Quality out of the box. Leatt Photo.
I'll be riding with the Leatt DBX Enduro Lite WP 2.0 pack over the next several weeks and posting a deep test report after that. Below are some initial un-boxing impressions–because, hey! Holiday shopping is just around the corner.
CE Level 1 spine protection.
This pack is impressive right off the bat. Its spine protector, climbing harness-like hardware, and waterproof fabric make it feel very professional. I own a few MTB hydration packs–Camelback, Fox, etc. and they're quite good–but the Enduro Lite comes off like a level above.
Fits like a snug piece of safety gear, with no flopping around.
The pack's mandate is more serious, I guess. There's no looseness to anything. Though features and attention to detail are impressive, Leatt hasn't put anything in there to detract from its function as a spine protector. But it's not minimalist, there's bells and whistles out the yin-yang.
Simple and strong hardware buckles adjust pack height.
It's also a great looking pack. We all vary in terms of how aesthetics affect our decision to purchase an item, but this has definite curb appeal.
Seriously, it's fly.
Leatt has also thought about those things you pull out often during a ride: phone, snacks, etc. There's well-proportioned phone and snack/keys pockets up front where the chest harness clips together. And two simple compartments in the back for things you'll only pull out on longer stops: lunch, tools, first aid or rain gear.
I love the waterproof phone pouch.
Again, everything feels like it's locked down and adds to the structure of the bag. Thick waterproof fabric and taped seams help the solid-ness (though I can't say yet how well the waterproofing works).
The hydration pouch tucks tightly into its own neoprene sleeve, and a reflective surface helps maintain liquid temperatures.
I haven't tried strapping a full-face lid onto the back of the pack yet, but a quick glance at the instructions let me know that the bungee rigging is specifically designed to do this.
The elastic strapping on the back.
One quick word about the hydration bag: it's very easy to open and fill under a faucet or water filter, and it's light, which I like, but make sure you slide the closure bar over the ziplock top correctly, or lots of water will flow out all at once onto the kitchen floor, making other people laugh at you and forcing you to clean up. No big deal–once I figured it out.
Very light and easy to fill hydration bag, but make sure you put the sliding top on correctly.
I strapped it on and went for a toodle around. So far, it fits great and moves as part of my body. I felt I was wearing solid spine protection that I can put stuff in and drink from–rather than a pack with a pad jammed in it. I do wonder a bit how it will fit women, because it really needs to close snugly across the chest. I'll ask a female rider to wear it for a while and let you know.
I'm also really curious to test it while wearing a neck brace and full face helmet. Again, more to come, although you can see pics of that set up from our Interbike coverage this fall.
DBX Enduro Lite Specs:
2.0L Flat CleanTech bladder & 5L luggage
Fully welded light waterproof outer shell
CE tested and certified as impact protection:
EN1621-2 Level 1
Unique chest harness for a rock solid fit
Front storage pockets, including cell phone pouch
Height adjustable harness for optimal load positioning
Lightweight helmet carrier system for full face or/and MTB helmet
Dual hydration tube exit for 2-way routing:
Reinforced tool pocket
Heat reflective inner back panel to keep liquid cool or hot
Optimal AirLine back ventilation
Cargo straps for jacket or/and protectors
Size: One size fit XS-XXL
From The Column: TGR Tested
TGR Tested | K2’s Mindbender 130 BOA Boot is the…
TGR Tested | TREW’s LW 3L Kit is Perfect for High…
TGR Tested | Atomic Redesigns the Hawx Ultra XTD…
TGR Tested: Slope Stompers Make Pow Booting Cheap…
TGR Tested: The Elan Playmaker 101 Lives Up to Its…
TGR Tested: Faction’s La Machine 3 Mega is A…
TGR Tested: Go Light With Hyperlite Mountain…
TGR Tested: RAB’s Softshell Touring Kit Is…
TGR Tested: Fischer’s Ranger 108 Is A…
TGR Tested: WNDR Alpine Refines The Intention…
TGR Tested: Line’s Blade Optic 114 Is a…
TGR Tested - The Suunto 9 Peak Pro Is the…
TGR Tested: Atomic’s Maverick 95Ti Is A…
Tactical Trifecta: Atomic’s Maven, Hawx and…
TGR Tested: Atomic’s Bent 110 Is The Powder Ski…
TGR Tested - Mammut Free Vest 15 Airbag
TGR Tested Quick Hit: Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity…
TGR Tested: The 2023 Yeti SB160 Is A Refined…
TGR Tested: Rocky Mountain’s Element C90 Is A…
TGR Tested Quick Hit: The Ultimate Fall Riding…
About The Author
stash member Gunnar Waldman
Editor-at-Large, IMBA instructor and east-coaster. Raced Trans-Savoie in France, SoCal Enduro and Endurance in Temecula and is psyched for all the great new races in the east. Article Ideas: gunnar.waldman@tetongravity.com