Guide Lite 24

The Deuter Guide Lite 24 is a stripped-down mountaineering pack for the approach, the climb and the walk off. Rope on the top, axes on the sides, and a body tough enough to drag up a chimney, at a weight you barely notice on a long route.

Who it's for

Climbers and alpinists on single-day routes: multi-pitch in the Blue Mountains or at Frog Buttress, a winter gully on the Main Range, or a glaciated day in New Zealand's Southern Alps. Deuter rate it five out of five for climbing and mountaineering, and the recommended 4-8 kg load is rack, water, food, a belay jacket and a first aid kit.

Capacity, and what actually fits

24 litres holds a light rack, a puffy and shell, lunch, a 3 L bladder and a head torch inside, with the rope coiled under the strap on top. Two ice axes clip to the sides and a helmet sits in the mesh holder on the front. The pack measures 59 x 30 x 24 cm, tall and narrow so it stays out of the way of your arms.

How it carries

The Alpine back has padded panels with ventilation channels covered in breathable mesh, and a close, body-hugging shape that keeps the load still when you are balancing on small holds. ActiveFit shoulder straps and stabiliser straps hold it tight, and side compression straps pull the load in towards your centre of gravity. The slimline waist belt adjusts and comes off entirely, so it will not fight with a harness.

Fitting it

The Guide Lite 24 comes in one size for back lengths of 44-54 cm, which Deuter match to climbers around 170-195 cm tall. Fit it over the layers you will climb in, with a harness on, and make sure you can still reach the gear loops and look up without the lid hitting your helmet.

Access and organisation

The main compartment closes with a drawcord under a flap, quick to open with gloves on and easy to stuff even when full. A zipped top pocket holds the topo and snacks, a soft flask pouch and cell phone pocket ride on the shoulder straps, and there is a wet compartment inside, a key clip and a glasses stow.

• Drawcord and flap top closure; zipped top pocket
• Stowable rope strap; ice axe attachment on both sides
• Detachable mesh helmet holder included
• Soft flask pouch and cell phone pocket on the shoulder straps
• Adjustable, detachable waist belt for use with a harness
• Hydration compatible, up to 3 L

Weight

670 g for 24 litres with full climbing carry and a padded back. Light enough to clip to your harness and haul, and light enough that it is not the reason you are slow on the approach.

Looking after it

The body is 210D recycled polyamide and recycled polyester ripstop, abrasion resistant against rock, with a DWR finish made without intentionally added PFAS, and the pack is bluepass and Green Button certified. Deuter back it with a 2-year warranty.