Deuter Guide 44+ £155
+ Comfort, load-carrying capacity, back system
- Heavy, over-engineered
There are a few things to dislike here: it’s pretty heavy (1450g), thick padding detracts from the close-to-the-body feel some alpinists crave, and excessive features, pockets and extras seem over-engineered if you prefer simplicity. Or, in other words, the Guide 44+ isn’t as technical, lean or streamlined as other products. But, as an all-round pack for winter mountaineering and hillwalking, it’s a really solid bet: comfy, supportive, tough and fully-featured.
It has some nice touches other bags don’t, including an extendable lid, rear lid baffle and zippered bottom compartment, while all-day comfort and load-carrying support are particular strengths. The latter comes courtesy of a solidly-built, V-shaped frame with two aluminium stays, as well as a thickly-padded hipbelt, chunky shoulder straps and plush back system with pronounced lumbar support. Rain can be safely locked out via the main compartment’s double drawcord closure (although the external side zippers may be an ingress weak spot), while the 330-denier fabric feels reliably hard-wearing. You also get ample pockets and gear straps.
The overall shape is just trim enough to work for technical snow days, but this pack’s gear-hauling capabilities make it equally well-suited to winter backpacking or bothying.
■ Weight 1450g ■ Volume 44+8 litres ■ Sizes One size (Guide 42+ SL is women’s version) ■ Main fabrics Deuter 330-denier micro rip pro 6.6