First Impressions

The Deuter Attack Enduro 16 is a beast. Our sample arrived on our doorstep in a surprisingly large box. At a mid-size sixteen liter capacity, the pack didn’t seem to demand such a big shipping container. Out of the box, however, our green apple and black sample bristled with straps and adjustments, pockets, waist belt and more projecting well beyond the edges of the pack itself. The weight too provided quite a surprise. What could be making the Deuter Attack Enduro so beefy? To find out, read on.

Features

Let’s clarify why we say the Deuter Attack Enduro 16 is a beast. We mean this pack is one serious piece of mountain biking kit. In addition to all those straps and storage compartments, the Deuter Attack Enduro 16 includes Deuter’s Back Shield Protector. Also known as SAS-TEC, this heavy (nearly a pound) and heavy-duty foam insert covers the entire back and guards that area in case of a fall. Serious stuff if you need it. Thankfully, it’s removable if you don’t.

Specs
Capacity: 976 cu in
Weight: 2 lb 14 oz without back shield, 3 lb 5 oz with
Materials: 500D polyester, 420D nylon, 210D nylon

Returning to the more mundane bits, the Deuter Attack Enduro 16 includes a ton of storage options. On the exterior, the company provides a primary storage compartment that runs the entire length of the pack. It will swallow just about any combination of clothing, food, tooling, spare tires and gear you can think to bring on a longer ride. A lined top pocket fits sunglasses or goggles. A final medium-sized pocket holds keys, ID, cash and other bits in little organizers and zippered sections. All well thought out and convenient to access.

Speaking of well thought out, Deuter several nearly hidden features into the Attack Enduro 16. Unzip a small slot on the bottom of the pack and out comes a helmet carrier. Below that is another zippered pouch that contains the rain cover just in case you’re caught in a downpour. And there’s more: two water bottle holders, an internal hydration sleeve with tube routing ports, straps for adjusting and cinching down your load and a waist belt with storage pockets. Wow!

Fit

Deuter keeps the feature list going when it comes to fit. The Attack Enduro 16 delivers padding up and down the back and shoulders for a very comfortable ride. Load lifters on the shoulder straps make adjusting the pack easy. The Attack Enduro 16’s sternum strap travels on a slider for perfect placement. And the aforementioned waist belt helps keep everything from sliding around during those crazy climbs and steep descents.

Final Verdict

Like we said numerous times now, the Deuter Attack Enduro 16 is a beast, a beast we’re glad to have on our side. We didn’t bomb a bunch of downhills and yard sale to test the Back Shield, but we’re glad Deuter provides the solution just in case. We did throw tons of gear into the pack and found it to handle just about everything. If you’re looking for a serious addition to your mountain biking arsenal, definitely check out the Deuter Attack Enduro 16. Find it at Amazon or at the retailers listed on the right.

Thanks for reading another outdoor gear review from GearGuide. And thanks to Deuter for providing a sample for this outdoor gear review.