Test: AMPLIFI Sports arose from the idea of doing something of our own, doing it differently, doing it better. Not far from the Oberstdorfer Bergbahnen at the foot of the Nebelhorn, the products are meticulously planned until, after a long period of development, they are used for the first test in the Allgäu Alps. If the result is right, it goes into series production, if not everything is thrown overboard and development starts all over again. Our own standards allow us to create products that provide us with the best possible protection on our daily adventures.
AMPLIFI Backcountry Pack: The outdoor all-rounder
The AMPLIFI Backcountry is a lightweight backpack with removable SAS back protector, available with 21L or 27L volume. With a total weight (including protector) of 1700g (27L version; the 21L version is 150g lighter), it is light enough for hiking and biking, but also protects one of your most important parts of the body on more daring adventures. Starting with equipment suitable for winter sports such as a ski/board carrying system, compartments for avalanche equipment, through to a helmet carrying system and a specially lined goggle compartment. Knee pads or sleeping bags can also be attached to the carrying system. This is completed by the insulated, padded shoulder straps and is therefore suitable for any type of outdoor adventure. In the backpack, there is space for drinking bladders from almost all manufacturers on the suspension. We used a Deuter 2L hydration bladder, the drinking tube of which runs in the insulated shoulder strap. This ensures that the contents of the hydration bladder in the tube do not freeze, even in sub-zero temperatures. The glasses compartment is located at the top of the backpack, and an additional, sealed zip protects the specially softly lined compartment from the ingress of moisture. A little below there is space for tools, an emergency kit and other quickly accessible utensils and the voluminous inner compartment offers enough space for additional clothes in addition to a small division to be prepared for all weather conditions. Overall, the AMPLIFI Backcountry offers 27 liters of volume, which can be enough for a weekend bike trip if you pack it intelligently. The backpack is fixed with a chest strap with an emergency whistle and a self-fixing 3-point hip belt. The hip belt also offers a small compartment, perfect for money and a mobile phone. Other multifunctional loops complement the backpack, here, for example, folding spades, ice axes and much more can be stowed away.
AMPLIFI Backcountry Pack: Well ventilated and comfortable on the back
Space, space and space, plus a thousand and one ways to attach something outside. The first impression of the AMPLIFI Backcountry is "versatile". Packed, almost over-packed (but what do you not do for an extensive test.) we start our first adventure into the backcountry with the bike. The backpack is very comfortable to carry, even with a high pack weight, thanks to the insulated and padded shoulder straps and fits neatly on the back. The foamed 3D structure on the back is unfamiliar at first, but after a short time this is no longer noticeable. During the tour, the advantage of the bridge construction on the back becomes apparent: very good ventilation with even weight distribution. Due to the flat structure of the AMPLIFI Backcountry, it fits the body well, you have optimal control on the bike and you don't have the feeling of having a hump on your back. Due to the relatively long back, it can happen that the upper end of the protector touches the helmet when the riding position is activated. In this case, the straps have to be readjusted. The straps are easy to adjust and the rest of the strap length is neatly attached to the used strap, so nothing is loose and flaps annoyingly on fast descents.
Weight 1700 g
Volume 27 L
Height 58 cm
Width 27 cm
Depth 17 cm
