hiking - Deuter

hiking
Load adjuster straps
enable precise backpack positioning.
10
Anatomically shaped
shoulder straps
with airy, comfortable Soft AirMesh lining.
Aircomfort Flexlite System
The flexible twin-frame construction gives our
award winning Aircomfort Flexlite System its
special lightweight properties, excellent ventilation and a superb ergonomic fit. The secret lies in
the combination of complimentary flexible round
and stable flat spring steel frame profiles. The
consutrction easily follows body movements and
transfers the load perfectly to the hip fins. It also
gives the back mesh a stable tensioned platform
for the patented Deuter three-sided ventilation
system. For backpacks with smaller volume we
use a round profile frame for full function and
flexibility with minimum weight.
By far the best Aircomfort System we have ever designed.
ToImPfofoPrtrt
K om
K
“All round airy comfort backpack."
“No rocking, no swaying, but a super stable fit – plus fantastic back ventilation."
“Very good, compact and defi ned fit,perfect load control, great ventilation. Easily handles load up to 12kg."
Anatomically shaped, sturdy hip
fins with Pull-Forward adjustment
and close set anchor points give a snug fit and spread
the load to the hips (Futura 24 SL – 35 EL).
Ventilation pads
for superb carry comfort (Futura 20 SL – 28).
“Does anyone know exactly how many
steps there are on the Annapurna
basecamp trek?” Himalaya, Nepal;
Photo: PatitucciPhoto
11 HIKING
12 HIKING
futura
Deuter’s leading lights for day hikes, office or
shopping tours look clean and athletic and its
top features are twinned with the Aircomfort
FlexLite system ventilation. The smaller SL model is perfectly adapted to the female anatomy.
Futura 20 SL
# 34194
3503
4319
Futura 22
# 34204
9402
2431
Weight: 1110 g
Capacity: 20 l
H x W x D: 48 x 30 x 19 cm
Weight: 1140 g
Capacity: 22 l
H x W x D: 50 x 31 x 20 cm
blueberry-magenta
graphite-turquoise
spring-anthracite
papaya-stone
7490
black-titan
13 HIKING
separate bottom
compartment
•hip pads and shoulder
straps with soft, breathable Soft Air Mesh lining
•shoulder straps with load
adjustment straps
•side compression straps
for volume regulation
•practical front pocket
with mesh compartments
•stretch side pockets
•wet laundry compartment
•hiking pole loops
•reflective loop for safety
light
•reflective attachment for
drinking tube
•detachable rain cover
•hydration system
compatible
Material: Macro Lite 210 /
Super-Polytex
Futura 28
# 34214
5520
4700
fire-cranberry
granite-black
Weight: 1180 g
Capacity: 28 l
H x W x D: 54 x 32 x 23 cm
+
3303
midnight-coolblue
Great evening panorama
in Tirol / Austria;
Photo: Sibylle Manger
Futura
20 SL
futura
14 HIKING
Our Futuras with top focus: top loaders with top material and our top back system for comfortable lengthy day
hikes, multi-day mountain excursions or via ferratas. The
Aircomfort FlexLite System features a flexible twin-frame
construction, an effective, three-sided air circulation and
is very lightweight.
separate bottom compartment
•anatomically shaped, compact hip
belt with spacious pocket for
valuables or smartphone/camera
•Pull-Forward closure for quick and
precise hip belt adjustment
•anatomically shaped Soft AirMesh
shoulder straps with load adjustment straps
•lightweight yet extremely sturdy
fabric
•side bellow pockets
•lid pocket
•stretch side pockets
•internal valuables pocket
•wet laundry compartment
•ice tool and hiking pole
attachment loops
•top lid attachment loops
•reflective attachment for drinking
tube
•detachable rain cover
•side compression straps
•hydration system compatible
•SOS label
Material: Macro Lite 210 /
Super-Polytex
Futura 24 SL
# 34224
9503
6461
Futura 26
# 34234
4206
3033
Futura 30 SL
# 34244
2415
3332
Weight: 1490 g
Capacity: 24 l + 2 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 62 x 28 x 18 cm
Weight: 1530 g
Capacity: 26 l + 3 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 66 x 29 x 19 cm
Weight: 1550 g
Capacity: 30 l + 3 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 66 x 30 x 21 cm
coffee-stone
papaya-lava
granite-spring
ocean-midnight
spring-silver
turquoise-arctic
15 HIKING
Just amazing how everything is in
bloom in springtime on Gran Canaria,
Spain; Photo: Steffen Beuthan
see page 4
Futura 32
# 34254
2431
5510
fire-granite
spring-anthracite
Weight: 1580 g
Capacity: 32 l + 3 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 68 x 32 x 21 cm
7410
black-granite
Futura 35 EL
# 33244
7410
black-granite
Weight: 1650 g
Capacity: 35 l + 4 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 74 x 32 x 22 cm
Anatomically shaped, softly
padded shoulder straps
16 HIKING
covered with breathable 3D AirMesh.
