The Trans Alpine 26 SL is a model suitable for light hiking and cycling, with its weight and functional features adapted accordingly. The backpack, measuring 48 x 26 x 22 cm, weighs just 1.1 kg, so you will barely feel it on your back when packed normally, unless you are carrying building materials in it.
Great value for money! (or, a multifunctional women's backpack does exist)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + functional and comfortable back system suitable for women or men with short backs | - conservative design |
| + ingenious adjustable strap system | - not very practical hip belt pocket design |
| + side pocket in the back panel | - side mesh pockets are small |
| + organizer in the front pocket | - limited color selection |
| + zippers can be locked with snaps | - higher price point |
| + hydration bladder pocket | |
| + integrated rain cover | |
| + comfortable to carry |
Special back system
Trans Alpine 26 SL has a great AirStripes back system, which consists of two narrow contoured contact surfaces, ventilation channels, and 3D mesh. It helps with ventilation, which will thrill those of you who, like me, hate the feeling of a sweaty back.
In practice, this does not mean you won't sweat at all while wearing this model, as some retailers often claim. Sweating is a natural phenomenon, so it cannot be physiologically prevented, especially during strenuous physical activities (uphill climbs, mountain biking, or running for the bus). However, thanks to the sophisticated panel, you will get rid of the unpleasant wet spots that you definitely wouldn't avoid with cheaper backpacks.
Tailored for women and shorter individuals
Given that the backpack with the SL (short length) designation is designed for those who are short in stature but big on action, it can also be comfortable for teenagers, helping to protect their spine. My back size corresponds to an XS/S clothing size, and the backpack fit me perfectly after tightening all the straps.
Moreover, the straps are easy to adjust with a light pull, and the plastic clips do not slip under load or movement, which is another plus. What ladies will especially appreciate is the clever adjustment of the straps. Because they are significantly narrower, they do not dig into the armpits, chest, or hips, even when fully loaded or during long bike rides. The backpack is anatomically shaped, allowing it to adhere well to the body of a user who enjoys movement.
A backpack full of features
Other external features worth mentioning include the front pocket with an organizer, which holds everything you need to have handy and can potentially leave unattended. Small compartments are ideal for office supplies (cables, flash drives, sticky notes) as well as women's essentials (manicure set, mirror, hand cream, lip balm, chewing gum). The organizer also includes a key clip.
The front part of the pocket can also accommodate prescription or sunglasses, which is nice during sunny summer and winter days. If you enjoy cycling, you will also appreciate the straps that securely fix your helmet to the front panel so it won't fall out even during more demanding handling. The bottom front pocket is suitable for placing items like a headlamp, bike lights, or a bike lock, where you will have them right at hand.
The last element I would highlight is the even distribution of reflective surfaces, which you can find on the front panel, the trim of the side pockets, and the shoulder straps. Especially if you cycle or return from a hiking trip late in the evening on roads with traffic, you will be much better protected passively. In practice, you will be more visible in the dark and in low visibility from a much greater distance (BESIP states up to about two hundred meters). You will significantly increase your chances of preventing a potential traffic accident. In my opinion, however, the backpack could have more reflective material, especially on the front panel, where there is only a single strip measuring about 3 x 1 cm.
Efficiently designed interior
The backpack is also practically designed on the inside. I was thrilled by the spacious main compartment, which can be left as one whole or divided into two sections with a zipper. It can be filled classically from the top like a rucksack, but also via a zippered opening at the bottom. This is a great advantage on trips when you need to keep things organized. If you are expecting bad weather or high exertion on your trip, you can pack extra clothes to change into, which you can store in the bottom section, where a compact sleeping bag also fits! If you already have used clothes, you can safely put them in the bottom section as well, where they will be separated from everything else.
Although there is no laptop compartment in the main chamber, which is logical given the sporty nature of the backpack, it is large enough to store a 15.6" laptop (38 x 25 cm) even in a wider neoprene sleeve. Thanks to the 26-liter volume, the backpack can still hold everything needed for cycling trips (tools, a few pieces of clothing, food and drink, personal items, mobile, wallet), a one-day mountain hike (first aid kit, cosmetic bag, a few pieces of clothing, toiletries, food and drink), and daily commutes to school or work (notebooks, folder, notepad, laptop with accessories, snack).
