our history
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A journey through time
1898: the beginning
Hans Deuter establishes the ‘Mechanische Segeltuch und Leinenweberei’ company which translates as ‘Mechanized sailcloth and linen weavers’ in Augsburg-Oberhausen, Bavaria. Soon the company is supplying the Royal Bavarian Postal Service with all their mailbags and post sacks.
1905
Marquee rentials
A new business area is added.
1910
Expansion
First major customer – knapsacks, rucksacks, mess tents and stable tents are produced for the army.
1910
First major customer
An army horse with deuter saddlebags.
1919
Expansion
Hans Deuter expands the company remit to include suitcases and leather goods. Sack production is divested as a public limited company. Marquee rental stock hits 10,000 sqm. Deuter marquees are now used for the Munich Oktoberfest.
1919
Restructuring
The company is now called Hans Deuter. The backpack / tent and freight canopy production is now expanded to include suitcases and leather goods.
1928
Important heritage
Explorer Willi Rickmer sets off on expedition to the Pamir Mountains – deuter backpacks, bags, tarpaulins and tents accompany the team. From the beginning, deuter places emphasis on real-world experience in its product development and becomes the main outfitter for German expeditions up until the late 1970s.
1934
Nanga parbat expedition
The deuter TAUERN backpack proves its worth. Expedition member Fritz Bechtold writes: “With the substantial demands placed on man and equipment during this expedition, we came to value the TAUERN backpack as a piece of high-quality alpine equipment.”
1938
Anderl Heckmair
July 22-24 Heckmair makes the first ascent of the Eiger North Face, equipped with a deuter backpack. Accompanied by Ludwig Vörg, Fritz Kasparek and Heinrich Harrer in the rope team.
1939
Dark days
Equipment and tents are manufactured for the German armed forces. Almost all of the production capacity is used up by this.
1945
Impact of war
An attempt is made to utilize existing capacities for new products.
1953: first ascent
Hermann Buhl uses a deuter TAUERN backpack for his celebrated solo first ascent of Nanga Parbat (8,125 m). In addition to backpacks, some of which are made using Perlon synthetic fibers for the first time, the expedition is also supplied with bags and tents from deuter.
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1957
PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
The family business becomes a public limited company. And is renamed ‘deuter Industriewerke AG-Augsburg’ (or Deuter Industries Plc).
1962
MARQUEES
the marquee / pavilion construction becomes a separate business: ‘deuter Hallenbau GmbH, Augsburg’.
And also: One of the many deuter-equipped expeditions successfully climbs the extremely difficult Diamir face of Nanga Parbat.
1968
SYNTHETICS
deuter introduces the first ever nylon backpacks to the market. Synthetic materials are quickly adopted as the number one material for backpacks.1971
MARKET LEADERS
deuter is Germany’s leading manufacturer of backpacks, suitcases and bags.1972
STEADY GROWTH
1984
DEUTER AIRCOMFORT
The original deuter back system is born.
This form of suspended mesh back is wholly new and revolutionizes the backpack market.
1988: a new era
Alpinists, mountain guides and professional cyclists directly influence the collection: Pepi Stückl and Peter Vogler, both state certified mountain guides, join the product development team. Bernd Kullmann, outstanding all-round mountain climber, becomes product manager and head of sales at deuter. And professional mountaineer Peter Habeler tests new products on his climbing tours and expeditions.
1988
PETER HABELER
The world-famous mountaineer, becomes a technical advisor and works closely with deuter. He tests new products on his climbing tours and expeditions through to 1991.
1989
RESTRUCTURING
01.01.1989: The luggage and rucksack segments are split off from ‘deuter AG’ to form ‘deuter Sport & Leder GmbH’.
1990
THE FIRST BIKE BACKPACK
In August, Andi Heckmair sets off on his bike and covers 315 Kilometers and 11,000 vertical meters over 4 days, establishing the Transalp route. And since none of the current offerings were suited to biking, he also helps develop the first ever bike-specific backpack. The original BIKE 1, with AIRSTRIPES back system is launched.
