TREKKING BACKPACK ADVICE FROM DEUTER

TREKKING BACKPACK ADVICE FROM DEUTER

You are still looking for a suitable trekking backpack? Or you are planning your next tour and still have a few questions about the individual adjustment of the carrying system, the weight or range of use? Then you've come to the right place! We try to answer all your questions about trekking backpacks and help you to find a backpack that suits you and your adventure.

Frequently asked questions

Which trekking Backpack fits me?

Which trekking Backpack fits me?

The volume is not the only decision criterion when choosing the right model. The larger a backpack is, the more important is an individually fitting carrying system. Only with it do the anatomically shaped S-straps nestle neatly around the shoulders and guarantee freedom of movement and wearing comfort. That's why the back length plays an important role when choosing a backpack.

HOW CAN YOU MEASURE THE BACK LENGTH?

MEASURING POINT 1 CERVICAL VERTEBRA

Tilt head downward. Below the base of the neck, vertebra C7 bulges out.

MEASURING POINT 2 LUMBAR VERTEBRA

A belt can serve as a measuring aid. Place the upper edge of the belt at the level of the upper edges of the hip bones. These are at the level of the lumbar vertebra L3.

Then place a measuring tape at C7 and measure to the upper edge of the belt or upper edge of the hip bones.

You can also measure your back length on your own, follow these instructions.

Once you know your back length, you can check our size chart to see which trekking backpack fits you!

TREKKING AREAS OF USE

Whether for a long-distance hike, hut trekking, pilgrimage or expedition in the wilderness. We have the right trekking backpack for all areas. In order to be able to enjoy the adventure to the fullest, we have, in addition to well thought-out functions, placed particular emphasis on maximum comfort. Thanks to individually adjustable carrying systems, you can easily and comfortably carry even heavy loads over a longer period of time. Click here to see our trekking giants that meet different requirements:

THRUHIKING - LONG-DISTANCE HIKING - ULTRALIGHT TREKKING

with shelter / with tarp

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AIRCONTACT ULTRA

HUT TREKKING - CROSSING - PILGRIMAGE TOUR

with accommodation & board

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AIRCONTACT LITE

LONG DISTANCE HIKING - PILGRIMAGE - TREKKING TRIP

with accommodation & board

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FUTURA AIR TREK

TENT TREKKING - LODGE TREKKING - BACKPACKING

with shelter / with tent

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AIRCONTACT CORE

WILDERNESS TREKKING - EXPEDITION - WORK & TRAVEL

Self-catering with tent

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AIRCONTACT X

Correct usage of a trekking backpack

THE NUTS AND BOLTS: ADAPTING THE SUPPORT SYSTEM

Especially with loads over ten kilograms and long walking times, individual adjustment is crucial for carrying comfort. That's why we equip our models from a volume of 35 liters with a system for back length adjustment. For smaller models, it makes sense to do without a back length adjustment in order to keep the dead weight as low as possible. Here, the backpacks can be adjusted to the back length via the sizes for men, for women (SL) and for tall people (EL). Here we are guided by the proportions of an athletically built average person.

VARISLIDE SYSTEM

Perfect fit in an instant for any back length thanks to stepless VariSlide adjustment:

Lift the plastic buckle centrally located on the carrying system.
At the same time, pull or push the carrier heart with the ergonomically cut shoulder straps into the appropriate position.

VARIQUICK SYSTEM

For backpacks with VariQuick system, always adjust the back length as follows:

Open the Velcro strap on the carrier heart and pull it off the backpack.
Then thread through the matching four attachment loops to the top, tighten and close the Velcro.

HOOK & LOOP SYSTEM

This system in our ultralight trekking backpack provides individual wearing comfort by adjusting the length of the back. Simply hook carabiner into matching loop.

Loop	1	2	3
Men back length	44 cm	46 cm	48 cm
Women (SL) back length	40 cm	42 cm	44 cm

How to properly pack your trekking backpack

How to properly pack your trekking backpack

For the perfect wearing comfort, in addition to the right backpack, the right application also plays a decisive role. This includes the correct packing and for models with adjustable back length, the exact adjustment. The most important thing when packing a backpack is to avoid taking anything superfluous in the first place!

The center of gravity of the backpack should be close to the body and preferably at shoulder height. This way, it is always above your own body's center of gravity and the backpack does not pull backwards when carried.

Keep reading

How much weight can a trekking backpack carry?

TREKKING Load Classes

WHAT DOES THIS CLASSIFICATION MEAN FOR OUR TREKKING BACKPACKS?

Our load classes are not about the maximum load capacity of our trekking backpacks. They can withstand much more than we want them to carry. We understand them as guide values. We are concerned with carrying comfort. This is always a combination of the following factors:

Construction and stability of the back system
Expected duration of wearing. Example: trekking backpack versus travel backpack.
Individual requirements of a product. E.g.: Thru-hikers value a product that is as light as possible for thru-hiking, while the highest level of comfort is required for trekking.
Individual fitness. Ex: The expectations of an expedition participant are higher than those of a classic recreational hiker.
Finally, the specifications are also based on the usual and reasonable equipment in use.

Our load classes are intended to provide orientation in the selection of the appropriate trekking backpack. In any case, we recommend that you test a backpack with the appropriate load yourself.

