Tips & Tricks

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Weight Optimisation of the Backpack

Alpine backpacks

Some models feature removable hip belts. For further weight reduction you can remove the aluminium stays in the back system.

(Guide, Freerider Pro, Rise)

Lightweight backpack easier to store

Removable Delrin® U-frame guarantees carrying comfort and minimum weight. Removable Delrin® U-frame guarantees carrying comfort and minimum weight. Small and packable – Deuter’s light packs fit in any trekking pack or travel luggage. Easy to take along on city trips, climbing tours or as summit featherweights.

(Speedlite, Pace)

Down or Synthetic

Am I out there in heavy rain? Is it warm and humid, humid and cold or dry hot at my travel destination? Will I carry my sleeping bag? Will I care for it properly? Those are the questions you have to ask the customer when it comes to deciding between a down or a synthetic sleeping bag.

Down	Synthetic
+ Unique warmth to-weight-ratio	- Heavier than down
+ Unique compressibility	- Less compressible than do
+ Outstanding moisture transportation	- Reduced moisture transportation
+ Very long lasting when	- Shorter lifespan than down
+ Warms quickly	- Takes longer to warm up
- No insulation quality when wet	+ Retains 70% of the insulation quality when wet
- Requires care	+ Easy care
- Absorbs moisture	+ Hardly absorbs moisture
- Long drying time	+ Quick drying time

How to use the sleeping bag properly

The right sleeping bag

With the right sleeping bag you’re only halfway to a good night’s sleep – other key factors are where, on what and how you sleep:

Sleeping Mat

A cold ground or circulating air withdraw body heat – no matter how good the quality of your sleeping bag is! Reduce this conductive heat loss (A) by using a good insulating mat.

Wind Protection

Wind chills! With a slight wind (25 km/h) +5°C will quickly feel more like 0°C. Therefore, limit wind exposure – a tent, bivouac bag or even a big rock can offer good wind protection.

(B). Choose the right, wind protected spot for the night.

Functional Baselayer

Enhance the warmth of the sleeping bag by wearing functional thermo baselayer and socks. Dry clothes in your foot section further improve insulation.

Hat

When you’re in your sleeping bag, the head is the only body part exposed to the outside. A cold head will cool down the rest of your body quickly. Therefore make sure to wear a hat, it is an extremely efficient insulation.

A sleeping bag does not generate heat – it can only retain it. Therefore

Eat Properly

Your body needs a lot of energy for climbing, hiking, cycling etc. If you don’t provide your body with plenty of ‘fuel’, your body won’t be able to warm up properly.

Drink Properly

Make sure you drink enough already during the day. A dehydrated body cannot produce heat. Before getting into your sleeping bag get warm with a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate.

Avoid Alcohol

Do not consume alcohol in cold temperature. Alcohol may temporarily make you feel warmer, but it soon decreases your body’s temperature.

Keep your gear dry

Clothes as well as the sleeping bag, down in particular, lose their insulation efficiency when wet. Warm socks quickly become ice cold. Never get into the sack wearing sweaty clothes. If you store your extra clothing in a waterproof sack it stays dry. And also make sure to air out your sleeping bag whenever possible, e.g. on the tent.