My Top 3 Climbing Backpacks
Starting up Lotta Balls with a Deuter Guide Lite 30+ in Red Rock Canyon last winter.
Photo: Karsten Delap.
Choosing the right backpack can make a big difference in your climbing day. I prefer the Deuter line for my adventures in the mountains. These are my top three packs for single and multipitch climbing.
My go-to pack is the Deuter Guide Lite 30+, pictured above. Its light weight combined with its large storage space makes it the perfect bag for any type of climbing. You can load it up for a full day of cragging or just bring along a few items on a multipitch route. The top compartment and waist belt are easily removable to strip down additional weight and size. The pack has padded shoulder straps that snug down comfortably. Its thin profile keeps it on your back and off your sides. This narrow style is a mainstay of many packs in the Deuter climbing line and makes climbing movement feel unrestricted.
Placing gear on Lotta Balls wearing the Deuter Guide Lite 30+
Photo: Karsten Delap
2. Deuter Guide Lite 24
The Deuter Guide Lite 24 is a smaller version of the 30+ that keeps many of key components. It features a similar thin frame and padded shoulder straps. The upper compartment is replaced by a tuckable flap to store a helmet or other gear above the main cavity. This pack’s low weight and compact size makes it a worthy companion on long multipitch routes, where bringing essentials and additional gear is a must. I reach for the 24 when I travel to climb big routes where I’ll be wearing a pack all day and need space for food, water, jackets, and approach shoes.
Leading Angel’s Crest in Squamish, BC this summer with a Guide Lite 24. This climb is a must-do for the grade!
Photo: Brian Shannon.
3. Deuter Speedlite 13
The Deuter Speedlite 13 is a hiking backpack that functions well as a summit pack. I’ll often roll it up and stuff it into a bigger pack (the 24 or the 30) and wear it on route. Its diminutive size and weight keep you moving fast while giving you space to bring along a few small items, such as a first aid kit, snacks, water, and a jacket. I pack the 13 when I’m just climbing a few pitches and will return to my larger bag at the base, or when I need to go super-light to complete a big route in a day.
Topping out Guaranteed Rugged 5.10d in Marble Canyon, BC with a Deuter Speedlite 13.
Photo: Brian Shannon