I’m something of an unapologetic Deuter fan-boy (and won’t be making any apologies any time soon), and have written reviews for almost every Deuter product I’ve ever owned. I try to be totally unbiased and critical when it’s warranted, but I generally have mostly good things to say.
When I have had less than stellar opinions about Deuter products, they’ve generally been things outside of their core product line up; which is high-quality hiking bags. I bought a biking hip-pack that I had pretty mixed feelings about, as well as an ultralight trail running pack – which was totally fine but just not really for me.
All of that is to say that my expectations for Deuter products that aren’t a day pack with the word “Futura” in their name are pretty middling. That’s the context for the following statement: I love this 40L Duffle Pro from Deuter 100x more than I thought I would.
This will be a gush session, if you’re looking for cons or reasons not to get one, you won’t be reading many – but all the same, I’ll try to be as fair and as honest as possible. Consider this upfront to be a flat recommendation, with the caveat prices are competitive here and the 40L Duffle Pro from Deuter is on the more expensive end.
These style of Duffle Pro packs come in various sizes (40, 60 and 90) with a few other versions with additional sizes. Although the version I have is the 40L, I imagine a huge amount of what I say here will be true for the 60 and 90L as well. That being said, other versions of the 40L Duffle Pro from Deuter have totally different designs and should be evaluated seperately.
The general construction is solid and the collapsable design is genius. I’m not sure how often I’ll use it (if ever), but it’s pretty cool none-the-less. The exterior zipper holding the pack into it’s compressed form wraps all the way around and serves as an exterior pocket when in it’s duffle form. I love the 40L format and I imagine the 60L is incredibly similar.
The outer pockets serve perfectly as a separate space for shoes or sandals- on both sides. It does feel pretty tight, and I don’t think boots would fit well at all, but that might not be the case with the larger versions. All the same, I don’t think I’d want to put my nasty North-East boots into an enclosed space of my new 40L Duffle Pro from Deuter
I often say “sometimes less is more,” and that never rings more true than when it comes to the interior design of a bag. Compartments here are minimal and useful, as they should be. One on the top flap and one smaller horizontal one in the back, just big enough to separate socks or underwear or what have you. There’s also a small one on the exterior, for keys and the like.
It’s fairly standard for a duffle bag to have at least a single strap, which the 40L Duffle Pro from Deuter has it’s own spin on. There are two straps that can be utilized individually, wrapped together, or not at all – tucked away into an exterior pocket that hides them entirely. I’m a single strap man myself when it come to duffle style bags, and this works well for me.
I don’t have a whole lot to say here, I’ve been honest about my immediate love of the pack. The negatives here are nitpicks and could be pretty easily dismissed by a potential buyer – but all the same:
The 40L Duffle Pro from Deuter, for what it is, is a fantastic and simple duffle bag. The price is a bit steep, but these days it feels like than can be said about almost everything. I’m not sure if a duffle bag with no frame should be as much as a hiking pack (maybe it should), but I know for certain I wouldn’t want to spend more than $100 on one – luckily I didn’t have to.
As much as I love it, I do think the price is high, and I think you would discover the duffles from Osprey or Gregory are also pretty good – and notably less expensive. Explore your options and purchase accordingly, I’ve already voiced my love of Deuter, but don’t let that be a deciding factor for you.
The color schemes that rule the most modern product line from Deuter are “not it” in my personal opinion (Neptune NightBlue is alright, but more vibrance would be better). I personally got the Mineral Grove at a pretty steep discount – and although I don’t hate it, I totally understand why it was on sale. None of these pallets are more bland than the ones on these Duffle Pro packs. As a man with incredibly poor taste, this barely phases me, but i’ve heard rumblings and can’t help but agree.
The dual straps can be combined or hidden.
Interior top pocket
I’m in my discount era, looking for a good deal whenever I can – be it from Backcountry or Sierra or wherever else. I got my 40L Duffle Pro from Deuter for about $90, well bellow retail, and for that it was a steal.
But it is this duffle bag worth a full $150? Maybe? If you like that Blue color a lot than it could be, it all depends on you. I would say this: keep your eye out for a good deal, at 20% or more off, it’s well worth the price.
Purchase links:
Direct From Deuter
Amazon Link
Backcountry