments at the top. Also good for mobile phones, wallets and small accessories that would otherwise disappear in the depths of the main compartment.
Tool compartment
Peter mainly uses the small storage compartments in the tool compartment as a toilet bag. Advantage: This keeps the weight far away from the body to a minimum. Tip: For toothpaste, sun cream and shower gel, sample packs are usually enough for a whole week of Transalp.
Waist bag
Mini-tool, muesli bar, smartphone, gloves - everything you want to have to hand without taking off your rucksack can be stored in the practical pockets on the hip belt. Deuter and Vaude's pockets are too small for modern mobile phones. Instead, they offer an easily accessible compartment on the side of the rucksack.
Floor compartment
Here you can store items that you don't need during the day: dirty laundry or a hut sleeping bag, for example. With Evoc, this compartment can be varied in size with a roll closure. More practical, however, is a partition with a zip, as with Deuter or Vaude.
Interview with Peter Brodschelm, tour guide and head of the Transalp provider Fahrtwind
BIKE: How do you keep your Transalp rucksack organised?
Peter Brodschelm: It only works with discipline. I have a fixed place for everything. If I no longer need something, it goes straight back to its original place. Arm warmers and leg warmers, for example, are always on the outside left of the main compartment. I don't even have to open the zip all the way to get them in and out.
Is 25 to 30 litres enough for seven days of adventure?
As a rule, yes, as long as you pack sparingly and are not a giant. A Transalp rucksack should not weigh more than six to seven kilos. Otherwise you could be in pain from day three at the latest. We've also had customers who had an electric razor or hairdryer with them, which nobody needs. Even heavy jeans have no place here. Incidentally, it gets tight from size XL upwards, so you have to think carefully about transport.
Are bikepacking bags an alternative?
Large handlebar and saddle bags may work on a gravel bike, but not on a technical bike tour, as they have a negative impact on handling. An alternative for tall riders would be a well-designed frame bag.
Should you practise riding with a rucksack?
Not necessarily withstanding the load. But riding on trails. You are simply more sluggish and heavier. Especially on steep terrain, in technical bends or when changing tyres, the backpack pushes brutally. This can cause an experienced rider to lose their balance.
How do you optimise the fit of the rucksack?
Most of the load should be on your hips. However, the rucksack must fit the length of your back. Please do not tighten the hip belt to the maximum, as otherwise breathing via the abdomen will be blocked. What I notice again and again is that customers forget to fasten the chest strap. However, when properly adjusted, it can take an enormous amount of pressure off the shoulders. Incidentally, the fit of modern rucksacks has improved dramatically compared to a few years ago and they hardly slip into the neck even when they are steep.
What would you definitely not want to do without?
Good functional underwear. I can replace several layers with them because I simply create a good climate. I can often do without a long-sleeved shirt or even a fleece jumper. I always have two vests with different fibre structures. One for cold weather, one for warm weather. Incidentally, you don't need a long-sleeved vest, it's enough if your torso stays warm. On the one hand, the vest cools the body and keeps me fit, on the other hand, it prevents me from cooling down during a break at the summit or catching a draft.
The four MTB backpacks for the Transalp in the test
Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28
Definitely the best Trans Alpine backpack we've ever tested. Thanks to the large wings, it is not only extremely stable and takes a lot of weight off the shoulders, the padding is also sufficient for heavy loads. Despite the enormous storage space, the Deuter is perfectly organised. Numerous compartments and dividers create order, all compartments open wide - but only if the lashing straps have been undone first. Large hip pockets, clever smartphone compartment, optimally adjustable straps. Only the weight suffers from the generous equipment.
Technical data and notes on the Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28
- Price: 200 Euro >> available from Deuter
- Weight / volume¹: 1655 G / 31 L (tested size)
- Carrying system: foam padding
- Features: bottom compartment; tool compartment; position adjustment; smartphone pocket; rain cover; SOS label; front compartment
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres, 42 euros
Valuation
- Carrying system (35 %): 10 out of 10 points
- Handling (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Weight (20 %): 5 out of 10 points
- Equipment (15 %): 9 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement²: 52 points / very good
Evoc Explorer Pro 30
The Evoc bike rucksack is the first choice for technical Alpine tours. With its stretchy Velcro strap, it sits snugly and stably on the back - even if it is not padded for ultimate comfort. Even on steep descents, nothing slips out of place. The pocket management is close to perfection and the organisation is extremely well done. Only the somewhat small volume is a reminder to pack your gear sparingly. The large hip pockets are also practical. The ventilation is only moderate and the belt can hardly be adjusted while riding.
Technical data and notes Evoc Explorer Pro 30
- Price: 200 Euro >> available at Bergzeit
- Weight / volume¹: 1310 G / 25 L (tested size)
- Carrying system: foam padding
- Features: wash bag; wide stretch hip belt; bottom compartment with roll closure; rain cover; SOS label; helmet holder
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres, 40 euros
Valuation
- Carrying system (35 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Handling (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Weight (20 %): 5 out of 10 points
- Equipment (15 %): 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement²: 49 points / very good
Osprey Escapist 25
The lightweight in the test scores with plenty of storage space and an individually adjustable back system. Because the Osprey MTB backpack sits very close to the wearer and the wide wings wrap well around the hips, it also sits well on the descent. However, the ventilation suffers as a result. The organisation system was less convincing: there are only a few storage compartments, which quickly creates chaos in the backpack. Good: the large hip pockets, the drawer at the front and the clever helmet holder. The shoulder straps are not very padded.
Technical data and notes Osprey Escapist 25
- Price: 150 Euro >> available at Bergzeit
- Weight / volume¹: 1176 G / 29 L (tested size)
- Carrying system: foam padding
- Features: 2 sizes; adjustable back length; helmet holder; rain cover; front compartment
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres, 38.50 euros
Valuation
- Carrying system (35 %): 7 out of 10 points
- Handling (30 %): 7 out of 10 points
- Weight (20 %): 8 out of 10 points
- Equipment (15 %): 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement²: 45 points / good
Vaude Bike Alpin Pro28+
If you stretch the elaborate carrying system of the Vaude bike backpack, fresh air flows pleasantly around your back. With a little practice, this also works while riding. On the other hand, the Bike Alpin sits less securely on the descent and bounces a little due to the more flexible material. The straps put pressure on the shoulders when carrying a heavy load. The organisation of the pockets is well done, but the tool compartment is too shallow and impractical to handle. Top: side smartphone pocket. Too bad: only one hip pocket.
Technical data and notes Vaude Bike Alpin Pro28+
- Price: 180 Euro >> available at Rosebikes
- Weight / volume¹: 1322 G / 26.5 L (tested size)
- Carrying system: mesh back
- Features: size adjustment; elaborate ventilation adjustment; rain cover; helmet holder; smartphone/map compartment; tool compartment
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres 42 euros
Valuation
- Carrying system (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
- Handling (30 %): 8 out of 10 points
- Weight (20 %): 6 out of 10 points
- Equipment (15 %): 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement²: 47 points / very good
¹BIKE measured values; the weight is assessed in relation to the volume.
²The BIKE judgement is independent of price: super (56 points or more), very good (55 to 46 points), good (45 to 36 points), satisfactory (35 and less points)
Stefan Frey
Editor