In the main space, there are three separate internal pockets. If you use a hydration bladder, you've won; if not, you can use the pocket in an alternative way. It can fit, for example, a smaller book (great news for lovers of long public transport rides and avid readers), a small first aid kit, a quick-repair kit for inner tubes, or in the case of school or work use, a planner, charger, headphones, case, or even an MP3 player (for greater comfort, you can thread the headphones through the hydration bladder port, where they won't get tangled).
A smaller cylindrical pocket is quite suitable not only for a small pump (for a cycling trip) but can also hold pens, perfume in glass, or deodorant. The third pocket, unlike the two previous ones, is located on the back and is perfect for toiletries (tissues, plasters, medicine, disinfectant, sunscreen) or some sweets to replenish energy after strenuous physical performance (nothing gets crushed in the back section).
The backpack is quite stable when evenly loaded, which of course won't work if the main compartment is empty and the front pockets are overstuffed (you simply can't beat physics).
Technical details
I also rate the materials used, which really last, very positively! The surface is made of a combination of two durable nylon fabrics – Deuter Ripstop 330 and Nylon Ballistic, which are treated with a PU coating. From my own experience, I can confirm that during a downpour or snowfall (I don't mean a blizzard), you don't have to pull out the rain cover immediately because water easily runs off the fine (non-coarse) surface. And thanks to the covered zippers, not a drop gets inside in a vertical position.
The zippers of the main compartment and the bottom opening are rather small, but they open and close very well without snagging. The pull tabs can also be fastened with safety snaps, which hold surprisingly well and cannot be unzipped without a tug, which might deter pickpockets. However, I strongly recommend keeping all valuables in the back pocket, which you always have under control (it is located directly under your elbow).
There are still some minor flaws
As shortcomings regarding the exterior finish, I mainly perceive the design of the two pockets on the mesh hip belt. They are quite small, so not much fits into them. And even if something does, it's difficult to manipulate items due to the perforated material. Moreover, they are not protected from environmental dirt, dust, or moisture, so you can't put things like a mobile phone that you need handy, or keys, a wallet, or a tissue in them.
However, you can store all this in the back pocket, which can be conveniently opened with your right hand if you slip out of the left shoulder strap. Still, it's a bit impractical, and it takes a while to reach the pocket and open the zipper.
Another slight handicap is the side mesh pockets on both sides, which, for my taste, have too little capacity and diameter. In practice, this means that you can barely place a water bottle (1.5 l) in them so that it doesn't fall out or the elastic band around the perimeter isn't stretched to the breaking point. So, if you prefer to head out on a hike with a bottle rather than a hydration bladder, it must be said that smaller sports bottles (0.75 l) with a diameter of about 7 cm fit better in both pockets. An interesting fact and a small mystery remains the fact that, for example, beer fits into the pockets both in a can and in a bottle.
A versatile companion
If your hobby is sports, then you know yourself that you can't do without at least basic equipment when practicing it. If you prefer multiple disciplines, you will surely appreciate a backpack that is universal and won't force you to make compromises between functionality, durability, and comfort. The Deuter Trans Alpine 26 SL is a very good choice for women and men of smaller stature (or for teenagers approx. 13+) with a height of up to 170 cm, who like to enjoy active relaxation in the fresh air all year round and at the same time need a reliable backpack for everyday use.
Although the backpack is primarily intended for cycling, you can use it for skiing, traveling, going on one-day hiking trips, walking in nature, and going to school or work every day. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the higher purchase costs, as they will truly return to you in the form of many amazing experiences and reliable service.
If you are not a design addict, hipster, or fan of the latest "supercool" combinations of bright and crazy colors or motifs, I dare say that with a little care, you will be happily using the versatile and well-functional Trans Alpine 26 SL backpack for many years after the warranty period has expired.
