We test out the latest iteration of deuter's legendary Guide packReviewSpecsGalleryRetailersMany years ago when I first went to Chamonix, the deuter Guide was the pack that was on not only many of the guides backs, but also on plenty of punters backs too and it wasnt long before I succumbed and bought one myself!The reason for its popularity was firstly its uncluttered design that still managed to include all the necessary features for mountaineering, but also its absolutely bombproof build you could really give it some abuse and it would shrug it off with ease. And if you managed to ever wear one out then you were doing well!Fast forward to 2026, and we have in front of us the latest version of deuters legendary pack, and as you would expect things have changed a little in the intervening couple of decades. The most obvious difference is the weight of the pack; the 34+ 6 version we tested tips the scales at just over 1.2 kg (and the largest model in the range, the 44+6 is only about 40g heavier), and this is probably around half the weight of an equivalent sized Guide pack from 20 years ago. And thats before you take off the strippable features the lid and hipbelt fins which reduces the overall weight even further. This huge reduction in weight is mostly to do with the use of materials, of which huge advancements have been made over the years, and some canny design choices.The 2026 Guide pack is lighter than everIts also worth noting that the Guide isnt even the lightest model in deuters climbing/mountaineering rucksack range the Guide Lite models are lighter still, but in order to shed so many grams deuter have stripped back the features on these packs, so you dont get a separate lid or the pocket and gear loop found on the Guides waistbelt, and theyve also used lighter fixings such as cord in the place of compression straps on the Guide. There is also another option the Durascent packs. These are not only very light but are also waterproof, with taped seams, waterproof material and a rolltop enclosure. They are also the most expensive of deuters mountaineering packs.Light fantasticThe Guide 34+6 uses a 210gsm recycled nylon ripstop, and this is both lightweight and durable. Its a far lighter grade of fabric than the Guide packs used in the past, which in hindsight were probably a tad over-engineered (and subsequently pretty heavy), but for todays fast-and-light mountain goer, the balance the pack strikes between weight and durability is pretty much spot on. The Guide 34+6 is no heavyweight to start off with, but the great thing is that you can strip off features that you dont need for specific outings, to save even more weight. So if you can do without the hipbelt fins because the packs not fully packed or you want them out of the way while climbing, then just whip them off. Dont need the extra storage the lid provides? Off it comes. You can even remove the backplate if you like, however unless carrying really light loads we wouldnt really recommend this as comfort/stability will be compromised,The Guide is streamlined yet offers plenty of storage optionsStorage optionsLike most alpine/climbing packs, the Guide 34+6 has a sleek profile that is not encumbered by external pockets that would potentially get in the way while shimmying up chimneys or attaching gear to the outside. So the main chamber and an external pocket on the lid is where most of your kit must go. But this pack has some clever tricks up its sleeve to maximise the storage options. The Guide comes with a stretchy helmet holder which attaches to the front of the pack via shock cord/toggles and frees up space in the main compartment. As well as the pocket on the lid, you also have a small, zipped pocket on the inside of the pack, and this is ideal for stowing keys and other valuables. On one side of the hipbelt you have a gear loop and on the other theres a small zipped pocket, ideal for snacks, gels, penknife etc. You even get a little stretchy sunglasses-holder on the chest straps, and its these numerous details that show how well thought-out the pack is. But the biggest secret weapons the Guide has with regard to storage is its extendable lid, and its direct-access zip to the main compartment. By extending the lid straps and over-filling the main compartment, you can get the full 40L capacity the Guide offers, and this will be especially useful when either winter mountaineeting or ski touring/mountaineering, when you will be carrying a fair amount of kit. And a killer feature on this type of pack is the U-shaped, dirct-access zip to the main compartment. This is invaluable when you need to access specific items of gear quickly, such as snow safety equipment (probe, shovel etc) in the unfortunate eventuality that youre caught in an avalanche.The well-padded lumbar pad and removable hipbeltBack systemThe Alpine backsystem found on the Guide has been developed over many years, and essentially consists of an ergonomically-shaped PE backplate with a sewn-in spring steel frame that gives stability and support even when filled to the maximum recommended