Does anyone have experience with Deuter?

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LUW

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Nov 24, 2009
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I convinced myself I need a new backpack, something around 30 liters (~ 1820 cubic inches) for a day hike, basically a 24 hour pack. Since I have to wait for my cc to cool down until April :(, I have a lot of time to make up my mind.

Initially I was going to get Maxped's Condor II, that has a perfect size (1950 ci / 32 liters) for what I want. It also has a lot of customization possibilities and a ton of accessories. But I read some folks complaining that it wasn't exactly comfortable for extended use, just like most "military" packs. So that got me thinking.

A couple of days ago I came across Deuter, a German brand that is highly regarded by the trekking/hiking community. One big advantage it has over anything from Maxped is that it can be found locally here, and not needing to go through the hassle of needing to import it is a huge plus for me. I went through their catalogs and found this:

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This is the ACT Trail 32, and has the same size as the Condor II and also with the possibility of adding a hydration bladder (3 l / 100 oz). It weighs the same as the Condor (1350 g / 47.7 oz), and has all the general features that I need. The big difference is that it's taller and narrower, while the Condor is shorter and broader. It comes with a built-in rain cover and is reported to keep your back cool, with a semi-rigid structure that distributes weight to your hip.

I think it looks very good, and it's nice to get away from the tacticool look sometimes. Nothing against the tacticool look, heck, I find it cool, but I think a more "civilian" looking backpack will attract less attention specially in urban areas. Not drawing attention to myself is a good thing, since I plan on using this bag for travel too.

So, does anyone have a Deuter backpack? How is the quality of the product? And what about comfort while using it for an extended period of time? Or at least, are military style packs like the Condor uncomfortable to wear when loaded if you are going to do so on a long hike?
:rolleyes:
 
I used a Deuter borrowd from my Brother In Law. What I can say with some degree of certainty is that for how long he has owned it, it is in excellent condition. Comfortable to wear. The only thing is I am sure it is a 25L model. I think they have a very good reputation, and I know my Brother In Law paid top dollar.
 
I have the D 42 - great product - good weight.
If you are going overnight I'd suggest the 42.
 
The 32 has only 25 l of storage space?
hmm-1.gif

Are you sure? Both sites, Deuter USA and Deuter Brazil say it has 1950 ci (~32 l) :rolleyes:.

I also did look at the Futura Pro 42:

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But it's even taller the the 32, and I think I won't need all that space for just an overnighter. The problem with these tall packs is that if you don't fill them up they can't be squished to a more compact size. Price-wise, I would pay exactly the same for the 32 as for the Condor.
 
Really? How's the quality? And what about comfort when it's heavy?
 
No, I had meant that I only field teste the 25l model. If it says 32, I would assume it means it.
 
I had a small Deuter rucksack for about 10 years, last year I gave it to my sister who uses it every day for work, and I still have a Deuter Futura 32. As a rucksack for day hikes I use a Vaude Pala 20 currently. Both Deuter rucksacks are good and comfortable, German quality products. Deuter is one of the most popular brands in Dutch outdoor stores.
 
I use a smaller Deuter day pack (about 1600 cubes), with an great open suspension system that creates a bit of air space between my back and the pack. Very nice when its hot out. For a small pack it has a pretty good suspension system, shoulder straps, and hip belt. Very good build quality and great design. I like it enough to keep Deuter on my short list for a larger day pack.
 
Deuter is a good brand. You will be a lot happier with the comfort compared to Maxpedition. They focus on comfort and wearability instead of toughness and durability.
 
Of course that toughness and resistance is a BIG concern for me, but since this gear will be used to carry weight, comfort is also important. Maxped's stuff is bomb proof, and though I don't have a backpack from them, based on the pouches and Fatboy that I have, it's not far fetched to assume that their backpack may be a bit harsh on the shoulders.

So we established that as a hiking pack Deuter's backpack probably will be more comfortable then Maxped's Condor II. But as a camping pack, if I were to take the Deuter to the bush, will it be tough enough to withstand being scratched by branches or dragged over a rock :rolleyes:?
 
Deuter makes awesome packs. Light weight, but not weight-weenie light, comfortable, and tough as hell. The price is usually good, also.

My favorite dayhike pack to date is a deuter futura 32.
 
I'd say Deuter packs are tough, probably just as tough as any of the tactical-style packs. The material of my futura is more robust than my prior large pack, a Gregory Baltoro, and my current med-large pack, a Gregory Z55.

The packs come with some cool features, like a built in rain cover, and SOS signal instructions.

You mentioned concern that the Deuter will carry comfortably with a heavy load. One thing to keep in mind, is that you need to stay around the recommended load capacity.

I can say that my futura is rated at 25lbs. It has been comfortable with 25-30lbs for 20+ miles in one day. The back panel is great in hot weather.

There are sacrifices with some of these packs, though. Some have no suspension adjustability, and most are simple top-loading packs without a ton of organization, like the futura 32 that I own. The ACT does have adjustable suspension which is a plus.

I don't think you could go wrong with that Deuter pack. I would definitely chose it over Maxpedition. Disclaimer: I have never carried a Maxpedition pack.
 
Deuter consistently makes it into Backpacker mags best of something list. They're on the "going UL" style tip. Let us know what you get.
 
I'd also take a look at the new Osprey Manta series, it's new this year and won't be released until later this month, but it has some cool features including how the included reservoir works. Also has a built in rain cover. Comes in 20, 25, and 30 liter sizes. Not sure about the durability since I haven't been able to see one in a store, I mostly liked it because of the organization, vented back, plus the included rain fly and reservoir I would have had to buy later with a different pack. http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/6238 here's a review with some pictures, there's also a youtube video of it if you search for it on youtube.
 
Geez guys, you're playing hardball here, this way I'll end up with a Deuter bag :p.
From what I'm reading Deuter has very good stuff, and the ability to easily find all their line locally is VERY tempting - no fretting about overseas shipping, no 3 weeks anguishing wait. Heck, I could get one tomorrow if I decided (and had the cash, but that's beside the point :D).

Michael, I did look at Osprey's packs, but since I would have to import them, just like Maxped's products, I didn't do a thorough research. But the Manta does look very nice!
 
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Deuter Speedlite 30 is the best day pack I've seen so far.
Enough load for one day climbing, can attach ski, light weight.
I've been using it for these four years.
At the very summit of Mt. Fuji
2009.04.25.P4290460.JPG
 
I own a Deuter pack - it's a kid carrier and is awesome. It is the most adjustable and comfortable pack I own. I did an extensive review on it if you are interested in reading it. They are well made and I've had no issues to date.
 
myright, I would be very interested in reading it! It may not be the exact product, but is good to know about the brand's general quality.
 
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