1991
NEW PARTNER
it’s no longer possible to manufacture complex, technical textile products in Germany at a competitive price. In 1991, deuter teams up with manufacturing partner Duke. What started out with just 35 sewing machines is now a highly specialized backpack factory in Vietnam, with around 5,400 employees exclusively making all of deuter’s backpacks and accessories.
1995
EXTENSION
deuter explores another essential outdoor product: the sleeping bag.
1997
FIELD TESTED
The start of a close collaboration with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides. These mountain guides, who spend 200 days a year out guiding clients in the mountains, give deuter valuable feedback, the equivalent of several years’ worth through ‘normal’ use.
1999
FUTURA
The best-selling backpack series lands, with updated AIRCOMFORT mesh back system.
2000
SPECIALISTS ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS
deuter once again recognized as Germany’s market leader in technical backpacks. Focusing on what’s important, its heritage, and its highly experienced team is the key to its success.
2001: deuter goes international
deuter subsidiary, deuter USA, is established.
deuter already enjoys a presence in 28 countries worldwide.
2002
TREND SETTERS
The multipurpose AC LITE series with AIRCOMFORT back system is praised as a lightweight, technical backpack but even more so for its trend-setting style.
2004
CHILDREN’S SLEEPING BAGS
The sleeping bag range is now complete: from kids’ sleeping bags through to 4-season expedition-grade down sleeping bags.
2005
BACK PROTECTORS
deuter develops the SHIELD system, a new backpack concept, with a built-in, TÜV/GS inspected back protector that offers mountain bikers and skiers improved safety. The ATTACK bike backpack wins the Eurobike Gold Award for Innovation.
2006
BERND KULLMANN
deuter is acquired by the Schwan Stabilo Group.
Bernd Kullmann, deuter product developer for 20 years, takes the helm.
2006
GERLINDE KALTENBRUNNER
deuter is proud to welcome the extreme high-altitude mountaineer into the product development team for its SL range. She brings with her invaluable experience from her expeditions and Alpine training which helps in developing the SL women’s line of products.
2006
FOUNDING E.O.C.A. MEMBER
deuter is one of the founding members of the European Outdoor Conservation Association. The E.O.C.A. is a non-profit organization for the European outdoor industry that funds nature conservation projects worldwide.
2008
DEUTER BECOMES BLUESIGN® SYSTEM PARTNER
deuter signs up to the bluesign® System, the world’s strictest standard for environmental protection, occupational safety, and consumer protection in the textile industry. Together we work on improving our manufacturing processes.
2009
EL FIT
Tall people can now find a backpack that fits, with the new EL models. The back length on these models is somewhat longer than on regular fit models. The Aircomfort Flexlite System is the name of the new AIRCOMFORT system, specially developed for the lightweight SPECTRO series.
2010
THERMO STRETCH COMFORT SYSTEM
The Exosphere and Neosphere sleeping bags hit the market. These groundbreaking sleeping bags have stretchy seams that make them even more comfortable and easy to warm.
2011
FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION
deuter is now a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). As a member of this independent initiative that champions fair working conditions and social standards, we take a systematic approach to assessing and improving working conditions in our manufacturing partners’ sites in Asia and at our headquarters in Gersthofen..webp)
2011
YPSILON
deuter launches the new Ypsilon school backpack that’s designed for the anatomy and requirements of growing young children.
2013
NEW HEADQUARTERS
Since moving to Gersthofen in 1997, deuter has grown 800%. A new headquarters is built, offering more space, and using the latest building technology such as geothermal power to make it a greener building.
2013
CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP
Martin Riebel becomes CEO of deuter Sport GmbH.
2013
FIRST BLUESIGN® PRODUCTS
deuter produces its first bluesign® accredited products: the KIKKI children’s backpack (bluesign® approved fabric) and the DREAMLAND children’s sleeping bag (bluesign® product).
2015
AWARDS
In April, deuter receives the Fair Wear Foundation ‘Best Practice Award’ for its “bold investment in its manufacturing sites and headquarters” to cut overtime hours worked. deuter is awarded top marks, and with it ‘Leader Status’ in the independent organization’s annual assessment.