Ultra-flat
shoulder strap
anchor point with
ventilation holes.
Load adjustment straps
allow exact positioning of the rucksack.
futura pro
Our Futura Pros are spacious companions for extended
multi-day treks. The Aircomfort Flexlite Pro System brings
together three key elements: fantastic Aircomfort ventilation, flexible carry comfort and the comfortable, floating
Vari Flex hip belt.
The durable round spring steel frame
is extremely lightweight and flexible and provides great
carry comfort, fantastic freedom of movement and a perfect fit. The round spring steel frame tensions the mesh, ergonomically moulds itself to the back and thus guarantees
an optimal weight transfer to the hip – thereby efficiently
reducing stress on the spine.
Side
compression straps
on the hip belt stabilise
the pack.
Aircomfort Flexlite Pro System
The carry system is a fantastic comfort combination:
the back mesh guarantees excellent ventilation; the
floating, ergonomically formed, reinforced Vari Flex
hip belt follows each and every movement and thus
helps saving energy.
Futura Pro 34 SL
# 34264
9503
3306
papaya-lava
midnight-turquoise
Weight: 1680 g
Capacity: 34 l + 4 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 66 x 32 x 24 cm
Futura Pro 36
# 34274
2208
7410
Futura Pro 40 SL
# 34284
4319
Weight: 1700 g
Capacity: 36 l + 4 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 68 x 33 x 24 cm
Weight: 1720 g
Capacity: 40 l + 4 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 68 x 34 x 26 cm
emerald-kiwi
black-granite
graphite-turquoise
17 HIKING
Getting ready for the second day of the
Haute Route summer from Chamonix
to Zermatt; Cabane d'Orny Valais,
Switzerland; Photo: PatitucciPoto
Futura Pro 42
# 34294
3370
5510
ocean-titan
fire-granite
Weight: 1740 g
Capacity: 42 l + 5 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 70 x 34 x 27 cm
Pull-Forward closure allows the hip belt
to be easily tightened
•compact, anatomically shaped Vari Flex
hip belt in bilaminate construction and
with 3D AirMesh cover
•two zipped pockets for valuables,
camera etc. on the hip belt
•side compression straps on the hip belt
•anatomically shaped 3D AirMesh
shoulder straps with load adjusters
•side bellow pockets
•lid pocket
•stretch outer pockets
•internal valuables pocket
•wet laundry compartment
•attachment for ice axe and
walking poles
•gear loops on the lid
•reflective attachment for drinking tube
•separate bottom compartment
•detachable rain cover
•hydration system compatible
•SOS label
Material: Macro Lite 210 / Super-Polytex
see page 4
Futura Pro 44 EL
# 33224
7410
black-granite
Weight: 1790 g
Capacity: 44 l + 5 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 76 x 34 x 27 cm
18 HIKING
futura vario
The Futura Vario is just perfect for long mountain
hikes or trekking. The lightweight round spring
steel frame and the Vari Flex hip wings provide
fantastic flexibility and carrying comfort. The Vari
Fit System is super easy to adjust to the individual
back and quick access on the content is guaranteed by the all-round 2-way front opening.
Futura Vario 45 + 10 SL
# 34304
5560
Futura Vario 50 + 10
# 34314
7490
Weight: 2200 g
Capacity: 45 + 10 l + 5 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 74 x 34 x 28 cm
Weight: 2240 g
Capacity: 50 + 10 l + 5 l Side Pockets
H x W x D: 78 x 36 x 28 cm
cranberry-fire
black-titan
Front Access Zipper
•Aircomfort Vari Pro System
•compact hip fins with Pull-Forward
adjusters are easy to tighten even with
heavy load
•two zipped pockets for valuables,
camera etc. on the hip belt
•anatomically shaped, 3D Air-Mesh
shoulder straps with stabiliser straps
•side bellow pockets
•lid compartment with internal valuables
pocket
•compression straps
•spacious zipped front pocket for maps
or other quick grab essentials
•stretch side pockets
•wet laundry compartment
•ice tool and hiking pole attachment
loops
•top lid attachment rings
•height adjustable lid
•base section in extremely tough Duratex
•reflective attachment for drinking tube
•separate bottom compartment
•detachable rain cover
•hydration system compatible
•SOS label
Material: Macro Lite 210 / Super-Polytex
Precise and quick height adjustment for
differing back lengths with the stepless
Vari Fit system.
