26L Freerider from Deuter: The Complete Alpine Pack – Gear Review
Clark Rasmussen
Key Review Points
Quick Features:
- Deployable Front Straps
- Large Side Loops
- Factory Weight: 3 lbs.
- Various Internal Pockets
- Elastic Side and Front Pockets
- Ideal for Carrying Skis, Snowshoes, etc..
A Definitive Winter Pack...
The 26L Freerider from Deuter
When one has GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) as bad as the Upstate Bois do, you tend to find justifications for purchasing more and more specific gear. In this particular scenario, I was looking for a smaller sized pack (during which time I was using nothing other than my 32L Groden) when I happened upon a product listing for the Free Rider.
What initially caught my eye here was an image of the pack carrying skis on the side, and another with snowshoes on the back. I was sold almost instantly. For the unfamiliar, the North East (particularly in the Adirondacks region where we do most of our adventuring) has a robust snow shoe and cross country skiing season. Snow mobile trails are also incredibly popular, but, unrelated.
Either way, once I got the pack I put it to the test immediately and was pleasantly surprised by how much I like it, in spite of some initial concerns I had (which we’ll elaborate on shortly). This one is nearly perfect for winter adventures, and I’ve used it for the past two years on both High Peak climbs and just casual Fire Tower day trips.
THE PROS:
Deuter gives this pack an “Alpine” label, which is certainly fitting but is also something I’ve never seen on any of their other products (maybe I missed it). The pack is overflowing with with little features specifically for that winter environment, like an emergency whistle on the chest strap. There are also some unique decisions on the interior flaps, and the more obvious external straps. These more obvious “Alpine” features are the standouts, the bread and butter of what makes this a great pack.
Speaking of those external straps, my love for the snowshoe straps is limitless. In the image above you can see the straps deployed, holding my shoes as we explore the snow caked area around the Owl’s Head Fire Tower. These straps will hold anything tight against the pack and can be rolled up and stored in small compartments on the front of the pack. Promotional images of these straps also show it holding a snowboard. Two other, very sturdy side straps can be used to hold ski’s, which I have yet to utilize.
Other Pros? The basics here are pretty solid. There’s one belt pocket, the 26L Freerider from Deuter is perfectly sized for winter day trips, and it has load lifters, probably the most important things in a pack (in my humble opinion). It has all the normal pockets and hooks and little tid-bits you’d want from a Deuter pack, everything is here.
Straps can be expanded here
Right side hip-belt pocket
"Alpine"
Minimal hip padding
THE CONS:
Don’t get me wrong, I have used this pack during other seasons, but mostly just to try it, something I’ll likely never do again. The size is still good, but this pack has an internal frame with the “Air Contact” style pads and ventilation. These are not necessarily bad, I just don’t like them. I’m the kind of guy who’s real sweaty and gross by the end of a climb, and I’ll always prefer the off-the-back style. Also, the hip support here will probably leave most people wanting..
In other words, the 26L Freerider from Deuter is definitely not an all purpose pack..
Another preference I’m pretty outspoken about is my love of bucket style main pockets, without any membranes, extra separators or any of that stuff. I may well be in the minority here, since it seems these packs are becoming more and more common, and that “classic school backpack” design and function sells well with consumers. The problem for me is at the end of the day it adds up to less room and less options for storing larger items like a small stove or extra layers. Here, those extra pocket layers and membranes are particularly pointless in my opinion.
In Conclusion: Perfect For Winter Sports and Hobbies.
If you have a want or a need for a specific winter pack, this is an incredibly easy recommendation. This pack is one of the few old lines that they still produce, with a handful of minor (and probably good) changes, which is a good indicator that it’s at least mildly popular. The older style that I have came in 26L, but the new ones are 28L, 30L, 32L+ and 34L+. Based on what I’ve seen online, these newer models have a pocket style that opens with a back panel and is more “open” than the older design, which I would say is a huge plus.
But is it completely necessary?
No.. not really. I love it, don’t get me wrong, but you can rig up a way to hold snowshoes on most packs. I imagine 26L Freerider from Deuter would also be pretty great for skiing and snowboarding, if that’s your thing. Either way, I think this is “worth it” if you do a lot of winter recreation and are looking for a pack that will do it all from November to March