What is the Freerider Pro?
The Freerider is a feature-packed rucksack designed for backcountry skiing or multi-day tours thanks to its expandable storage. Deuter's Alpine Backsystem makes this one of the most comfortable snowsports rucksacks available today.
What is it made of?
It's made using a mixture of fabrics; a 400D fabric with a PA coating and a 330D ripstop fabric, also with a PA coating. PA (or Polyacrylate) adds a high amount of water-resistance, UV protection and durability to an already bombproof fabric. You'll also notice just by looking at the pack that it has a clean, minimalist design to reduce stitching and possible wear areas.
What is its backsystem?
Deuter use their Alpine Backsystem in the Freerider Pro series. This uses the classic method of placing comfortable foam in areas which carry the load of the pack (shoulders, hips, lumbar), leaving gaps everywhere else. This reduces moisture build-up as there's constantly air circulating but also prevents items in the pack jabbing you in the back. This backsystem is attached to a lightweight Delrin U-Frame hidden beneath the fabric — this adds vital stability and transfers the load of the pack more effectively through the main contact areas. An adjustable sternum strap provides greater security and includes a built-in whistle for added safety.
What are its features?
This is where the pack shines! Access into the Freerider Pro is via a large U-shaped opening on the back of the pack (yup, the back!). This means you can have your skis attached to the front, but still be able to access all your kit without removing anything. It also means the backsystem will stay dry(ish) if rummaging around with the bag on the floor. As well as rear access, you can access your kit from the top via a chunky zip — this top access port is expandable to give you extra space and includes a hidden strap to fasten a rope.
The hipfins don't just carry the load of the pack, they also feature a gear loop, an ice clipper slot and a zipped pocket for quick access. While we're on the topic of storage, there's a zipped, partitioned and fleece-lined pocket to stow goggles and gear straps, a zipped mesh pocket inside the main compartment, a zipped front pocket for a spare layer and an internal valuables pocket with a key clip.
Externally, there is extra storage for a helmet, ice axes, walking poles, skis, snowboards and snowshoes. The straps to affix skis or snowboards can double-up as compression if the pack isn't fully loaded. A dedicated compartment stores avalanche equipment, while a reinforced shovel sleeve and organiser pockets give you further storage options. Finally, the pack is hydration compatible for multi-day trips.
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Delrin U-Frame
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Hipfins include gear loop, ice clipper slot and zipped pocket
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Adjustable sternum strap
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Ice axe and pole attachment
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Dedicated avalanche equipment compartment
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Reinforced shovel sleeve
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Two stowable gear straps to affix skis
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Rear access zip
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Expandable top
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Integrated mesh helmet holder
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Stretchy front compartment
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Goggles compartment
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SOS label
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Hydration system compatible
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Internal valuables pocket w/ key clip
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Snow-resistant backsystem
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Zipped mesh pocket inside main compartment
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Zipped front pocket