What is the Guide 35+?
The Guide 35+ is Deuter's go-to pack for technical mountaineering, climbing and scrambling use. Featuring Deuter's Alpine Back System and a removable hipbelt, it's lighter, more comfortable and more advanced then ever before.
What is it made from?
Deuter know you'll abuse this pack day in day out, so they've constructed the entire pack using a mix of 600D polyester and 330D ripstop nylon fabrics, ensuring an exceptionally high degree of abrasion and weather resistance. Deuter use a mix of these fabrics as the polyester is lighter and more resistant to harmful UV rays, while the nylon is more weather and abrasion resistant. Both fabrics are then coated in a thick durable water repellent coating to ensure suitable protection for your kit.
What is the backsystem?
Focused on simplicity, durability and breathability in that order, the Alpine Back System is Deuter's answer for a mountaineering backsystem with enough breathability to avoid a clammy back. The foundation of this backsystem is Deuter's Guide X aluminium stays; these stays cross in an 'X' pattern behind the foam, providing a high level of support yet are flexible enough to not restrict you on technical ascents. Layered over the top of these stays are contoured air-mesh sections of padding in a 'chimney' shape; this allows air to pass through the centre, increasing breathability without compromising on comfort.
The hipbelt takes a slightly different approach and sits more like a climbing harness. There is a slim layer of foam, but the main level of comfort comes from how wide the belt is, spreading the weight evenly over your hips. If needs be, this hipbelt can either be pinned back or removed entirely depending on personal preference.
What are the features?
Features wise, the entire bag is shaped in a subtle 'funnel' shape to make packing easier, while a zip on the side of the pack ensures easy access to items lower down. On the side of the bag you'll find a reinforced ski holder and compression straps to reduce the overall volume of the pack. Other useful features include a removeable rope fixing strap, a height adjustable lid to increase the volume, a reinforced handle, an SOS label and a removeable seat pad.
Summary
Supportive, breathable, simple yet feature rich, the Guide 35+ is perfect for your mountaineering, scrambling and climbing adventures.
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'X' shape in backsystem increases support
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Breathable channel in backsystem
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Zipped side entry
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Tapered shape
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Removeable hipbelt
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Reinforced ski holder
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.