Race Air 14+3

The Deuter Race Air 14+3 is a light, airy riding pack for long days in the saddle. The mesh back is split down the centre so it sits clear of your spine when you are tucked over the bars, and air moves behind you the whole ride.

Who it's for

Mountain bikers and road and gravel riders out for half and full days. Deuter rate it five out of five for both, and four for touring. That is a summer loop at Mount Joyce, a gravel day through the Scenic Rim, or an epic in the You Yangs, carrying water, tools, a spare tube and a layer. The 2-5 kg recommended load is exactly that kit.

Capacity, and what actually fits

14 litres, expandable when you need room for an extra layer. A 3 L bladder goes in the elasticated inner compartment, the tool organiser in the front pocket holds a pump, tyre levers, a multi-tool and a spare tube, and stretch side pockets take a gel or a rolled vest. It measures 46 x 25 x 18 cm.

How it carries

The bike-specific Aircomfort back tensions mesh on a lightweight flexi spring steel frame, leaving a gap behind your back. Splitting the mesh down the middle reduces contact even further and makes room for your spine when you are bent forward. Mesh hip fins, perforated shoulder straps and a 2-way adjustable sternum strap keep the pack snug and stable on rough descents.

Fitting it

Deuter list the Race Air 14+3 for back lengths of 38-54 cm and riders around 158-195 cm tall. Ride in it with a loaded bladder before a big day, then set the sternum strap height and hip fin tension so the pack stays put when you stand up out of the saddle.

Access and organisation

The front pocket opens to a large organiser section with a zipped mesh pocket for tools and a pump holder. A side pocket holds your phone where you can reach it, there is an inside valuables compartment and a key clip, and an integrated helmet net carries your lid when you walk into a café or ride the bus to the trailhead.

• Tool organiser with pump holder
• Integrated helmet net
• Side phone pocket, stretch side pockets, valuables compartment
• Hydration compatible, up to 3 L
• Removable rain cover
• Reflective details; glasses stow on shoulder strap

Weight

940 g for a framed, ventilated bike pack with a full tool organiser and rain cover. Deuter pared the materials and features to the essentials to get there, so the pack disappears on your back on a long climb.

Looking after it

The body is 100D recycled high-tenacity polyamide finished without intentionally added PFAS.