Load adjustment straps
for precise, individual positioning of the pack.
Anatomically shaped
shoulder straps
with comfortable 3D AirMesh distribute the weight evenly.
The mesh back
guarantees maximum
ventilation
since moist air can escape to all sides.
The round spring steel frame
is a very lightweight, simple
and elastic construction.
It is extremely durable, provides stable tension
for the back mesh and transfers the load to the
hip belt. Its flexibility guarantees great freedom
of movement and a perfect fit.
Flexible Vari Flex hip belt
helps saving energy by following the wearer’s movement. The
ergonomic, contoured waist belt made of bilaminate foam with
PE reinforcement also transfers the weight to the hips. Soft,
breathable 3D AirMesh lining for extra comfort.
Gitte can’t wait to hike the Ostallgäu
trail for the next four days, Germany /
Austria; Christian Pfanzelt Photography
19 HIKING
Aircomfort Flexlite
Vario System
ac aera
20 HIKING
Advanced
Aircomfort System
Sturdy, reliable and good looking: our backpacks for day hikes feature the tested and
proven Advanced Aircomfort carry system
and thus guarantee perfect load transfer and
fantastic air ventilation. Our classic toploaders feature an additional big front opening.
Low set anchor points of shoulder
straps combined with stabiliser straps
provide optimum carrying comfort for
medium loads.
Load adjustment straps
for precise, individual positioning of
the pack.
The mesh back
provides comfort and
top class ventilation:
the hot air dissipates freely from
three sides.
Compact, anatomically
shaped hip belt
for a snug fit and great load transfer.
Durable spring steel frame
provides a flexible, durable and light structure,
and applies tension to the mesh.
AC Aera 22 SL
# 34704
9503
AC Aera 24
# 34714
4221
3033
Weight: 1340 g
Capacity: 22 l
H x W x D: 58 x 31 x 18 cm
Weight: 1380 g
Capacity: 24 l
H x W x D: 61 x 32 x 20 cm
papaya-lava
anthracite-spring
ocean-midnight
21 HIKING
Front Access Zipper
•Advanced Aircomfort System
with load adjustment and
padded hip belt
•anatomically shaped, softly
padded shoulder straps
•lid pocket with zipped
valuables compartment
•attachment loops on lid
•wet laundry compartment
•hiking pole attachment
•mesh side pockets
•compression straps
•detachable rain cover
•SOS label
•hydration system compatible
•reflective attachment for
drinking tube
Material: Microrip-Nylon /
Super-Polytex
AC Aera 28 SL
# 34724
2208
Veronika on her way to the Meilerhütte;
Wetterstein Alps, Germany;
Christian Pfanzelt Photography
AC Aera 30
# 34734
5560
7490
emerald-kiwi
cranberry-fire
black-titan
Weight: 1360 g
Capacity: 28 l
H x W x D: 63 x 33 x 22 cm
Weight: 1420 g
Capacity: 30 l
H x W x D: 65 x 34 x 24 cm
classic
Anatomically shaped, softly
padded shoulder straps.
22 HIKING
Our Gröden and Zugspitze have been
there from the very start, back in 1984,
when we revolutionised the backpack
market with our much copied, fully
ventilated mesh Aircomfort System. Of
course, over the last 30 years we have continuously optimized our tried and
tested hiking originals.
Durable spring steel frame
Aircomfort
System
provides a flexible, durable and light structure, and applies tension to the mesh.
The mesh back provides comfort
and top class ventilation: the hot air
dissipates freely from three sides.
Ventilation pads
made of bilaminate foam
(AC Lite Serie, Zugspitze Modelle) or
padded hip belts
with ventilation pads (Gröden models) provide a
great fit and fantastic carry comfort.
