Deuter Attack 18 SL

Full Review of the Deuter Attack 18 SL

The Deuter Attack 18 SL 2012 is the latest version of this hydration pack, which doubles up as body armour, for keen mountain bike riders. Specifically designed for women, this pack offers a much better fit and is far more comfortable on adventurous trails. Riding on the edge of danger provides adrenaline junkies with the thrill they need, and with the Attack on your back you can be sure that you are also getting the hydration you require for a tough ride. Riding in such an adventurous manner is sure to lead to a few tumbles now and again, but your Attack is there to protect with its shock absorber for your back, as well as new leg and arm protection.

Technical Details

• Fabric: Hexlite 210/MacroLite/Polytex
• Helmet Holder: Detachable full-face helmet holder
• Waist Strap: Extra wide fins on waist belt
• Sternum Strap: Chest strap
• Back Panel: Arched back system for a comfortable fit
• Pocket 1: Front pocket for great organisation including three mesh pockets for tools, first aid kit
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• Pocket 2: Stretch side pockets
• Pocket 3: Spacious inner mesh pocket
• PSA back system made of visco-elastic SC1 foam
• Reflective loop for Safety Blink
• 3M-Reflectors
• Universal Hyperlon attachment flaps for protectors
• Compression straps
• Weight: 1590g
• Volume: 18L
• Measurements: 50 x 23 x 20cm (H x W x D)

Features

Heading off the beaten track on a mountain bike may sound like absolute heaven for some people, but it is bound to lead to an accident or two along the way. Deuter is the first brand to combine hydration and protection in one backpack, the result…the Deuter Attack 18 SL 2012. This pack does not only provide riders with easy access to up to three litres of water whilst on the go, it uses the pack itself to give added protection for those occasions that you may come off your bike.

Deuter’s Shield Back System was the first protective system of its kind, even market leader CamelBak had not managed to think of this one. In a nutshell, the Shield Back System is a multilayer system comprising of a number of layers of foam which unite to act as a shock absorber and protector should you hit the ground. Cleverly, the shock absorbing foam is a memory foam of sorts and will thus naturally return to its shape if warped in any way.

Moving on from the protective instincts of the Attack to its storage, it has a large front pocket which has well organised internal mesh pockets which can be used for small things such as tools or a first aid kit and stretch pockets on the exterior of the pack.

Usability

Being designed specifically for women, the shoulder straps are in the right places, have soft edges and are tapered towards the ends to prevent chaffing under the arms. The hip belt fits nicely and the cross padding on the back of the pack helps to increase the stability. Deuter have certainly considered the shape and contours of a woman’s body when designing the Attack as it compliments a woman’s shorter frame and narrower shoulders perfectly.

Disadvantages

There isn’t anything wrong with the hydration pack as such, but it’s a shame that Camelbak haven’t thought of something similar as their bladders are far superior to what is found inside the Deuter Attack packs.

Advantages

The obvious attraction to the Deuter Attack 18 SL 2012 is that it is completely unique and provides multiple essential services at once, without compromising the ride. Body armour on a hydration pack is innovative and creative yet so incredibly useful! The storage compartments are well thought out and organised too, with the mesh pockets providing that all important space for smaller items.

The best price I can find it for is £0.00 from Amazon.

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• Deuter Attack 20
• Deuter Hydro Lite 2.0
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• Camelbak Rogue
• CamelBak Alpine Explorer