Editors Note: Crooked Cog Network would like to welcome “Grannygear” as its newest contributor. He has a wealth of experience and a passion for the sport, but you can read his bio and check it out for yourself.

Welcome to Grannygear and here is his take on the Deuter Hydration pack for your approval…..

I remember when Camelbak first hit the market. In fact, I am pretty sure I still have that pack somewhere, the black neoprene one with the pink and green splash of color on the cover. I don’t even think it had any stash pockets then, but I thought the idea was brilliant. I was one of those guys who could never have enough water bottle braze-ons and all my custom frames had three sets of bosses. It gets hot here in So Cal and I was a happy man with my expanded water supply.

Fast forward to today and the success of the hydration pack is phenomenal. Not just for cycling, but hikers, runners, kayakers, the military, industry, motorcycle riders, etc, and the list goes on. More companies have gotten into the mix and the choices are nearly endless as far as size, shape and features.

I have owned several packs through the years and I have had one complaint with all of them. They look all sexy and nifty when they are empty or lightly packed, but add 100oz of water and food, gear, etc, and they pretty much feel like a water balloon tied to your back. Some are better than others. Also, you often find that the big old capacity that you think you have when the bladder is empty can be a whole lot less stuff space when that bladder is full. Double whammy.

So, while cruising through Interbike, I spotted the Deuter booth and dropped in for a look. I had heard of the brand and what I had heard was good. I asked what they would recommend as an ‘everyday’ pack, something for the basic weekend warrior and they thought I meant a pack for the daily routine. The sales person grabs this huge pack off the floor with his laptop and show stuff in it and before I could explain, he was helping me put it on. I was amazed how well it sat on my back, even with the heavy load in it.

I asked about a smaller pack for cycling and was shown this model, the Race EXP Air.

Some stats:
Style: 32026
Volume: 750-900 cubic inches
Torso: One Size
Weight: 2 lbs. + 6 oz.
Dimensions (HxWxD): 18 x 9 x 5 inches
System: Air Comfort
Materials: MicroRip-Nylon

Air Comfort Backsystem
- Stow-away helmet holder
- Raincover
- Expandable main compartment
- Mesh side pockets
- 3M reflectors
- Front organizer pocket
- Zippered mesh internal pocket
- 3 liter Streamer reservoir
- Our reservoirs are BPA-free!!

The size looked about right for my needs (I am a bit of a packrat) and the deal was done. Will the Air Comfort Backsystem give me the stability and comfort I am looking for? Time will tell as I am still getting to know the product and I will report back when some miles are behind me, but the initial impression is one of quality and thought in the design