Testing Deuter bikepacking bags: Bikepacking adventures and cycling trips with gravel bikes are very popular. The Absolute freedom when choosing a route, a wide range of possible uses and a good dose of adventure are what make it so appealing. To make all of this even more enjoyable, choosing the right equipment is a crucial factor. This is exactly why Deuter has developed two easy-to-install pannier series with its Cabezon and Mondego collections. We tested a set of Deuter bikepacking bags.
In order for bikepacking trips to be a success, you need not only a suitable bike but also the right bikepacking equipment in order to be able to stow your luggage on the bike accordingly. There is a special bag solution for what feels like every free centimeter on the bike. The concepts are similar at first glance and usually come with basic equipment consisting of a bag on the saddle, one in the frame triangle and a bag in the handlebar area. Nevertheless, there are big differences between the individual manufacturers in terms of pack size, fastening systems or material. For this reason we have the new Deuter Cabezon bikepacking bag set took a closer look, quickly strapped the bags to our gravel bike and did a few laps with it.
Deuter Cabezon saddle bag
When you think of bikepacking, the saddle bag in particular always stands out. At Deuter, this lightweight two-piece bag comes with a waterproof stuff sack, which kept our clothes completely dry in the test. In order to be able to reduce the filled bag to a minimum, a small valve is used, which simply provides compression and even more compactness. Thumbs up for that, because then you can at least fall back on dry clothes after driving through the rain or summer thunderstorms, which of course makes the whole thing much more pleasant. We also found the fixation of the saddlebag to be particularly pleasant, because even when pedaling out of the saddle it only moves minimally and hardly bothers you as long as you don't load it too heavily. We found the material loops on the top to be super practical, as you can attach smaller parts here or clip something to dry while driving. Fast loading and unloading during spontaneous stops is also child's play, since the bag holders can remain on the bike and you only have to take out the pack sack.
Deuter Cabezon handlebar bag
The Deuter bikepacking bag series also uses a two-part system with a waterproof packsack for the handlebar bag. Here, too, the assembly is quite easy thanks to the Velcro fastener and the spacers supplied. In addition, the width of the bag was quite comfortable, since you can still get to the brake handles on standard gravel handlebars without being restricted by the bag.
Deuter Cabezon frame bag
The third part in the Deuter bikepacking bag set was the frame bag, which with a total volume of 6 liters and made of durable material offers plenty of space for heavier luggage. A large zip access is intended to allow easy access to the luggage compartment. Unfortunately, you have to pack cleverly here if you need something while driving, because the access was a bit too narrow for our taste and you had to clear out the whole frame pack.
Deuter bikepacking bags – features at a glance
- Deuter Saddle Pack: Capacity: 16 liters / Weight: approx. 580 grams / Price: 130,00 Euros
- Deuter Frame Pack: Capacity: 6 liters / Weight: approx. 170 grams / Price: 85,00 Euros
- Deuter Handlebar Pack: Capacity: 14 liters / Weight: approx. 600 grams / Price: 100,00 Euros
Win your new Deuter bikepacking set this week
As a small highlight, we also have one right now Competition, where you can win a complete Deuter bikepacking bag set from the Cabezon model series consisting of a handlebar bag, saddle bag and frame bag worth over 300 euros!