2015
DEUTER JOINS PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES
The textile partnership is an initiative set up by the German government to improve social, environmental and economic conditions along the textile supply chain.
2016
FIRST CLIMBING SERIES
The Gravity Series is the culmination of many years of experience and expertise in the fields of climbing and bouldering. Developed by competition climbers, boulderers, mountain guides, expedition leaders and other top athletes, deuter’s climbing collection covers anything from the gym to the highest peaks and rock faces in the world.
2016
ATTACK
The Attack, the original protector backpack, gets a new look and feature set. With the lightest and latest back protector from SAS-Tec, protective gear attachments, a new-style helmet holder, goggles pocket and cell phone pocket, and a brand-new downhill-oriented back system, the Attack is ready to take on anything.
2016
BIKE BACKPACKS WITH CELL PHONE POCKET
Starting with the Attack, deuter introduces a dedicated cell phone pocket to most of its bike backpacks, positioned against the back for on-the-move access without having to take off the pack.
2017
THE POWER BOX
The new PowerBox innovation prevents down slippage in sleeping bags, with its waffle-like structure that uses vertical baffles and stretchy horizontal seams across the top of the sleeping bag, from the knees down.
2017
AIRCONTACT PRO WITH VARISLIDE
A new back system adjustment allows for precision adjustment to various back lengths and therefore a tailored fit for the wearer.
More than 20 years of experience and design expertise is built into the Aircontact. VariFit-Slide adjustment, 3D hip fins, and pivoting shoulder straps: these trekking backpacks are now more comfortable than ever to carry.
2020
FAIR WEAR LEADER STATUS
deuter has held the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) Leader Status since 2013, its highest member status. The FWF works to improve working conditions in textile and garment factories, particularly on the ground in production countries. deuter has been a member of the FWF since August 2011 and is committed to its stringent employment guidelines. Thanks to its conscientious implementation of fair working and manufacturing conditions, this year we again achieved the Fair Wear Foundation’s coveted Leader Status.
2020
PFAS FREE SINCE 2020
To help protect our environment and health, deuter eliminates all PFAS from its products, while maintaining equally high quality. To ensure water and dirt repellent performance, we now only use DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finishes that are PFAS free and not harmful. This special kind of finish causes water to bead off the surface of textiles, keeping the fabric dry and the natural environment clean.
2020
FIRST PRODUCTS MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
Our UP series uses resource-efficient production to make it more sustainable. All fabrics are 100% recycled and manufactured according to bluesign® standards. And they’re cool and stylish, too.
2020
Robert Schieferle takes over
On July 1, 2020, Robert Schieferle, previously Deputy Managing Director, takes over as sole Managing Director of deuter Sport GmbH, replacing Martin Riebel.
October 2021
GERSTHOFEN HEADQUARTERS ATTAINS CLIMATEPARTNER CERTIFICATION
The carbon footprint of business activities, products, services or events are calculated according to internationally recognized standards and offset through climate projects around the world.
ClimatePartner certification demonstrates that any unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions have been offset. For simplification purposes, we call these ‘CO2 emissions’ and provide all emission information in terms of tons of CO2. What these relate to are CO2 equivalents, and so all types of greenhouse gases.
In addition to avoidance and reduction of CO2 emissions, offsetting is an important part of climate protection. ClimatePartner recommends that companies establish continuous processes for the avoidance and reduction of CO2 emissions and supports them with strategies such as defining scientifically based reduction targets or in the transition toward renewable energy.
Product innovations
the highlights from 125+ years of development
The list of deuter innovations that still stand to this day, is long. A wealth of patents has accumulated over the course of several decades of diligent development work. Some of the milestones include the Aircomfort system, the first fully ventilated mesh back system for backpacks; or the first ever bike backpack, developed together with Andi Heckmair; the VariQuick system for quick and easy back length adjustment; and the first ever TÜV-certified child carrier, or first TÜV-certified back protector built into a bike backpack. Each of these, a world first.
