Deuter’s journey began back in 1898, making mailbags for the Royal Bavarian Post Office. A century and a quarter later, their gear has gone just about everywhere – from the shoulders of alpine pioneers to the backs of everyday bike commuters. Over the years, Deuter hasn’t just followed trends; it’s set the standard for what outdoor gear can be: reliable, responsibly made, and ready for anything. Whether you’re heading off-trail or out of town, Deuter has probably already been there – and it’s still pushing forward.
One legacy. Two Saddles, 125+ years of Deuter
How Deuter Began
One Hundred and Twenty Fire years and counting, from the bags on a horse saddle to the backpack of a mountain-bike saddle; a glimpse into how a small Bavarian gear maker became a global name in the outdoors.
In 1898, Hans Deuter sets up shop in Augsburg-Oberhausen, crafting durable mailbags for the Royal Bavarian Post – a modest start that quietly laid the groundwork for over a century of outdoor innovation, to becoming one of the leading European manufacturers of backpacks and sleeping bags.
1905: Deuter branches out from bags into tents, supplying large shelters for festivals – including the bustling crowds at Oktoberfest.
1910s: As war swept through Europe, Deuter shifted gears to support the front lines – turning out rucksacks, satchels, and sturdy canvas tents for military use.
Product Start and Expansion
1919: With a new chapter unfolding after the war, the company takes on the official name “Hans Deuter” and starts broadening its scope – from mountaineering gear to suitcases, travel trunks, and even rugged canopies for trucks.
1928: When Willi Rickmer set off on his Pamir expedition, he brought Deuter gear along for the journey – one of the first signs that the brand was becoming a serious player in the world of high-altitude adventure.
1930: The TAUERN backpack makes its debut — simple, tough, and built for the mountains. It wasn’t flashy, but climbers trusted it, and that’s what mattered.
1934: Deuter gear is part of the Nanga Parbat expedition. For a brand still finding its place, being chosen for a mission like that meant something. It was a sign they were on the right track.
1938: The North Face of the Eiger finally falls to a successful ascent. It was brutal, risky, and iconic — and Deuter packs were right there in the mix, carrying the load. July 22-24 Anderl Heckmair makes the climb, accompanied by Ludwig Vorg, Fritz Kasparek and Heinrich Harrer.
1953: Hermann Buhl reaches the top of Nanga Parbat alone, in one of the most legendary feats in mountaineering history. The TAUERN pack on his back doesn’t say a word — but it’s there for every step.
1960s–70s: As Deuter explores with lighter nylon materials, internal frame designs, and novel ergonomic straps, innovation picks up speed, establishing the foundation for the contemporary backpack.
1984: Deuter's revolutionary Aircomfort enters the scene, a mesh back carrier system completely novel for the current market — massively impacting the industry. Becoming the first back system of many that are tailored for every adventure.
1990: Deuter rolls out its first backpack made specifically for cyclists — a design that wasn’t just ahead of its time, but also helped define a whole new category of bikeready gear. The original BIKE 1, with AIRSTRIPES back system is launched — the first ever bike-specific backpack.
1991: Due to the difficulty of competitively manufacturing complex, technical textile products in Germany Deuter partners with Duke. 35 sewing machines has quickly grown into a highly specialized backpack factory in Vietnam.
1995: Sleeping bags enter the picture. With the same attention to detail found in their packs, Deuter starts building bags that actually perform in the wild — not just on paper.
1999: The best-selling Futura series launches, with an updated AIRCOMFORT mesh back system.
2002: The AC Lite is introduced and praised as a trend-setting and lightweight, technical backpack.
2004: With the kids of the family finally getting a sleeping bag introduced, the product line’s range is now completed.
2005: Deuter debuts the SHIELD system — a built-in, TÜV/GS-certified back protector designed to offer serious safety for mountain bikers and skiers. That same year, their ATTACK bike pack earns a Eurobike Gold Award for pushing the boundaries of innovation.
2006: Deuter becomes a founding member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), a nonprofit that unites the outdoor industry to support conservation efforts worldwide.
2008: Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Deuter teams up with bluesign® to tighten up their supply chain and reduce environmental harm where it matters most — at the source.
2011: The brand officially joins the Fair Wear Foundation, backing up its words with long-term action to improve working conditions for everyone involved in making its gear.
