History
1898 to 1910
1898
The beginning – The company was founded by Hans Deuter in Augsburg-Oberhausen. At the turn of the century, the company supplied the Bavarian Royal Mail with mailbags and post sacks.
1905
Expansion – The “mechanised sailcloth and linen weaving, sackcloth, freight, car and horse blanket manufacturing firm” was expanded to include a tent rental department.
1910
First major client – Satchels, backpacks, knapsacks, belts, mess tents and store tents were in increasing demand, especially for the military.
1919 to 1938
1919
Opening up new business segments – Hans Deuter starts manufacturing suitcases, backpacks, tents and truck canopies. The bag production division becomes a joint-stock company. The tent rental section reaches its space limit of 10,000 sq metres. "Deuter-Zelthallen "exhibit for the first time at the Oktoberfest.
1934
Deuter TAUERN – The first real test for Deuter TAUERN backpacks on the Nanga Parbat Expedition. Even then, Deuter’s TAUERN set high standards and became a household name for the next 30 years. The following years see Deuter equip several expeditions.
1938
Anderl Heckmair – The first ascent of the North Face of the Eiger from July 22 – 24 with a Deuter backpack. Ludwig Vörg, Fritz Kasparek and Heinrich Harrer were his team mates.
1939 to 1953
1939
The dark years – All equipment and tent production was taken over for the armed forces.
1945
The consequences of the war were severe – By developing new products, the aim was to use the existing capacity to its best and to expand.
1953
Hermann Buhls first ascent of the Nanga Parbat (8,125 m) – Deuter equips the expedition with backpacks, bags and tents. Some the Tauern backpacks were manufactured from perlon, an alternative to nylon. In the following years, Deuter equips numerous expeditions. The feedback strongly influences the development of new, innovative products.
1957 to 1968
1957
The family business is changed to a joint-stock company. The company is now called "Deuter Industriewerke AG-Augsburg".
1962
The Hallenbau branch became an independent branch: "Deuter Hallenbau GmbH, Augsburg". One of the many Deuter-equipped expeditions reaches the summit of Nanga Parbat by way of the extremely difficult Diamir Flank.
1968
A step into the future – Deuter produce the first range of Nylon backpacks. It soon becomes the new fabric norm.
1971 to 1985
1971
Market leader – Deuter is recognised as the leading manufacturer of backpacks, suitcases and bags in Germany.
1972
Steady growth – Production and warehousing space for the suitcase factory doubles to 40,600 sq m. For the fourth time, Deuter supplies the German Olympic team with sports and travel bags.
1985
Deuter AIRCOMFORT – The very first ‘aircomfort’ is born and patented. The mesh carry system is completely revolutionary and redefines the rucksack market.
1987 to 1989
1987
Peter Habeler, world famous mountaineer, enroles as a partner and technical advisor at Deuter. He tests on his expeditions new developments in the most extreme conditions up until 1991.
1988
A new era begins – Mountaineers, mountain guides and bikers join the development team and have a direct influence on the collection.
1989
Separation – 1.1.1989 Separation of the two product sectors, travel and backpacks, from the main company "Deuter AG" into "Deuter Sport & Leder GmbH".
1990 to 1997
1990
The first bike backpack – Mountain biking becomes more and more popular at the beginning of the nineties. Together with Andi Heckmair, Deuter develop a totally new kind of backpack – the bike backpack. The first model, BIKE I with the new AIRSTRIPES back, is launched.
1996
Expansion of the product range – With the AIRCONTACT backpacks and sleeping bags, Deuter introduce new lines. The very first, and for a long time the only, TÜV/GS approved child carriers are developed for the family market.
1997
Well proven – A close partnership begins with the German Association of ski and mountain guides. Kitted out with Deuter backpacks and sleeping bags, their advice on improvements
is invaluable.
1999 to 2001
1999
An all-time classic is born – Later to become incredibly popular, the AIRCOMFORT-FUTURA range emerges.
2000
Specialists on the path to success – Once again, Deuter is confirmed as the market leader in Germany. Concentration on the important issues, a long history of tradition and the collective experience of an expert team are the key success factors.
2001
Deuter international – Deuter sets up "Deuter USA" subsidiary.
2002 to 2005
2002
Trendsetters – The multifunctional AC-LITE series with the AIRCOMFORT carry system wins everyone over with its light weight. More specifically
it sets a new trend withits innovative design.
2004
Child sleeping bag – Sleeping bags become more and more important. The range includes kid’s models and 4-season down sleeping bags.
2005
Deuter developed a new backpack concept with their SHIELD System. The integrated and TÜV/GS- approved back protector offers bikers and winter sports fans more safety. The ATTACK bike model wins the Eurobike Gold Award for innovation.
2006 to 2009
2006
SL-WOMEN'S FIT – The design of the SL models is perfectly trimmed and optimised for the women’s anatomy by a team of passionate (female) athletes. One of the team was mountain sports pro Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, who brought her knowledge of climbing 8000m peaks to the table.
2006
Bernd Kullmann – The Schwan Stabilo Group puchases Deuter. After 20 years with the brand, Bernd Kullman becomes CEO.
2009
EL-Series – Tall people can enjoy a perfect fit with the Extra Long EL-models: Favourite Deuter backpack models are available to suit taller people with extended back lengths by 6-9 cm. SPECTRO – Deuter presents a new lightweight range equipped with a new Aircomfort back system: the AIRCOMFORT FLEXLITE SYSTEM.
2010 to 2014
2010
Sleeping Bag Innovation – The sleeping bags Exosphere and Neosphere are introduced to the market. The stretchable sleeping bags make a huge impact with their innovative construction and high comfort.
2013
New Headquarters – Since its move to Gersthofen in 1997 Deuter has grown by 800%. Commited to continuously guarentee the highest quality and to handle the growing workload efficiently, Deuter builds new headquarters. The new building utilizes state-of-the art engineering and resource efficient technologies such as geothermal energy to lower the environmental impact.