Zugspitze 20 SL
# 34500
4601
3317
Zugspitze 25
# 34510
4222
3033
Weight: 1020 g
Capacity: 20 l
H x W x D: 50 x 28 x 20 cm
Weight: 1100 g
Capacity: 25 l
H x W x D: 58 x 28 x 21 cm
stone-coffee
coolblue-bay
titan-emerald
ocean-midnight
4700
granite-black
Gröden 30 SL
# 34520
5520
2009
Gröden 35
# 34530
3033
4700
Weight: 1150 g
Capacity: 30 l
H x W x D: 58 x 34 x 22 cm
Weight: 1200 g
Capacity: 35 l
H x W x D: 60 x 36 x 24 cm
fire-cranberry
emerald
ocean-midnight
granite-black
4560
granite-fire
23 HIKING
Zugspitze
2.0 l 20SL
3.0 l 25
Gröden
integrated, detachable
rain cover
•Aircomfort System
•hip belt with ventilation
pads (Zugspitze);
padded hip fins (Gröden)
•anatomically shaped, soft
edged shoulder straps
•double lid buckles, which
allow extra gear to be
securely stored under
the lid
•lid pocket
•two side mesh pockets and
a front pocket (Zugspitze);
two side pockets and a
large front pocket (Gröden)
•hiking pole loops
Material: Microrip Nylon /
Super-Polytex
2.0 l 30 SL
3.0 l 35
Can it get more idyllic? A rustic
hut, a gurgling stream and the
Deuter SL flower shines with
the dandelions. Bavarian Alps.
Photo: Birgit Gelder
ac lite
24 HIKING
Our compact daypacks feature many clever details,
light material and the top-quality Aircomfort mesh
back. For those hot day hikes in strap tops, the extremely soft lining and padding on shoulder straps and
hip pads promises extra comfort for female hikers.
AC Lite 14
# 34601
7060
3503
black-stone
blueberry-magenta
Weight: 860 g
Capacity: 14 l
H x W x D: 50 x 30 x 18 cm
2413
mint-stone
AC Lite 18
# 34611
2208
5522
emerald-kiwi
aubergine-fire
Weight: 900 g
Capacity: 18 l
H x W x D: 53 x 30 x 19 cm
3033
ocean-midnight
A sunny day in December at the end of
our trekking tour. At the sacred Buddhist
site Boudhanath Stupa. Kathmandu,
Nepal; Photo: Tjahjadi Nurtantio
25 HIKING
AC Lite
14
+
+
AC Lite
18 / 22
hiking pole loops
•Aircomfort System
•anatomically shaped, softly padded
shoulder straps
•lid pocket
•internal zipped valuables pocket
•practical single lid closure
•reflective print
•stretch side pockets
•hydration system compatible
•integrated, detachable rain cover
•three different back lengths
•reflective attachment for drinking tube
Material: Ripstop 210 / Microrip Nylon
AC Lite 22
# 34621
5520
7400
fire-cranberry
black-silver
Weight: 930 g
Capacity: 22 l
H x W x D: 55 x 30 x 20 cm
3306
midnight-turquoise
act trail
26 HIKING
Light, clean, and super versatile – our ACT
Trails now appear in a fresh, sleek look. The
sporty no-frills all-rounders offer top Aircontact carrying comfort and many smart details
(such as the fold away hip belt) that make
them the right choice for hiking trips via ferrata routes as well as urban outings.
2.0 l 22 SL & 24
3.0 l 28 SL - 36 EL
ACT Trail 22 SL
# 3440015
7000
3217
ACT Trail 24
# 3440115
9403
3033
ACT Trail 28 SL
# 3440215
5513
3312
Weight: 1040 g
Capacity: 22 l
H x W x D: 56 x 24 x 18 cm
Weight: 1100 g
Capacity: 24 l
H x W x D: 58 x 26 x 19 cm
Weight: 1140 g
Capacity: 28 l
H x W x D: 60 x 28 x 21 cm
petrol-mint
black
papaya-granite
ocean-midnight
fire-aubergine
fold away mesh hip wings
•flexible Delrin® U-frame
•body-hugging fit of the Aircontact Trail System guarantees full
load control
•anatomically shaped 3D
AirMesh shoulder straps with
load adjustment straps
•zipped front compartment for
maps etc.
•two-way zip on the front
allows direct access to
well-buried items, even when
the lid is closed
•tough, highly breathable 3D
AirMesh lining
•lid pocket, internal valuables
pocket, one zippered side
pocket and one stretch side
pocket provide a variety of
storing solutions
•wet laundry compartment
•ice axe and hiking pole loops –
also for foldable poles
•loops for helmet holder
(accessory)
•SOS label
•detachable rain cover
•hydration system compatible
Material: Super-Polytex /
Microrip-Nylon
turquoise-midnight
Beautiful and challenging – the
Via Ferrata of the Gorge de la
Durance; France;
Photo: StefanNeuhauser.com
Load adjustment straps
allow precise positioning of the backpack.
