Outdoor backpacks
Suspension System
The suspension system is the heart of every backpack. It makes the key difference when it comes to comfort and fit. VAUDE backpacks are high performance products that are truly versatile.
THE RIGHT SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The suspension system is the direct connection between you and your gear, so it’s the most important component of your pack. Carrying comfort is important because it allows you to concentrate on your performance and enjoy your adventure to the fullest. VAUDE suspension systems are multi-functional. Nevertheless, we offer different suspension systems that are fine-tuned to different activities so you’ll always have the perfect gear for the conditions you face. Depending on your activity, you can choose a full-contact back or a ventilated suspension system.
What the suspension system must be able to do
An excellent suspension system fully distributes the weight of your pack across your back evenly so that it doesn’t affect your center of gravity while hiking. It’s responsible for comfort, stability and the fit of your pack, so even with a heavy load it should never pinch or cause sore spots. In addition, it should provide protection and enable good air circulation between the pack and your back.
What to watch for when trying it on
A pack only provides optimal support when it’s matched to your own specific needs. This also means that it doesn’t restrict your freedom of movement. So you should really pay attention to ensuring a perfect fit when you’re trying on a pack.
Fit
VAUDE offers backpack models in every volume range and for every activity – from climbing to hiking to backpacking. Thanks to different adjustment options, you can always adapt the backpack to your individual needs and ensure that it’s stable and balanced on your back, even during high-motion activities.
Torso length
Some people are short and small, others are big and burly. Every person has an individual torso length and shape, which is why a backpack must be able to be adapted to these anatomical conditions. We offer trekking backpacks in three different torso lengths for your individual needs, so that you can find your own custom-fitting backpack. Based on the standard values on our user-friendly VAUDE size chart, you can easily find out which back length is right for you. Of course, these recommendations aren’t a replacement for trying on a pack in person at a trusted VAUDE specialty shop.
How do I determine my back length?
You can easily determine the length of your torso yourself. The distance between two points is used to measure torso length (upper point = 7th vertebrae / upper edge of shoulder blade, lower point = upper edge of pelvic bone). Generally, backs are divided into short (40-49 cm), medium (50-57 cm) and long (58-69 cm).
Adjust back length correctly: Shifting Back Length
“Shifting Back Length” means the pack can be precisely
adjusted to the wearer’s torso length – for extra comfort
on your tour.
Here are a few tips to help you adjust your pack correctly when it’s fully loaded:
1. Loosen the shoulder straps and the load positioning straps.
2. Put on the backpack and close the hip belt around the pelvis. The hip belt must rest on the upper edge of the pelvic bone.
3. Now slowly tighten the shoulder straps so that they fit comfortably in the shoulder area and the pack does not move upwards when bending forward.
4. If present, tighten the load positioning strap on the shoulder strap and close the chest strap.
FULL-CONTACT BACK
Backpacks with full contact backs are highly functional mountain and climbing backpacks and were primarily developed for activities in demanding alpine terrain (via ferrata etc.).
The pack lies directly against your back and distributes the load evenly while keeping your center of gravity as close to your body as possible. This improves your balance and maximizes your freedom of movement.
Synergy Mold
Backpacks with the Synergy Mold back system are designed for mountaineering and ski touring in demanding terrain. The system convinces with its stability and body-hugging fit. Large-volume models offer packing stability and optimum carrying comfort thanks to an adaptable aluminium frame. Small volume models allow optimal load transfer and packing stability through an integrated, ergonomic back plate.
Synergy Mold Light
Backpacks with the Synergy Mold Light suspension system were designed for alpine climbing and mountaineering in demanding terrain. The system is lightweight and offers maximum freedom of movement. A large ventilation channel that runs along your spine helps air circulate. Adjustable aluminum stays or an aluminum frame ensure stability and good wearing comfort (not used in all models).
Vent Active Hike
The Vent Active Hike suspension system provides stability and freedom of movement on day trips with lightweight to normal gear. An ergonomic back panel (EMP) ensures for even load distribution and high pack stability. Ventilation channels in the padding keep air circulating effectively.
