Mountaineering backpacks
On expedition since 1930: deuter mountaineering backpacks are engineered with over 100 years of mountaineering experience behind them. And so, durability and weight optimization are the cornerstones of our high-altitude alpine backpacks. For advice on getting the best out of your expedition, by having the right mountaineering pack for you, head to our online shop. Find out more!
find the mountaineering backpack for you
Mountaineering, ice climbing, skiing, freeriding, or on a climbing expedition – enjoying the spectacular mountains in all their glory. deuter has designed a range of ultralight, minimalist backpacks for the most ambitious mountain professionals, precisely tailored to the demands of alpine use, and the bodies of the mountaineers who carry them. In addition to functionality, carrying comfort and ensuring light weight and durability, when it comes to mountaineering backpacks, the back system or carrying harness is also an important factor. Backpacks with our deuter Alpine back system or deuter Lite back system are ideal for mountaineering and alpine climbing.
All our mountaineering backpacks are also:
- Free from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
- Made from durable, environmentally responsible materials
- Climate neutral
- Available in specific men’s and women’s models
Check out our packing list for mountaineering to see what you’ll need to take with you when you head into the mountains.
deuter alpine backpacks for the rigors of mountain use
- For alpine climbing, mountaineering & expeditions
- Low weight: stripped down to the essentials
- Carrying heavier loads in comfort
The deuter Alpine back system is all about striking the perfect balance between optimum weight, maximized carrying comfort and creating a secure fit. The Alpine back system has narrow SoftStripe back padding that keeps the slender-shaped packs securely in place – following your every move, no matter how high you reach. It keeps the pack snug against your body to keep the center of gravity close – for zero load wobble in challenging terrain. Despite their low weight, our mountaineering backpacks can withstand abrasion against rock: Water-repellent, hard-wearing fabric ensures your backpack is fully reliable and lasts a long time. deuter’s alpine backpacks also come in two different fits: The SL models of alpine backpack are for women and for anyone with narrower shoulders and a shorter back. And the Regular fit alpine backpacks are for men.
deuter´s backpacks for alpinists
Guide
The super lightweight, cleverly designed Guide alpine backpack is developed by professional mountaineers for alpine climbing and mountaineering. We’ve applied the knowledge and experience of professional mountain guides to this backpack that combines technical functionality with comfort and light weight.
The Guide is available in a range of volumes: from 22 liters for single-day projects, to 44 liters for longer expedition-style alpine tours. For projects where every gram counts, the helmet holder, waist belt or hip fins can also be removed. The smaller models also work well as hiking backpacks, while the larger models can be used for backpacking.
Further features of the Guide backpack include:
- Attachment options for skis, crampons, helmet, ice axe, sunglasses and a hydration system
- Side compression straps for skis, a snowboard and other gear
- VariFlex hip fin adjustment, a height-adjustable lid, detachable waist belt, and adjustable sternum strap
- Also available in women-specific SL fit (Slim Line)
No longer available
Guide Ultra
If the Guide Ultra were to be described in four words, they would probably be: minimal weight, maximum comfort. If you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight mountaineering backpack that guarantees a secure fit even on challenging sections, the Guide Ultra is the perfect choice. The Guide Ultra is particularly suited to climbing and mountaineering.
What makes it special? The Guide Ultra mountaineering backpack is made from Dyneema® – the perfect material for manufacturing high-performance, ultra-lightweight outdoor equipment. Athletes not only save energy thanks to the backpack’s ultra-lightweight design, but also benefit from greater safety provided by tear-resistant, sturdy material. But it’s not just the material that impresses – the Guide Ultra also demonstrates its well-thought-out design in its features. Most snow enthusiasts know this: gloves tend to get in the way when it comes to fine motor skills.
This is exactly where deuter has thought ahead: the Guide Ultra stands out thanks to its roll-top opening, which is easy to use even when wearing gloves. The functional design allows for comfortable and quick movement, whilst the alpine back system guarantees a firm, secure fit and carrying comfort. Furthermore, this mountaineering backpack impresses with the following features:
You can read about the Guide’s other features here:
- Capacity: 24 or 26 litres Break-proof buckles
- Removable rope attachment
- Side compression straps
- The channels between the padding are lined with breathable mesh material, ensuring pleasant ventilation.
