Deuter Rise Pro 34+ Review - Overview

Deuter Rise Pro 34+

So, this weekend I picked up the new Deuter Rise Pro 34+ Backpack – a new addition to the Deuter backpack line (I believe an updated version of the Rise 32+). Being quite similar to in design to the rather well-known Deuter Guide line of packs, the Rise Pro introduces some different features. Designed with Ski and Snowboard touring in mind, I will be using this pack as a 4 season daypack for skiing, hiking and climbing. As its still brand new, with the tags on, I thought I’d start off with a quick overview of the specs and features, as well as some pictures, since even Deuter’s website doesn’t feature many due to the novelty of the pack.

This post will give you an overview of the specs and features this pack has to offer. A first update, which some evaluation after initial use can be found in this post.

Specs and Features:

Weight: Straight from Deuter’s website, the pack weighs in at 1700g. This is a bit heavier than other similar packs, mainly due to the many features the pack includes.

Volume: It has a volume of 34+8 litres. Great for day tours with lots of gear, or maybe lighter-weight overnights.

The front of the pack. Don't worry, the tags are off by now!

Now to the features. The pack is a toploader, with a single main compartment. However, as opposed to the similar Deuter Guide, it has a fairly large zippered compartment on the front. This is intended for avalanche safety equipment (shovel and probe), however it seems useful to pack just about anything. The zip compartment has a reinforced bottom, presumably to prevent water (e.g. from a snow-covered shovel) to soak through.

The zippered front compartment

Further, the front of the pack feature two horizontal, adjustable QR-buckles, to attach snowboards, snowshoes or whatever else might need attaching. Since they are designed for snowboards and snowshoes, they seem like they might be a bit too far apart to hold smaller items, like crampons – although I havn’t tried that yet.

On the sides, the pack feature compression straps towards the top, which together with two reinforced loops work as A-Frame ski attachments. Diagonal/vertical carry should also be possible with the horizontal straps on the front and a strap on the left of the pack, but personally I prefer A-frame anyway.

The left side of the pack (when viewed from the front) has a zippered side pocket. Apparently made for skins, this is another versatile pocket. The right side has an elastic bottle pocket instead. When empty, neither seemed to interfere with A-frame ski carry. Let’s see whether or not having something (e.g. skins) in the side pocket would interfere with the skis.

Bungee cord on the front, and bungee and webbing straps on the bottom, facilitate pole and ice axe attachment. The Rise Pro does not have webbing loops on the front of the pack to hold and protect ice axe blades (as do the Guide and many other packs).

The lid is height adjustable (though not removable). It has four lashing points and a pocket on the outside, and a small pocket on the inside. Also on the inside is a removable rope strap to lash on climbing ropes.

The lid with the inside pocket, SOS label and rope strap

The pack portion of the pack is also interesting. It uses Deuter’s alpine back system, which (at least when trying it on in the store) seemed to be the most comfortable back padding out of any comparable pack. It has a removable hip belt, which is nicely padded, and can be removed together with or independently of the hip belt webbing. The left fin has a gear loop, the right fin a small zip pocket.

The left fin with the gear loop

Small pocket on the right fin

Instead of having a side access zipper to the main compartment, the Rise Pro has a full, U-shaped zipper on the back to completely open the main compartment. I’m sure I’ll find this super practical, especially when taking it to the crag for a day of climbing.

The back of the pack. Notice the red zipper access. The frame runs around the outside of the zipper

The downside of this is that the Rise Pro can’t use an X-frame, like for example the Deuter Guide, and therefore might be a bit less supportive with heavy loads. Instead, it has a Delrin U-frame, which follows the outside of the zipper.

Conclusion

While the pack is aimed at Skiers and Snowboarders in particular, I picked out this pack for the versatility I hope to get from its features. I hope it will perform equally well in the summer.

So far, as I haven’t used the pack at all, this is mainly an overview of features (which will be expanded on as I discover more of them!). I hope to update the review soon as I get a chance to take the pack where it belongs – outside!

If you have any thoughts or questions, or things you’d like to see about the pack, let me know!