Load Class 1

Load Class 2

Load Class 3

Stable frame, which in combination with padded hip fins provides very good load transfer

• Touring backpacks, long distance hiking
• Aircontact Ultra, Aircontact Lite
• Up to 15 kg

Verstärkter Rahmen mit direkter Anbindung der differenziert gepolsterten Hüftflossen für höhere Lastübertragung bei langen Tragezeiten

• Trekking, work and travel, longer trips
• Aircontact Core, Futura Air Trek
• Up to ca. 20 kg

Reinforced frame with direct connection of the differentiated padded hip fins for higher load transfer during long periods of wear

• Trekking with food, long trips
• Aircontact X
• Up to ca. 30 kg

"Load recommendation up to”

HOW ARE OUR WEIGHT Indications TO BE UNDERSTOOD?

They do not indicate the maximum weight that can be carried by a backpack, but rather the weight that usually occurs in the intended area of use. This weight can be carried comfortably for several hours with the respective backpack listed, if it fits well. When selecting a model, the expected wearing time and target group-specific requirements for wearing comfort are taken into account in addition to the payload weight. In this way, the payload specifications provide orientation when selecting the right backpack.

TREKKING PACKING LISTS: WHAT YOU NEED ON YOUR TREKKING TOUR

APPLIES TO EVERY TOUR:

Carry as little as possible - but as much as necessary! Together with the state-certified mountain guides from the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides, we have compiled our wealth of experience as tips for you in packing lists. Please note that all weights are only recommendations and may vary. In general you can assume: The higher the quality of the equipment, the lighter it is. We wish you a lot of fun "on tour"!

ON HUT TREKKING

Indispensable	Weight
Trekking backpack 35 - 60 Liter	1900 g
Spare ls and ss shirt	350 g
Water and windproof jacket	500 g
Water and windproof pants	300 g
Functional shorts	200 g
Long underwear	170 g
3 x pairs of underwear and socks	250 g
Beanie or headband	60 g
Cap or buff	60 g
Thin gloves	50 g
Suncream over LSF 30 & lip balm	60 g
Sunglasses, best self-tinting	30 g
Drinking bottle or streamer with at least 1 liter of liquid (depending on tour)	1190 g
Dried fruit, nuts, bars as needed	200 g
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets	50 g
First aid kit with personal medicines	310 g
Blister plasters, headache tablets	40 g
ID, cash, EC card	40 g
Hut sleeping bag	250 g
Washing bag with hygiene items	160 g
large functional towel	150 g
Headlamp	80 g
Cell phone with emergency numbers	130 g

Approximate total weight "indispensable" (Incl. Backpack)	6,53 kg
Recommended
Snack as needed	200 g
Pullover / fleece	400 g
Camera and /-bag	310 g
Thin pants	200 g
T-shirt for cottage (cotton)	170 g
Slippers for cottage	180 g
Pocket knife	100 g
Plastic bags (for protective laundry, etc.)	20 g
Spare batteries (headlamp, GPS etc.)	60 g
Telescopic poles	460 g
Via ferrata or high altitude touring equipment (depending on the tour)	1500 g

Approximate Total Weight "Recommended"	3,6 kg
Without Mountain Guide
Topographic map	100 g
Tour descriptions	100 g
Altimeter / compass and GPS	300 g
Bivouac sack	280 g

Approximate total weight "Without Mountain Guide"	0,80 kg
Total Weight (Guideline)	10,9 kg

ON TENT TREKKING

Indispensable (In addition to hut TREKKING)	Weight
2 person tent with pegs	2000 g
Sleeping bag (temperature range adapted to the travel time)	1200 g
Camping mat	800 g
Stove with pot	700 g
Stove fuel	450 g
Water filter	200 g
1 x bagged lunch / day	125 g
Cereals / day	100 g
Tea, coffee, milk powder / day	25 g
Cup / plate / cutlery	250 g
Lighter / igniter	50 g
Folding shovel	300 g
Toilet paper / tissues	100 g

APPROXIMATE TOTAL WEIGHT (INCL. BACKPACK)	6,4 kg
TOTAL WEIGHT (GUIDELINE)	17,3 kg

HOW DO THE DEUTER TREKKING BACKPACK MODELS DIFFER?

In addition to our Aircomfort and Aircontact back systems, our trekking pros differ in size, functions and handling. The requirements of the backpacks are based on the respective areas of use.

AIRCONTACT ULTRA

Load

Load class 1
Up to 15 kg

Intended application

Thruhiking, long distance hiking, ultralight trekking, with accommodation/tarp

Key Features

• Aircontact back system

• Light weight

• Adjustable back length through hooks & loops

• Removable compression straps, configurable as needed, to secure sleeping pad, tent or load in the bottom of the backpack

• Height adjustable removable lid

• Compatible with drinking system

Carrier System

• Air-Spacer-Mesh, combines several functions at once: comfort, cushioning and ventilation

• Light spring steel frame
• Back length adjustment through hook & loop
• Ergonomic lumbar pad
• Slim, ergonomic hip fins for medium loads
• VariFlex & ECL (Ergonomic Comfort Lock)

Aircontact Lite

Load

Load class 1
Up to 15 kg

Intended Application

Hut trekking, crossing, pilgrimage, with accommodation & meals

Key Features

• Aircontact back system
• Light weight
• VariQuick
• Pick and pole holder
• Removable backpack lid can be transformed into a daypack with the front straps
• Separate bottom compartment
• Compatible with drinking system

Carrier system

• Open-pored Aircontact foam, wicks away moisture and heat

• Large ventilation channel between the pads

• Lightweight, flexible inner frame
• Back length adjustment through VariQuick
• Ergonomic lumbar pad
• Slim, ergonomic hip fins for medium loads
• ECL (Ergonomic Comfort Lock)

Futura Air Trek

load

Load class 2
Up to 20 kg