The Guide Ultra is also available as an SL version in a women’s fit. The carrying system on the SL models is slightly shorter, as women generally have a shorter back than men. This means women benefit from the SL back length. Additionally, the carrying system is adapted to the female anatomy.
Expedition Ultra
Are you looking for an ultra-lightweight expedition backpack that’s particularly suited to mountaineering and climbing? Then the Expedition Ultra from deuter could be just the thing for you! The Expedition Ultra is an expedition backpack made from durable Dyneema® fabric, which is renowned not only for its extreme lightness but also for its durability. This not only saves athletes energy on the go, but also keeps them safe thanks to the tear-resistant material. The Expedition Ultra stands out for its simple, functional design, such as a roll-top opening that can be easily operated even when wearing gloves.
The alpine back system with a permanently elastic spring steel frame also ensures optimal load transfer. And that’s not all: the body-hugging ergonomics of the back padding and the carrying system provide a compact, secure fit. This helps athletes maintain their balance even in challenging terrain.
Further features of the Expedition Ultra include:
- Capacity: 60 litres
- Break-proof buckles Removable rope attachment
- Side compression straps
- Comfortable and reliable back ventilation: the channels between the pads are made of breathable mesh material.
- Also available in SL Women’s Fit
No longer available
Durascent
For snowshoeing, mountaineering or climbing – longer adventures through challenging terrain and in changeable weather – the waterproof Durascent backpack is the ideal choice. This mountaineering backpack is made from very hard-wearing material and is fully waterproof to keep all your gear dry. It also balances weight and comfort. The Durascent is available in a range of sizes. From 28 liters for single-day mountain tours, up to 44 liters for multi-day expeditions: all of them tough and secure. Stowable hip fins mean these packs work well with a climbing harness.
Further features of the Durascent include:
- 2-way adjustable sternum strap with a safety whistle, stowable hip fins
- Roll-top opening to increase the volume
- Ice axe attachment, docking loops for a helmet holder
- Also available in women-specific SL fit (Slim Line)
Freescape Pro 38+ SL und Freescape Pro 40+
This is the professional version of our Freescape backpack for ski mountaineers, which at 38 liters and 40 liters has space for everything you need on a multi-day ski traverse or winter expedition. With multiple gear strap options, it helps keep essentials like your skis, snowshoes or climbing rope quick to hand.
Made with snow-shedding fabric, these winter skimo backpacks reliably keep out the elements. A special Delrin U-frame creates a comfortable fit on the back and distributes the load evenly between the shoulders and the hips.
Further features of the deuter Freescape Pro include:
- A height-adjustable lid A practical zipped access at the back
- Easily accessible zip around avalanche safety equipment compartment for your shovel and probe
- Adjustable sternum strap with safety whistle, stowable waist belt
- Attachments for 2 ice axes, sunglasses, and prepped for a hydration system; dedicated compartments for goggles and cell phone
- Detachable mesh helmet holder
- Also available in women-specific SL fit (Slim Line)
No longer available
Lightweight mountaineering backpacks featuring the deuter Lite back system
Every gram counts when you’re moving through the mountains. The deuter Lite back system combines the proven carrying comfort of our mountaineering backpacks with extra weight stripped away to help give athletes greater speed and endurance. But the materials used, and all seams and buckles etc. are very hard wearing and designed to withstand the rigors of expeditions in the high peaks or climbing in the Alps.
Freescape Lite 24 SL und Freescape Lite 26
The Lite version of the Freescape ski mountaineering backpack offers lighter weight with durable materials and good carrying comfort. In a 24-liter version and a 26-liter version these backpacks are ideal for shorter ski tours and are designed for a range of mountain sports from freeride skiing to ski touring and mountain climbing. Side zipper access to the main compartment provides quick access, while a snowboard, skis or crampons can be strapped to the outside of the pack.
