Every backpack is created with a purpose – to fulfill specific needs. However, finding the most suitable backpack for your specific requirements is a science in itself. Even with a single manufacturer, you will encounter many similar types of backpacks with differences that are barely noticeable at first glance. To make your orientation and selection easier, we have prepared an overview of backpacks from one of your favorite brands: Deuter. The company Deuter has the longest history among backpack manufacturers. It was founded by Hans Deuter back in 1898 in the German city of Augsburg-Oberhausen. The first mountaineering expedition with Deuter backpacks and other equipment headed to the Pamir Mountains as early as 1928. We can consider the start of nylon backpack production in 1968 as a breakthrough, after which Deuter soon became the unbeatable leader in the German backpack market. In 1988, experienced mountaineers and mountain guides joined the team, and they continue to participate in the development of new functional backpacks to this day.
In this article, we will analyze the main specifics of all Deuter backpacks for adults that you can currently find in our range. We will not deal with various details (number of internal pockets, external attachments, etc.), but rather with the main characteristics that distinguish individual backpacks from each other. Before we move on to this comparison, let's clarify the terms used:
Even backpacks have their jargon
In general, it can be said that Deuter uses four main types of back systems:
Lite: The simplest back system is a flat padded back. Deuter's padding is always perforated for ventilation and faster drying. These backpacks are generally not intended for heavy loads and are designed for shorter wear. You can find it, for example, on the Deuter Speed Lite backpack.
Airstripes: The back part of the backpack is equipped with two padded blocks that touch the back. Airstripes therefore guarantee comfort while maintaining good ventilation, as air flows through the channel between the padded blocks. This system is used, for example, by the Deuter Giga backpack.
Aircontact (abbreviated ACT): The Aircontact back system also touches the back only in the padded area, but it is even more ergonomic and better ventilated than the Airstripes system. With few exceptions, you will find it on larger backpacks, where it is also height-adjustable. The Aircontact back system is featured on the Deuter Aircontact backpack.
Aircomfort: The Aircomfort back system consists of a mesh partition that is attached only to the top and bottom of the backpack's back. This creates free space between it and the backpack, so nothing prevents air from flowing, making the back the best ventilated. A typical example is the Deuter Futura.
Contact: A padded ergonomic back panel with ventilation channels covered in breathable 3D mesh evenly distributes weight and brings the center of gravity as close to the back as possible. It provides optimal comfort for everyday commuting to work or moving around the city with a laptop on your back.
Detailed information about selected Deuter back systems can be found in our advice center.
Some models are also produced in different variants. You may encounter:
- SL (women's version): A backpack with narrowed parameters, for women and men with slender builds.
- EL: A backpack with an extended back, suitable for tall figures.
- EXP (Expander): The backpack can be expanded by a strip of fabric hidden behind a zipper.
Light Hiking
Deuter has a whole range of backpacks suitable for one-day hiking trips. The emphasis on these backpacks is on low weight, good back ventilation, and convenient access to the storage space.
Futura: A popular two-chamber backpack with the Aircomfort back system. Accessible either through a zipper or a lid with two buckles. Due to its versatility and good ventilation, it is a great choice for shorter trips of any kind.
Zugspitze: A backpack with a stylish retro design and Aircomfort back, equipped with a hip belt and accessible through a lid with two buckles. There is a small pocket for small items in the front.
AC Lite: In a sense, it is a lightweight version of the Futura backpack. It is also equipped with an Aircomfort back, but it has only one chamber, which, depending on the selected model size, is closed by either a two-way zipper or a lid with a buckle (for quick opening and closing). The equipment includes a hydration bladder pocket, trekking pole attachments, and side bottle pockets. Thanks to its low weight, it will appeal to everyone who often goes on short trips with minimal equipment.
Trekking
Deuter is not only a specialist in small backpacks but is also famous for its large trekking packs. Thanks to reinforced yet still relatively lightweight materials and rich equipment, these backpacks are ready for even the most demanding expeditions.
Futura: The already introduced Futura is also produced in medium sizes (30–60 liters). The top entry here is secured only by a lid (so no longer by a zipper), as is customary with larger backpacks (mainly due to the possibility of increasing space and protection against rain). Compared to its smaller sisters, it is also equipped with side zippered pockets. An extended version (EL) for tall figures is also available.
Futura Pro: A more sophisticated version of the Futura backpack. The back is more padded (especially at the hips) and the hip belt (more massive than the standard version) is removable. It is also available in women's versions Futura Pro 34 SL and Futura Pro 38 SL.
Futura Air Trek: The Futura Air Trek has a similar back system to the Futura Pro, but in this case, it is adjustable.
Aircontact: The most sophisticated and largest series of backpacks from Deuter, directly named after the proven back system. The backpack usually has two chambers, a wide front entry, and a robust hip belt with high-quality padding for extra comfort. You can choose a volume in the range of 50 to 85 liters. An excellent choice for demanding expeditions.
Note: The older version of the Aircontact backpack does not have a front entry and the back system is slightly different.
AC Lite: A "lightweight variant" of the Aircontact backpack with the same type of back system, but a different model. Up to 20 liters, the backpack has a front zippered entry, which makes it easier to store outer layers of clothing and other essentials. From 20 liters upwards, it is equipped with a top entry covered by a buckle lid. Unlike the Aircontact backpack, it does have a hip belt that is not removable.
