Selection criteria were:
Suitable backpack for long back -
- Slim fit
- Volume 30-40 liter
- Rain cover
- Hydration system integrated
- Attachment loops for example, hiking poles
For testing purposes, I have both backpacks fully loaded, ie the volume max. filled, with a payload of 6kg.
Salewa Ascent 36:
Cover with inner and outer pocket, with reasonable space. The loading of the main compartment from the top, where you can include an intermediate bottom draw cord. The resulting lower compartment is also accessible from the outside by a zipper at the bottom of the backpack. This lower access is in my opinion much too small for the rather large tray. This is obviously because the zipper "around the curve goes" and not just open the tray. Moreover interfere wrapped rain cover, which presses the ground with externally accessible pocket inside.
An additional rear compartment that runs along over the backpack, although practically, however, can here easily fall a little, when the zipper is not completely closed. An additional security is not possible.
The elastic side nets for example smaller bottles are quite short.
A hydration system is integrated inside ..
The back system "MotionFit" really seems to me thoughtfully and adapts really well to the back contour. Also to be expected by the network structure rather with a vent.
BUT: The suspension system is not really longer than other (was not advertised so I had only hoped). Therefore, unfortunately, pushes me the lower frame on the spine. Exclusion criterion!
In addition, the lap belts do not sit on my hip bone, but too high.
The adjustment of the lap belts is significantly better than when Deuter (see below).
The buckles are my overall filigree, because I worry that I might zerbrecken something when accidental trodden.
Deuter ACT Trail 38 EL:
Here too, the cover an outer and an inner compartment, with reasonable space. The to be loaded from the top main compartment can not be divided. But there is a great access from the outside with a zipper, so that low-lying things can be removed quickly and without searching. The stowed in the bottom rain cover does not press here in the interior.
A side pocket is secured with a zipper, the other side has a mesh pocket. Both have reasonable sizes.
The additional option of jacket / helmet / etc. to secure from the outside with a kind Gurtfach I really like.
The suspension system is not as revolutionary as the Salewa. I doubt that specified by Deuter ventilation in the longitudinal direction. The lap belt sits well on the hips, as in the EL (etxtra long) is also expected. The adjustment of the hip belt is unusual for me, because does not have to be drawn on the buckle but outside of the backpack. I think that's bad design.
Overall, the adjustment of the carrying system are more diverse and therefore offer a more flexible adaptation. Overall, the weight can be much better fix on the back than the Salewa.
Conclusion:
The Deuter has been awarded the contract because of the longer back and more elaborate bags. However, the suspension system of the SALEWA I really like. Perhaps Salewa can also sometimes bring out an EL version.
One point deduction is because I do not trust the ventilation and the bearing surface on the back is relatively inflexible / rigid. And I have taken longer trips, I will write an update.
I would wish me a daisy chain. Although just a gimmick, but I use the load in my backpack of BACH but often.
UPDATE:
After two long trips (overnight) Here is an update to my review:
Wearing comfort is excellent, also because of the many setting possibilities of the carrying system. It is nice that keeps the long back what Deuter promises. You can really bring the whole weight on the hips, which I find very pleasant. My fear, the spinal system is too stiff / rigid have been confirmed in any way. Even the backpack fits tightly back, which of course is at the expense of the ventilation.
Aeration is as already suspected more of a publicity stunt. Any type of outerwear (jacket, fleece, etc.) prevents a real breeze along the longitudinal axis in the back area.
The Rain Cover I have (unfortunately) have to be used several times. Even heavy rain did it well held, but ... It is crucial to the rain cover completely separate from the backpack, (even from this little flap in the pocket), because otherwise this attachment tab acts like a wick and drain off the water in the lower part of the backpack or in the pocket of the rain cover. And from there then unfortunately the underlying in backpack things wet. When the but noted that nothing gets wet.
The side pocket with zipper is quite narrow at full bepacktem backpack over glove un hat I've got can not accommodate.
Overall, the backpack has but plenty of space and in particular the accessible via zippered main compartment like it very much.
Even with a large hydration bag (3 liters) allows the backpack to pack well and wear.
All in all a really successful backpack, especially if, like me has a long back.
Update2:
Meanwhile, the backpack has several missions since then, incl. A 7-day high alpine hut tour. And also for the backpack is absolutely fit and just not only suitable for daily Trails.
Limiting it must be said, however, that at possibly entrained climbing equipment max. the belt in the backpack fits. Helmet and crampons would then have been outside it. But since you would probably choose a bag pack size larger.