Anatomically shaped
shoulder straps
27 HIKING
with 3D AirMesh lining.
see page 4
Flexible, tensioned Delrin®
U-shaped frame
provides stability at minimum weight. It follows the most varied movements with absolute
ease. The frame combines with the body-hugging fit to create a compact carry system with
even load distribution and effective load transfer.
Aircontact
Trail System
ACT Trail 30
# 3440315
2304
7410
ACT Trail 36 EL
# 3440915
7410
Weight: 1200 g
Capacity: 30 l
H x W x D: 62 x 29 x 21 cm
Weight: 1260 g
Capacity: 36 l
H x W x D: 68 x 30 x 22 cm
spring-midnight
black-granite
black-granite
Mesh hip fins ensure a great compact
fit, but can be stowed away for easy
harness use.
The breathable
hollow-chamber foam pads
allow the weight to sit close to the back and close to
the centre of gravity. It thus stabilizes and distributes
the load evenly and guarantees distribute great control. The large open pore structure of the Aircontact
pads performs a pump effect, whereby every movement prompts the exchange of air. The result: 15%
less perspiration than with other body-contour packs.
(Proven in a field test conducted by Gabriel L.&T. in cooperation with the University of Erlangen/Germany.)
Load adjustment straps
allow precise positioning of the backpack.
Anatomically shaped shoulder straps
28 HIKING
with airy 3D AirMesh lining lets hot air escape through the
strap’s perforated foam.
Break resistant, durable
elastic spring steel frame
effectively transfers the weight on the hip belt.
The flexible frame geometry provides comfortable freedom of movement at a minimum
weight.
Departure in the remote Hunku valley to the
Khumbu valley via the
Ambulapcha pass; Nepal;
Photo: PatitucciPhoto
The breathable
hollow-chamber foam pads
allow the weight to sit close to the back and
close to the centre of gravity. It thus stabilizes and distributes the load evenly and guarantees distribute great control. The large open
pore structure of the Aircontact pads performs a pump effect, whereby every movement
prompts the exchange of air. The result: 15%
less perspiration than with other body-contour
packs. (Proven in a field test conducted by Gabriel L.&T. in cooperation with the University of
Erlangen/Germany.)
Aircontact Trail Pro System
The thought-through Auto-Compress hip wing construction integrates automatic side compression as well as a
Pull-Forward adjustment to provide a quick, super tight
fit. With their close set anchor points the anatomically
shaped hip wings melt into the body and offer optimum
freedom of movement.
ACT Trail Pro 32 SL
# 3441015
9503
3218
papaya-lava
midnight-mint
Weight: 1420 g
Capacity: 32 l
H x W x D: 62 x 28 x 24 cm
Lighten up! A brand new pro for multi-day excursions
and equipment intense outings: the ACT Trail Pros is
a super technical pack providing top carrying comfort
with its compact, yet comfortable fit. The Aircontact
Trail Pro System features Auto-Compress hip wings and
airy, perforated shoulder straps.
ACT Trail Pro 34
# 3441115
7000
3214
ACT Trail Pro 38 SL
# 3441215
5522
2208
ACT Trail Pro 40
# 3441315
2431
3980
Weight: 1470 g
Capacity: 34 l
H x W x D: 64 x 30 x 24 cm
Weight: 1500 g
Capacity: 38 l
H x W x D: 66 x 30 x 25 cm
Weight: 1530 g
Capacity: 40 l
H x W x D: 70 x 31 x 25 cm
petrol-kiwi
black
aubergine-fire
emerald-kiwi
spring-anthracite
midnight-ocean
29 HIKING
act trail pro
two-way zip on the front allows
direct access to well-buried items,
even when the lid is closed
•padded, anatomically shaped
Auto-Compress hip wings with
easy Pull-Forward adjustment ensure a quick, super tight fit
•body-hugging fit of the Aircontact
Trail System guarantees full load
control
•anatomically shaped, perforated
3D AirMesh shoulder straps with
load adjustment straps
•stretch front pocket for storage of
jacket, helmet, harness etc.
•zipped front compartment for
maps etc.