1959
FIRST WOMEN-SPECIFIC BACKPACK
Almost 30 years after it was first launched, the Tauern backpack is still in the collection. But this time, there’s a special women’s version of the pack, with shorter shoulder straps and padded hip rests.
1964
SKI ATTACHMENTS
deuter offers activity-specific backpacks with details like a climbing rope strap, and attachments for skis, ice axes and crampons.
1968
DETACHABLE BACKPACK LID
The first climbing / mountaineering and ski touring backpacks now have this practical feature.
1979
S-SHAPED SHOULDER STRAPS
Honed over many years, our ergonomically designed shoulder straps are shaped to contour the shoulders and neck.
1984: aircomfort
The first ever suspended mesh back system is introduced. It revolutionizes the backpack market and becomes the industry standard for backpack back systems.
1989
MOBILE HIP FINS
These hip fins move with the wearer, keeping the backpack stable and close to the body.
1991
AIRSTRIPES
Together with Andi Heckmair, deuter develops the world’s first bike-specific backpack. The Airstripes back system remains a mainstay of these backpacks to this day.
1991
HELMET HOLDER
Reflective details, tool compartment – Throughout the process of designing the first bike backpacks, deuter comes up with a whole host of new developments.
1992
BUILT-IN WINDSHIELD
This new bike backpack development protects riders from wind chill, and in high-viz colors, also increases safety in low light and traffic.
1996
AIRCONTACT FOAM
The new patented Aircontact back system generates effective ventilation for backpacking and trekking packs and cuts perspiration by up to 15%.
1996: TÜV- inspected child carrier
The Kid Comfort – the first and for a long time only child carrier on the market that meets TÜV Süd / GS safety standards.
1999
SOS LABEL
For decades, the safety label inside our backpacks has helped in a crisis by providing emergency telephone numbers and mountain rescue signals.
2005
PROTECTOR BACKPACK
With its Shield System, deuter develops a whole new back system. An integrated, TÜV-certified back protector offers bikers and winter sports fans improved crash safety.
2010
ERGONOMIC SCHOOL BACKPACKS
Together with pediatrician Dr. Micha Bahr, deuter develops school backpacks that are designed for children’s growing bodies.
2012
PULL-FORWARD ADJUSTMENT
The straps at the waist have an automatic side compression feature that pulls the load forward creating a compact snug fit against the back.
2016
PATENTED SLIDING BACK LENGTH ADJUSTMENT
deuter was the first to introduce a back length adjustment system back in 1972. In 1995 it was updated into the VariQuick system. And the latest version, the VariSlide system, provides a precise sliding mechanism that’s quick and easy to lock the back length in place.
2018
ECL HIP FINS
Ergonomic Comfort Lock: Ergonomically designed padding creates a snug fit around the hips for a more even distribution of the load.
2022: air spacer mesh
This three-dimensional lightweight material maintains its shape under pressure and absorbs localized pressure. Which gives our Aircontact and Airstripes back systems better cushioning, load distribution and ventilation – three functions in one.
first woman specific backpack
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1959: Looking back
deuter has a long track record in pioneering women’s backpacks. Its Ladies’ Tauern backpack was launched way back in 1959.
2000: the SL team is established
In 2005, deuter established the SL Team to advance the design of women’s backpacks. Made up of highly experienced outdoors women and professional female athletes, along with deuter product designers, the team focused on creating products made ‘for women by women’ and proved a huge success. The SL (Slim Line) fit positioned deuter as a market leader in women’s backpacks, because the ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach just didn’t cut it anymore.
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2006: gerlinde kaltenbrunner joins the SL team
deuter is proud to welcome the extreme high-altitude mountaineer into the product development team for its SL range. She brings with her invaluable experience from her expeditions and Alpine training which helps in developing the SL women’s line of products.
2006
The SL flower
a hair tie with a yellow flower is introduced as an emblem for the SL line.
2021
Hangtag label
a new hangtag label replaces the flower, clearly highlighting women’s backpacks and sleeping bags, with details on the back about the special SL (Slim Line) features of each product.