Further features of the two Freescape Lite models include:
- Secure, easy-to-access emergency compartment for your avalanche probe and shovel
- Adjustable sternum strap with safety whistle, stowable waist belt
- Attachments for 2 ice axes, sunglasses and hydration system; dedicated compartments for goggles and cell phone
- Detachable mesh helmet holder
- Also available in women-specific SL fit (Slim Line)
No longer available
Vertrail 16
The Vertrail 16 climbing backpack has loops on the shoulder straps to keep gear close at hand. The vest-style shoulder straps can accommodate water bottles or soft flasks, trekking poles and GPS, while multiple adjustable gear straps on the front of the pack can be used to attach crampons, snowshoes or other gear. This lightweight backpack has 16 liters capacity that can be increased thanks to its roll-top opening.
Further features that make the Vertrail a versatile mountain buddy include:
- Secure, easy-to-access emergency compartment for your avalanche probe and shovel
- Attachments for a helmet and ice axe, dedicated cell phone and glasses pockets 2-way adjustable sternum straps
- Condensation protection for the back
Into the extreme: deuter´s top mountaineering tips
All packed and set for your next mountaineering adventure? In our deuter Base Camp, deuter athletes share some of their hard-won knowledge about avalanche science, nutrition, how to plan a tour and mountain safety. Check it out !
Why choose a deuter mountaineering backpack?
For 125 years deuter has been developing backpacks that are specialized, innovative and tailored to their intended purpose. And with a good measure of success, too. Our alpine mountaineering backpacks have clean styling and clever features that make your time in the mountains a joy. Some of the characteristics our alpinists particularly appreciate include:
- Sustainability: deuter is committed to occupational safety, consumer protection and environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices. We use a PFAS-free DWR finish on our backpacks that repels dirt and water but that is not harmful to the environment or health. And we are members of the Fair Wear Foundation and the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, working together for fair pay and fair working conditions worldwide. To find out more about our social and environmental responsibility, visit our sustainability pages.
- Durability: deuter’s high-quality products are made using durable, robust materials with high tenacity fibers so your backpack can help you carry loads for many years to come.
- Lifelong repair service: We promise that we will fix your backpack even after several years’ use.
- Light weight: Depending on the intended use, model and size of backpack, it can save you up to 500 grams (17.6oz) in weight.
- Freedom of movement: Ergonomic hip fins, adjustable sternum straps and refined back systems ensure that you can carry your gear safely, in comfort, and without straining your back.
- The perfect fit: deuter outdoor backpacks come in a Regular fit as well as in SL and EL: The women’s SL (Slim Line) models are specifically designed to suit the female anatomy, while the EL (Extra Long) models are built for taller people with a longer back.
Mountaineering backpacks FAQ:
What is a mountaineering backpack?
A mountaineering backpack is a rucksack that’s specially designed to meet the tough demands of mountain sports like alpine climbing, mountaineering, and climbing expeditions. Technical functionality, carrying comfort, light weight and durability are all important aspects of a mountaineering backpack.
What should I look out for when buying a mountaineering backpack?
A sturdy, supportive and ergonomically shaped back system is what a mountaineering backpack should be built upon. Our alpine backpacks feature back padding that keeps the load snug against the back to keep your center of gravity more central. This means you can carry heavier loads in comfort over longer distances. A waist belt that can accommodate climbing gear, or attachments and straps for things like ice axes or skis, are also a good idea.
How big should a mountaineering backpack be?
It depends on how long your mountain tour is going to be. We would recommend around 32 liters for a day route. And for longer, multi-day routes and expeditions, choose a mountaineering backpack with 34 to 44 liters’ capacity.
What material is used for deuter mountaineering backpacks?
Our mountaineering backpacks are sustainably made, using durable, hard-wearing materials. Polyamide, in particular, for its fine fibers that are also extremely robust, and polyester for its light weight and resistance to water absorption. deuter mountaineering backpacks are also coated in polyurethane to give them improved resistance to the cold and moisture.