•tough, highly breathable 3D
AirMesh lining
•lid pocket, internal valuables
pocket, one zippered side pocket
and one stretch side pocket provide a variety of storing solutions
•wet laundry compartment
•ice axe and hiking pole loops –
also for foldable poles
•SOS label
•compression straps
•detachable rain cover
•hydration system compatible
Material: Super-Polytex /
Macro Lite 210 / Microrip-Nylon
30 HIKING
project 4000
In two decades a mountain guide bags all the
82 four-thousanders in the Alps with his clients
It’s four o’clock in the morning and Roman Dirnböck’s time
is limited. The professional mountain guide is on his way to
meet clients in Zermatt/Switzerland. His daily routine – but
also his big passion. Before sunrise he sits down with us to
tell his story, a story of climbing all the 82 4000 meter peaks
in the Alps.
Roman started his career as a mountain guide in 1992 and
he has always loved the Western Alps. So he begins filling
his personal tour diary with the highest peaks. Then, one
day he has the idea of summiting all of the peaks in the Alps
that are rising above 4.000 m – but as guided climbs. Quite
an ambitious target since many of the mountains – especially those around Chamonix – are very challenging. You
need perfect conditions. And you need a client who has the
skills and experience to manage the hard ascents. In 2001 he
met Roman Ecker, a young guy from Munich. “We hit it off
right away. For two years we bagged peak after peak in the
Western Alps – in summer as well as in winter”, he remembers. “And then came the Aiguille Verte... They say climbing
Aiguille Verte makes an alpinist become a mountaineer – we
entered the top league. After a short bivy night in a freezing cold toilet on the Grand Montet mountain station we
climbed the Couloir Couturiere to the top – a wall of 1.000
m, up to 60 degrees. We reached the peak just before sunrise. And as a reward we had to descent as fast as possible
via the Wyhmper Couloir to avoid rock fall. We were back in
Chamonix in the afternoon… And we knew we had passed
the big test!”
And Roman is also testing his material the hard way: usually he uses and abuses our backpacks for a year – and that
means for 25 weeks! “I’m extremely happy with the durability of the packs”, he says. “I really need it as lightweight as
possible and that’s why the Guide Lite is my favourite.” Yet
Roman also knows that the key is and remains the perfect fit.
That is what lightens the load. And “they do fit perfectly!”
Roman likes it high, he likes it light and he likes it fast. Whenever the conditions were not ideal, ‘the two Romans’ tackled
“normal” 4.000er peaks that were missing on their list. “But
whenever we had the chance we went for the top summits.
Such as the Grandes Jorasses traverse which tags eight fourthousanders.” In 2010 they climbed the famous Peuterey
ridge. “It took us 21 hours from the Monzino hut via the Aiguille Blanche and the Pilier d’ Angles to Mt. Blanc. The conditions were harsh. We had rain and snow, the terrain was
challenging and it was such a long climb, too. On the spot
at midnight we were standing on the highest mountain in
the Alps. It was a starlit night – a moment we will never forget!” However, on the way down to the Vallot bivy they had
to fight heavy wind gusts of up to 80 km/h and minus 20°
C. Two years later they had more luck with the conditions up
Back to Chamonix: “The weather wasn’t great and neither
were all other conditions, but we still climbed the Aiguille
Jardin and the Gran Rochuse”, Roman says. Time for the
big final: the Mt. Blanc by the way of the Broillard ridge –
bagging three 4.000 m peaks on the traverse. They already
faced challenges on the approach at night when they hit a
huge rift. The alternative: 15 metres of overhanging abseiling – anchored in the snow by a crampon bag! Then they
climbed a 50 degrees ice face followed by five pitches that
turned out extremely hard: “A sustained, strenuous climb up
to IV+, frail, wet, partly icy, belaying was difficult and all
this in the dark with our headlamps on.” It got a bit easier
after that, but the rock was still rather frail. At 8 in the morning they were standing on top of the Pointe Luigi Amedeo,
their final four-thousander. But it wasn’t time to celebrate
yet. Their plan was to climb via the Mt. Blanc du Courmayeur
to Mt. Blanc. Hours later they finally summited the highest
mountain in Europe for the fourth time. The finish line of a
long, strenuous, yet unforgettable experience. “Now there
is plenty of room for new dreams”, Roman says. And we are
happy that our backpacks will be part of Roman’s future adventures – and will always lighten his load.
Photos: Roman Dirnböck
Text: Verena Stitzinger
31 HIKING
the Devil’s ridge to the Mont Blanc du Tacul – despite hard
passages at VI and 50 degrees. Now there were only two
peaks missing on their list, but those were tough ones.