weight of 12kg, plus strategically-positioned cushioning at the lumbar and upper-back areas, which provide both comfort and ventilation. The straps and hipbelt are also an important part of the carry system, and again deuter seem to have hit a sweet spot in terms of the amount of cushioning provided here without adding too much weight. As mentioned previously, the hipbelt can be removed if required, however given that the hipbelt should take the strain when carrying heavier loads, we would recommend that this is left in place during walk-ins. The backplate itself could conceivably be used to sit or lie on if sleeping/resting on a rocky ledge, however since it is rigid (unlike some others which are foam-based) then dont expect too much comfort! Overall the Guides backsystem provides about as much comfort, support and ventilation as you could expect from a lightweight alpine pack, and any upgrade to this would surely add too much weight.In useWhat I like the most about this pack is its versatility. If youre into the more technical end of mountain activities, you could well be doing scrambling, alpine summer, Scottish winter, ski touring, via ferrata during the course of the year, and this pack due to its features and volume can really do it all. For climbing/scrambling you have a light and sleek pack that doesnt get in the way when moving on rock, and you can remove the lid and hipbelt fins after youve reached your route; plus you can use the side compression straps to reduce the pack size further once youve removed kit. For alpine or winter mountaineering you have the extra storage that the extendable lid provides, as well as the provision for carrying kit on the outside of the pack; ice axe attachments, helmet holder and a rope strap that enable you to carry a rope under the packs lid. And for ski touring/mountaineering the U-shaped direct-access zipper is a brilliant feature that enables you to get to essential kit quicker (e.g. shovel/probe), while skis can be carried in an A-frame configuration. Theres nothing to stop you using the Guide for day hikes either, of course; the pack doesnt have stretchy side drinks pockets, but it is hydration-system compatibe, so theres no need to go thirsty!In terms of quibbles, we didnt find much to fault the Guide 34+6 on. The packs hipbelt is an all or nothing situation, in that you can either have it on or not. Some alpine packs give you the option of just removing the padding and using a strap to keep the pack stable, however the Guide doesnt offer this. A strap on its own doesnt have any comfort or support benefits, however it does help prevent the pack moving around, so that could pethaps be seen as one small area where this pack could be improved.The author using a previous (heavier!) incarnation of the Guide while scrambling on TryfanVerdictThe Guide has come a long way; its always been a great pack, but has now been thoroughly modernised and updated to cater for the demands of the modern mountaineer. Todays technical mountain goer is likely to be participating in a range of activities throughout the year from rock climbing and scrambling, to mountaineering in the Alps in the summer and Scotland in winter, to a ski touring trip here, and a via ferrata route there and the Guide manages to cater for all of these activities, in a pack that is full of features yet is light and streamlined. The attention to detail is really impressive, and theres features that we havent even mentioned in this review, such as its SOS label and emergency whistle, or its internal wet compartment. We also havent talked about its sustainable credentials, which include the use of recycled fabrics, the absence of PFAS forever chemicals, and its certifications from Bluesign, ClimatePartner and Green Button.If youre in the market for an all-round technical backpack then you must check out the Guide range (and also the Guide Lite and Durascent models) as these really will fit the bill for many outdoorists who are involved in technical mountain activities.More info at: www.deuter.co.ukWeight: 1210gBackpack volume: 34 litresDimensions: 66 / 29 / 24 (L x W x D) cmRecommended load: 6-12 kgBack length: 44-54 cmFeaturesSOS labelDetachable hip finsFront opening with J-shaped zipperExternal compression straps at the sidesHip fin pocket with zipper closureGreen Button certifiedClimatePartner certified productErgonomic & padded shoulder strapsBluesign productWet compartment insideLid compartment outsideHydration compatible (up to 3L)Height-adjustable lidDetachable lidMade without PFASBody fabric recycledSki attachment at the sideAlpine back systemRope strapKey clipIce axe attachment on both sidesGlasses stow systemDetachable mesh helmet holderRemovable backplateSafety whistleSternum strap buckle with one-handed operationPull-Forward adjustmentErgonomic & padded hip finsVariFlex hip finsActiveFit shoulder strapsTop-loader with drawcord & lid closureBluesign certified body fabricStabilizer strapsHip fins with gear loop and ice clipper slotStockists of the deuter Guide 34+6 include:www.outside.co.ukwww.climbersshop.com