Review: Deuter Freerider Pro 32+10 Ski Touring Backpack

When I first evaluated the Freerider, one question burned through the fog: How many features can you hang on a 32-liter knapsack and still keep the weight south of three pounds? Deuter seeks to answer that epochal dilemma with this fine addition to the veritable flood of Deuter sacks. Speaking of which, drop in on the Bezos empire for a moment, search on keywords “Deuter pack,” and try counting the results—you’ll be stuck at your desk for a week. I mean, how much nylon is there in the world?

The Freerider 32+10 is lightweight, clean, yet comes with enough gewgaws to fill a book. I’ll begin with my favorite feature, then comment on the list. That overarching fave being the 10-liter roll-top extension that lives under the top zipper (hence the “32+10” moniker). Leaving the extension closed and stowed provides a horizontal interior partition—nice for separating less-commonly used items (repair kit, emergency bivvy, dry gloves, etc.) from frequently accessed items. More importantly, when deployed, the extension adds significant volume. That’s mighty handy. Say you’re packing for a few nights at a hut. You’ll need a sleeping bag, toiletries, maybe a bottle or two. Your big flabby backpack (the one you used for summer backpacking in the Wind Rivers) will do the job. But who wants to day-tour with a deflated balloon strapped to their back? With the Freerider, just pull the extension out, cram it full of your bedtime goodies, food, vino, strap your sleeping bag to the plethora of lash tabs, and go. The next morning, stow the roll-top and tour with a sleek rucksack that won’t horrify your photographers. That’s feature numero uno. Here’s twenty-something more.

Attachment loops—Seven (or perhaps more) small webbing loops, including a couple on the waist belt, in front of the belt pouches. Clip a carabiner, or dangle a pair of gloves.

Detachable mesh helmet holder—Optional.

Key clip—Inside the top brain, don’t lose your pricey fob.

Ski attachments: User’s choice, vertical or diagonal.

Snowboard and snowshoe attachment on the front: I’ll take Deuter’s word for it.

Sternum strap buckle with one-handed operation: This is cool. The buckle’s receiver is mounted directly to the shoulder strap. Using one hand, you grab the buckle’s other half and just plug it in. Takes a little getting used to, but it works. A whistle is integrated with the buckle.

Zipper closures: As with many other brands/models, choose between zippered top loading or back “luggage style” panel access. 

Fleece-lined goggles pocket: The “brain” is commodious, with a divider forming an eyewear pouch.

Ice axe attachment on both sides: You too can fit the Chamonix double-tool alpinist look.

Rope strap: As above.

Mesh inner compartment with zipper closure: Getting a little close to the “file folder” effect (i.e., too many compartments), but I got used to it.

Roll-top expandable volume: My only gripe: They should have made the extension a bit taller, maybe 15-liter capacity rather than 10. Or, perhaps it’s something you’ll never use—easy to razor out if you’re trimming grams.

Flexible Delrin® U-frame: In my wife’s and my experience, the Deuter U-frame is no joke. It adds a lot of rigidity with minimal additional weight.

Ergonomic & padded hip fins: Standard, but because Deuter calls them “fins,” I was inspired to comment. “Tighten yer fins there, bubba!” Chatter aside, the fins sport zippered pockets—a personal essential.

Hydration compatible: I don’t use a hydration system, but I’d agree that any current rucksack should accommodate the ubiquitous bladder and tube.

Front zippered pocket for avalanche equipment: The usual.

Emergency tips: A brief set of guidelines is printed on the interior partition. These sorts of things seem a bit hokey. Like, what are you going to do, unpack your gear in the midst of a rescue situation so you can refresh your first aid training? You tell me.

Grab handle: I think this is what climbers might call a “haul loop,” just a webbing eye located at the top of the pack. Essential.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to balance features and simplicity, while hitting an acceptable weight target, consider Deuter’s Freerider Pro 30+10. My only con: The extension is smart, but could be larger. Pluses: Pockets on the hip belt, one-handed sternum buckle, excellent color choices, reasonable weight.

Volume (manufacturer claimed): 32 liters, plus a 10-liter top extension

Weight: (manufacturer claimed) 2.43 lbs

MSRP: $220.00

History bit: In the neonate stage of ski alpinism, no company made a backpack specifically for skiing. Moreover, in the U.S. anyway, photographers often made ostensibly “backcountry” images featuring skiers without backpacks (and, of course, no helmets, which is another story). Considering this, the evolution of ski packs has been nothing short of a Cambrian explosion, with Deuter providing much of the fuel.