Deuter Attack 20 backpack review

Bridging the gap between a hydration pack and body armour, the Deuter Attack 20 combines a sturdy 20-litre backpack with a removable, CE certified visco-elastic foam back plate.

From the offset, the Attack 20’s weight is evident – it’s 1.9kg with the back plate in and 1.4kg with it removed. This makes it a hefty backpack before you’ve even started filling it with all the essentials you’ll need for a day in the hills.

We packed what we’d consider the basics: a 2L bladder, spare tube, mini pump, a few basic tools and some energy bars. It nudged the scales at 4.6kg.

While the weight is a concern, Deuter has added a substantial level of support via a large and well padded hip belt and broad shoulder straps, helping to limit the pack’s movement during aggressive riding on rough trails.

If you’re a regular visitor to the Alps or a fan of multi-day riding adventures and like the idea of a cavernous capacity and in-built back protection, the Attack is worth a look, but bear in mind that the substantial price tag doesn’t include a bladder.