Test / Accessories: An excellent trail backpack that provides unbelievable carrying comfort with its many adjustment options. No backpack in our comparison test was as comfortable on the body as the Ergon BA3. You can find out in our test whether the overall impression is as positive.
Ergon comes from the beautiful Koblenz on the German corner. Surrounded by the valleys of the Middle Rhine Valley and the Moselle, this town offers not only beautiful views but some of the best trails in the republic. The Boppard Bike Park, Bad Ems, Mehringen and many more are right around the corner, so it shouldn't be a problem for Ergon employees to test the products right on their doorstep. But no matter where it was actually tested - the Ergon BA3 shows the manufacturer's many years of experience, the wearing comfort is downright sensational.
Quick Facts Ergon BA3 Protect:
Volume: 17L
Weight 1060g
Very light protector
Price: € 170
The look is of course always a question of taste, but at first glance we didn't like our blue/black test model quite as much as its competitors, since the front pocket is quite loose and makes the BA3 look a bit stocky. But as soon as you fill the bag with accessories and put on the backpack, this first impression is gone, since the well thought-out carrying system stretches the bag properly and nestles against the back. The Ba3 comes in two different colors: blue/black and black.
As with most trail backpacks, the helmet holder is located on the front. We got the half shell in the bag quite well and were able to lash it down with the straps. Of course you can't get a full face in the small compartment, but it can be strapped onto the backpack with the straps. We will find a good solution.
For those who prefer to take off their pads when pedaling, Ergon has placed a slot under the front.
What should not be missing on a good tour? The tool, of course. Typical for a trail backpack, the tool compartment is on the front and has small mesh pockets that make it easier to organize pumps, hoses and multi-tools.
The main compartment offers enough space for a day trip. We used the BA3 on our homtrails and were able to easily stow a rain jacket, snacks and accessories. In the large compartment there is a mesh pocket for valuables and the padded compartment for glasses. However, since the glasses compartment is in the main compartment, we recommend making sure that the glasses are not squeezed by the contents of the bag.
The BA3 is available as a "naked" variant without a protector (but with preparation for retrofitting), or as BA3 Protect. With the latter, the very light BP100 protector is already included. Thanks to its flexible design, it nestles comfortably against the shape of the bag and back and is hardly noticeable when worn. The compartment for the BP100 also offers space for a 3L hydration bladder.
The tube of the hydration bladder is routed past the zipper to the shoulder strap and attached to the right strap with loops and a clip. An alternative for left-handers would have been interesting here.
Wearing comfort in a class of its own
The highlight of the BA3 is clearly the fit. The shoulder straps end in a kind of net in which the backpack sits and this distributes its weight in connection with the well-padded "neoprene" hip belt. You don't feel like you're carrying the backpack, it just clings to your back like a little monkey.
Even with somewhat bulky objects in the main compartment, we didn't have any pressure points on the back, as the padding has a thin wall that avoids this. The arrangement of the padding is well thought out and the large channels promote good air circulation when worn.