Sustainability at Deuter
Key Sustainability Highlights
Deuter doesn’t treat sustainability as an afterthought — it’s baked into the DNA of the brand. Their long-term commitments and third-party partnerships back that up.
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bluesign® Approved Fabrics: Today, Over 80% of Deuter’s primary fabrics now meet bluesign® standards. Which means they’re made with minimal environmental impact, fewer harmful chemicals, and greater transparency across the supply chain.
PFAS-Free Since 2020: Deuter eliminated PFAS from its entire range of packs and bags, replacing old-school water-repellent coatings with safer, eco-friendly alternatives — a change that took years of testing but makes a huge difference for the planet.
Recycled Material Packs: With the launch of the UP Series in 2020, Deuter began producing everyday backpacks made entirely from recycled materials and aligned with bluesign® production methods — no shortcuts, just smarter choices.
Fair Wear Foundation Leader Status: Deuter has held top-tier “Leader” status from the Fair Wear Foundation since 2013. Their long-standing commitment to safe and fair working conditions isn’t lip service — it’s built into how they operate.
Best Practice Award (2015): Recognized by the Fair Wear Foundation for bold investments that reduced excessive overtime across its supply chain, proving real change happens when you put people first.
RDS-Certified Down: Since 2015, all down used in Deuter’s sleeping bags has been certified by the Responsible Down Standard — so you know the insulation comes from humane and traceable sources.
Green Button Certification: This government-backed German label ensures Deuter meets strict criteria for ecological and social responsibility — not just claims, but verified standards.
Textile Partnership Member: In 2015, Deuter joined the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, a German government initiative aimed at improving environmental and labor practices across global textile production.
EOCA Founding Member: Deuter was one of the original backers of the European Outdoor Conservation Association, helping fund conservation projects across the globe since 2006.
Higg Index Tools: Since 2021, Deuter has used Higg Index tools to measure and improve social and environmental performance across its supply chain — turning data into real-world action.
ClimatePartner Collaboration: Since 2020, Deuter has partnered with ClimatePartner to track emissions and support certified climate projects — with their first 100% climate-certified collection launching in 2025.
What's Next for Deuter
Race to Zero: Deuter’s got ambitious climate goals—cutting their carbon emissions nearly in half by 2030, with a clear path toward
Explore Deuter's Gear Categories
Packs
Futura Series: Ventilated, trail-ready packs with the brand’s classic AIRCOMFORT mesh back system. Perfect for hikes where comfort and airflow matter.
Guide & Aircontact X: Tough, stable, and built for serious mountain terrain — whether you’re on a technical day trip or hauling gear across alpine passes.
Bike 1: The original bike backpack, still popular with commuters and mountain bikers alike.
Sleeping Bags
Exosphere Series: If you move around a lot in your sleep, these stretchy sleeping bags that adapt to your movement as you shift, keep you comfortable without restriction. They’re perfect when temperatures drop a bit and you want that extra coziness.
Astro Down: These sleeping bags pack down small and weigh next to nothing – yet still keep you surprisingly warm. Made with responsibly sourced down material, they are ideal for backpackers who care about both their gear’s weight and its environmental impact.
Child Carriers
Kid Comfort Series: These carriers are a go-to for families who love outdoor adventures and the memories they bring. They adjust comfortably to fit parents of different heights, and thoughtful enough to contain features like a built-in sunshade and a secure seat for your little one to sight see from. Models such as the Kid Comfort Pro and Kid Comfort Active SL consistently earn praise from parents on the trails.
Travel & Organizers
Travel Duffels & Packs: Built tough and thoughtfully designed, these bluesign®-approved bags are the kind you trust for real-world journeys—whether you’re hopping flights, exploring cities, or just tackling your daily commute.
Organizer Bags
Mesh Sack or Light Drypack are small, simple and smart organizers that help you keep essentials neatly in place – making it easier to grab what you need when you’re on the go.
Deuter doesn’t just make gear — they build it to last, and they do it with purpose. With more than 125 years behind them, they’ve weathered eras, expeditions, and evolutions in design. And they’re not slowing down. As outdoor gear continues to change, Deuter stays grounded in what matters: making sure the equipment on your back helps protect the world beneath your feet.
Ready for your Deuter adventure?