What is the Trail Pro 34 SL?
Deuter began in 1898, constructing postage bags and mail sacks to the Royal Bavarian post office. Since then, they've progressed (just a little) to making some of the finest packs money can buy. From the first ventilated mesh back system to the invention of the functioning bike backpack, Deuter has been progressing since the birth of the backpack.
The Trail Pro 34 SL has been aimed at the climbers and multi-day hikers amongst us. With its clever storage systems, it is capable of carrying a large amount of kit and thanks to its Aircontact Trail Pro Backsystem, it does so incredibly comfortably. It has also been designed so you will still get a full range of head movement even with a helmet on.
What is the back system?
The Trail Pro uses Deuters Aircontact Trail Pro System - this system not only allows air to flow up your back, relieving sweat build up, but is also incredibly stable. The way it does this is by acting like a 'pump'. The open-cell foam provides exceptional ventilation by leaving a gap in the centre of the back for sweat to escape and for air to pass through. As you walk, this large open-cell structure in the pads performs a pump effect with every movement - this helps to channel fresh air u you back and results in 15% less perspiration than with other body contour packs. The whole system can be adjusted quickly and easily to fit a wide range of shapes and sizes.
After the backsystem, the hipbelt provides the greatest amount of support when carrying heavy loads. Around 70% of the weight will be sent to the hipbelt, leaving just 30% on the shoulders; this reduces stress on the lower back and increases the overall comfort. Deuter's hipbelt (or hip fins as they like to call them) are ergonomically cut, custom shaped pieces of foam layered with mesh which mould to the shape of your hips after just a few minutes. The centre of the foam has also been cut away, leaving a slit; this allows the hipbelt to rotate, twist and adapt better than if it were rigid. Other adjustments include a chest strap which can be moved vertically as well as horizontally and compression straps along the side of the bag to bring the weight closer to your back.
What are the features?
As we have come to expect from Deuter, The Trail Pro packs are loaded with features and clever storage systems. Starting at the front of the pack you'll see a two-way zip that allows direct access to the main body of the bag meaning you can easily get to all of your kit in your pack - even the bits that are buried right at the bottom. No techy pack would be complete without a series of clever pockets. The Trail Pro has one side mesh pocket and one zippered side pocket for drinks or spare layers, two zipped pockets on the hipbelt straps for quick to access items such as a small camera, keys or snacks, a sleeve for a hydration bladder, an internal valuables pocket, a separate bottom compartment for a small sleeping bags or waterproof, a wet gear compartment (especially useful for that tactical sock change mid-walk), a large lid pocket and a spacious stretchy front pocket that is a great place to stash a jacket or a helmet. On the outside of this stretchy pocket is a zippered compartment that is a great place to pop your map and compass.
On the outside of the pack you'le find two hiking pole loops that also work well at stashing ice axes. To further add to the overall stability of the pack, Deuter has added compression straps so you can synch down you're pack when it isn't loaded to capacity.
Summary
The Trail Pro is the obvious choice if you take part in a wide range of activities all year round. It's tough enough to handle Scottish Winter Climbing trips, yet light enough to take as your hiking pack in the summer.
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Womens Specific design
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Two-way zip on the front
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Padded, anatomically shaped Auto-Compress hip wings with easy Pull-Forward adjustment
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Aircontact Trail System
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Anatomically shaped, perforated 3D AirMesh shoulder straps with load adjustment straps
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Stretch front pocket
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Zipped front compartment for maps etc.
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Tough, highly breathable 3D AirMesh lining
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Wet laundry compartment
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Ice axe and hiking pole loops
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SOS label
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Compression straps
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Detachable rain cover
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Hydration system compatible
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.