Race 8

The Deuter Race 8 is a compact, light riding pack that carries water, a tube, tools and a spray jacket, and then gets out of the way. It sits close, breathes well and stays put when the trail gets rough.

Who it's for

Mountain bikers on a two- or three-hour loop at Nerang, Mount Joyce or Stromlo, and road and gravel riders out for a long Sunday in the hills. Deuter rate it five out of five for mountain biking and for road and gravel riding. The recommended load of 2-5 kg covers water, a spare tube, a pump, tools, food and a layer.

Capacity, and what actually fits

8 litres takes a 2 L bladder, a spare tube, pump and multi-tool, a rain shell and snacks. The pack measures 43 x 22 x 14 cm, slim enough that it does not catch your helmet when you look up the trail. Stretch side pockets hold a gel or a buff, and a side pocket takes your phone so you can grab it without taking the pack off.

How it carries

The Airstripes back uses strips of padding separated by ventilation channels and covered in 3D mesh, so it touches your back in very few places and moves air across about 80% of it. Mesh shoulder straps and mesh hip fins keep the weight steady through rock gardens and berms, and the sternum strap adjusts two ways and buckles one-handed.

Fitting it

The Race 8 is one size for back lengths of 38-54 cm, which Deuter match to riders about 158-195 cm tall. Ride in your normal position and snug the shoulder straps so the pack sits between your shoulder blades, then clip the hip fins and sternum strap.

Access and organisation

Inside, an elasticated sleeve holds the bladder or a sweaty layer, and a separate pocket keeps your wallet and keys secure on the key clip. A glasses stow on the shoulder strap holds sunnies when you head into the shade, and reflective details help on the ride home at dusk.

• Hydration compatible, up to 2 L
• Removable rain cover included
• Side phone pocket; stretch side pockets
• Inside valuables pocket with key clip
• Glasses stow on the shoulder strap; reflective details
• Loops for a helmet holder (sold separately)

Weight

540 g for a ventilated, stable riding pack with a rain cover. Deuter pared the features down to what a rider uses, which is why it carries this light.

Looking after it

The body is 100D recycled polyamide with a DWR made without intentionally added PFAS. Deuter back it with a 2-year warranty.