The Deuter Guide 45+ is a great companion in any conditions. Thanks to its durable and sturdy materials, the backpack has a truly high load capacity. It can carry a lot, and you won't even feel it thanks to the comfortable Alpine back system. Anything that doesn't fit inside can be attached to the loops and other designated spots. You can access the backpack through the classic top lid, a side zipper entry, or the bottom compartment, which is detachable from the main part of the backpack by a zipper.
A highly durable multifunctional backpack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + top-notch craftsmanship | - rain cover missing |
| + high durability - quality materials, reinforced bottom | - no pocket on the hip belt |
| + comfortable adjustable Alpine back system | - narrow shoulder straps are too close together |
| + side entry improves organization of stored items | |
| + removable back pad | |
| + grey variant doesn't get dirty easily | |
| + option to separate the bottom pocket with a zipper | |
| + adjustable height of the top lid above the main compartment | |
| + small zippered security pocket under the top lid | |
| + adjustable chest strap | |
| + very high price-to-performance ratio |
Where was the testing conducted?
I purchased the Deuter Guide 45+ backpack for a month-long sightseeing expedition in Asia. Specifically, the backpack traveled through the sandy wastelands and jungles of Laos. It visited remote mountain villages reached by sandy paths that tourists traverse on motorbikes and locals on elephants. Another stop was the island of Koh Rong in southern Cambodia. Not to be forgotten is the journey to the Cambodian temples of Angkor or exploring the most populous Asian city – Bangkok.
During the travels, there was no shortage of various situations that the Deuter Guide had to withstand. It succeeded with flying colors, and the backpack became a full-fledged member of the Asian expedition. Let's take a closer look at this "flawless master".
It is important to choose the right model
When choosing which backpack to buy, you need to decide on the color. Originally, I wanted a backpack that would be bright green or blue, but after a month of use, my priorities have shifted. I am glad that my Deuter Guide is grey and black. On vacation, you realize that cleaning your backpack after a hard day is the last thing you want to do.
Another uncertainty regarding the purchase of a new model was the size, or rather the volume. Here, the decision fell on the 45-liter version with the option to expand to 55 liters. I rate the size positively – yes, I probably could have packed for a month in Asia into a larger rucksack (there is never enough clothing and necessary items), but one must also consider the subsequent daily carrying. A ten-kilogram load was sufficient. Thanks to the correct adjustment, I didn't even feel such weight on my back. So here is the first practical experience – you can comfortably store about 10 kg of content in the backpack. I am not counting the sleeping bag and mat, as this accessory can be attached to the backpack or from the side, but more on that later.
I also considered whether to get the women's or men's version of the backpack. In the end, I am glad I chose the universal classic. The main reason is the shoulder straps, which are quite close together on this model and are relatively narrow. I can't quite imagine a sturdy man carrying this backpack. At times, I had the feeling that it was the SL version, where the manufacturer directly states the narrowing of the straps. However, let's leave this so far only shortcoming aside and go back to my otherwise amazing model.
Among all those pockets, the side entry is the most pleasing
Overall, I was very satisfied with the variability of the backpack's entries. It can be opened from the side, from the top, and from the bottom. The bottom part is intended for shoes, wet clothes, or a small sleeping bag. Next is the main compartment for everything else. The backpack has pockets arranged as follows: one small pocket on top of the lid and another zippered one on the inside of the lid. I used the back pocket, which serves for a water reservoir, for books and maps. I missed a smaller pocket on the hip belt, which I was used to on my old backpack.
Part of the main compartment is a removable pad, which I didn't take out, however, because it would be necessary to unpack the whole backpack to remove the mat. To rest in the jungle, I used whatever was at hand for sitting, and mainly in the upper part of the backpack. But I believe the pad will come in handy someday.
Regarding the pockets, it is also worth mentioning the functionality of the zippers. They work as they should – they don't snag. In the future, I will see how the rubberized zipper on the top lid proves itself. It is clear that its task will be to prevent water from penetrating inside.
The backpack lasts as much as the locals allow
In Cambodia, we traveled a lot by bus and train, so the backpack spent a lot of time on the ground or in various crates. The robustness of the materials and the reinforced bottom proved their worth here. Unfortunately, as it happens during luggage handling, the local natives are not much different from European transport company employees, and they managed to break a piece of the buckle. Let's be glad that only one suffered. However, purchasing a new buckle and replacing it will not be complicated, as Deuter provides spare parts.
The Deuter Guide also visited the sea with us. The trip to Koh Rong island took place on a ferry, and here the backpack was exposed to water – thanks to large waves, water reached the deck. A rain cover would have come in handy, but even without it, the backpack managed and the contents inside remained dry.
I practically can't find any complaints, I can praise it for a very long time
In conclusion, a few more pieces of information about the back system. Deuter uses the Alpine type for this model, and it fits perfectly. Of course, it is important to set it up correctly. For greater mobility and higher ventilation, the straps can be loosened. Conversely, we can tighten them if we want to have full control over the backpack. The back is reinforced with an aluminum construction, and that means one thing – the backpack cannot be folded, but it can carry a lot. The shoulder straps and hip belt are anatomically shaped, but that is a matter of course for Deuter backpacks.
And the last findings? Even if the backpack is not completely full, it can be tightened with buckles into a certain shape. The hip belt can be removed, but I haven't tried that in the field yet. The chest strap is adjustable, so it's no problem to adapt it according to height. During the return trip, I also used the adjustable lid, thanks to which a lot of souvenirs fit into the backpack.
I look forward to testing the Deuter Guide 45+ in the mountains, and especially in winter. Its potential for winter and snowy conditions is huge. Although it handled the journey through humid and hot Asia perfectly with us, it is, after all, a backpack intended primarily for winter sports.
Author: Alča