Aviant: Backpacks ranging from 38 to 75 liters are actually a combination of a large trekking pack and a smaller ten-liter backpack, which is securely attached to its bigger brother. The large backpack is two-chambered and opens in a "U" shape like a sports bag. The backpack can also be carried as a bag (which is why the shoulder straps and hip belt can be hidden by fastening a textile partition in the back section).
A suitable choice for anyone looking for universal luggage who will use the option of checking in when traveling by plane, or wants to leave the backpack in one place, e.g., in a hotel or tent, and set off on a shorter trip with just a smaller backpack.
Sports Backpacks
Deuter sports backpacks are suitable for most outdoor activities, light and performance hiking, cycling, running, via ferratas, and mountaineering.
Speed Lite: A lightweight sports backpack with a single-piece back section suitable for shorter and less demanding activities. It is equipped with a removable hip belt, the main purpose of which is not to carry the load, but to secure the backpack on the back so that it does not move undesirably during movement.
Bike I: A simple cycling backpack with an Airstripes back and a mesh hip belt for good ventilation. It is available in 14 and 20-liter sizes and an 18-liter women's version.
Race: A smaller cycling backpack with an Airstripes back system, mesh shoulder straps, and a hip belt. Suitable for light activities. Available in 8, 12, and 16-liter volumes.
Race Air EXP: The Airstripes back system is replaced here by an Aircomfort mesh partition, and the backpack volume is expandable with an expander. Like the classic Race model, it has a front pocket equipped with an organizer for cycling tools. Both versions of the backpacks also include an integrated rain cover.
Compact EXP: A smaller cycling backpack (14 liters) with an expander, Airstripes back system, ventilated mesh straps, and a hip belt. The tank-top cut of the shoulder straps does not fit everyone, but for those it does, it guarantees high comfort and stability on the back. On each side of the hip belt, you will also find a practical pocket for small items.
Attack: A sports backpack tailored to all lovers of adrenaline and adventure. It is equipped with removable back and spine protection (Shield Bike: TÜV/GS certified PSA back system made of visco-elastic SC-1 foam). A padded hip belt and a back system similar to the Aircontact type guarantee great comfort and follow the body well during every activity.
Superbike: A cycling backpack with an Airstripes back system, mesh hip belt, and expander. An integral part of it is a neon reflective vest, which is put on over the head and fastened behind the back on a strap with a buckle.
Trail: A single-chamber backpack with a buckle lid and front access, equipped with softly padded straps and a firm hip belt, making it ideal for, e.g., via ferratas. A number of straps and loops allow you to attach equipment of all kinds to the backpack. You can hang a helmet on the loops on the front panel.
Trans Alpine: A versatile sports backpack with two connectable chambers, each with separate access. The back system is Airstripes for good ventilation and stability on the back. The hip belt is also ventilated. The front external pocket for a helmet can be hidden in a zippered compartment. We offer the backpacks in sizes 24 / 30 / 32 liters, in a version with extended back (EL) and in a women's SL version. This backpack will definitely not disappoint on any medium-length activity, and it is especially suitable for cycling and hiking.
Guide: A single-chamber mountaineering and skiing backpack is the perfect choice for medium-length activities. The Alpine Variflex back system is a more ergonomic and better-ventilated variant of the Airstripes system. The hip belt is softly padded. Sturdy loops on the sides are suitable for attaching and stabilizing both ropes and ice axes. It is available in a women's version, whose domain is a shorter back panel and a cut adapted to the female figure.
Urban Backpacks
Although the Deuter brand is more involved in producing backpacks optimized for various types of sports activities, we can also find many backpacks in its repertoire intended for everyday use in the city. The emphasis here is on good and convenient access to a laptop and practical internal organization.
Vista Skip: A lightweight 14-liter urban backpack with an Airstripes back, without a hip belt or chest strap, is the perfect choice for those looking for simplicity on short trips. The 18-liter Vista Spot model is slightly more stylish and spacious.
StepOut: Another in the series of simple urban backpacks with an Airstripes back system. Smaller sizes have a different design and closing method and are without chest and hip straps. The largest version with a volume of 22 liters has a modern roll-top closure and a 15.6-inch laptop compartment accessible from the main chamber and a side entry.
GoGo: A backpack with lacing on the front, used for attaching additional equipment, e.g., a jacket or helmet. It features an Airstripes back system and a chest strap, but it is without a hip belt, only with loops for a balance strap.
Walker: An urban backpack in a traditional design with an Airstripes back. Individual volume variants differ slightly from each other:
Walker 20 has a smaller front pocket with an organizer, a chest strap, and loops for a hip belt. Walker 24 additionally offers a hip belt and a laptop pocket up to 15.6 inches, which is accessible from the inside and from the side.
Giga: A popular 28-liter backpack with a separate laptop pocket up to 15.6 inches. The Airstipes back system, chest, and hip belt make the backpack not only an elegant accessory but also practical and comfortable luggage. A version with an extended back (EL) is also available, which has a four-liter larger volume and a laptop compartment with a 17-inch diagonal.
Gigant: A larger version of the Giga backpack with a volume of 32 liters, it holds a laptop up to 17.3 inches. In the front, it is also equipped with one more chamber and a practical front pocket. A good choice for those looking for a practical backpack that will represent you well at work.
Further information regarding Deuter backpacks can be found on the brand's website.
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article update: 09/2023