REAR-VENTILATED SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
Rear-ventilated suspension systems create an open space between the pack and your back where air can circulate freely from three sides. The pack doesn’t lay directly against your back – a mesh panel creates distance between the two, providing maximal ventilation. Rear-ventilated suspension systems are the best choice for sweat-inducing, strenuous activities.
Aeroflex
Aeroflex suspension systems offer the best ventilation for backpacks. A stable mesh panel is attached to an extremely lightweight spring steel frame. The taut mesh ensures sufficient space between your back and the pack. It creates a generous ventilation space with optimal 3-way air circulation (from both sides and from underneath) for your back. The suspension system fits perfectly against your back no matter what your activity.
Backpacks with the patented Aeroflex suspension system are perfect for hiking trips that require greater back ventilation. The center of gravity is, however, farther out than it is with other packs that lie flat against your back.
TREKKING SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
Our trekking and travel backpacks are designed to carry a lot of gear and heavy loads over long distances. Carrying comfort is ensured with optimal adjustment based on your individual back length.
A poorly fitting backpack can not only spoil the fun on your trip, it can also lead to tension and back pain. A well fitting backpack is easier to carry because the load is ideally placed on the hips and shoulders, so less energy is needed to carry it.
Tergolight
The Tergolight suspension system was specifically developed for multi-day tours or short trekking routes. It offers the perfect combination of light weight and comfort. The back length can be adjusted exactly to your personal needs. An integrated spring steel frame ensures optimum load distribution and stability.
Tergolight Comfort – maximum comfort with high loads
The “Comfort” version of the Tergolight suspension system is suitable for long tours with a lot of gear and offers maximum comfort even when carrying heavy loads. The back length can be precisely adjusted to your torso length. Two integrated frames (spring steel and aluminum) ensure stability and distribute heavy loads optimally on the back and hips. The shoulder straps and hip belt feature a smooth material that’s comfortable to wear, even over longer periods.
Tergolight Comfort Space – relieves the lower spine.
A cut-out in the lower back area relieves your sensitive sacroiliac joint on a tour with medium-heavy luggage and helps to avoid pain in the lower back. The back length is infinitely adjustable and the upper load position straps you can regulate indiviuell.
- infinitely adjustable back length and individually
- adjustable load position straps
- especially suitable for tours with medium-heavy loads
- relieves the lower spine
Tergolight Comfort Space Pro – optimal load distribution on long trekking tours.
A recess in the lower back area relieves your sensitive sacroiliac joint even on long tours with heavy luggage and helps to avoid pain in the lower back. The back length is infinitely adjustable and you can regulate the upper load position straps indiviuell. Two internal aluminum frames ensure optimal load distribution and extra stability. So you are also equipped for week-long trekking tours.
- infinitely adjustable back length and individually adjustable load position straps
- for longer trekking tours with full luggage for several days to weeks
- relieves your sensitive illiosacral joint in the lower back
TECHNOLOGIES
We use many different technologies in our VAUDE backpacks for optimal functionality. Below you will find a brief overview of the most important technologies that make our products so unique.
Shifting Back Length
“Shifting Back Length” means the pack can be precisely adjusted to the wearer’s torso length – for extra comfort on your tour.
EMP
EMP (Ergonomic Movement Panel) is a lightweight, ergonomic back panel. It provides your pack with stability and even load distribution. At the same time, the panel ensures freedom of movement (for example, rotational movement in the upper section) so that you can react quickly in demanding terrain.
Knit-Technologie
Thanks to a 3D knit construction that’s unparalleled worldwide, VAUDE backpacks are manufactured at a quality level that’s never been experienced before: The production process is gentle on the planet because the foam-free back section doesn’t produce any waste. The seamless construction ensures exceptional comfort and a perfect fit, making this vest-type suspension system perfect for high motion sports. Pressure distribution and ventilation is optimized by the special positioning of a variety of densities at the back.
Aluminum frames
In order to ensure an even more precise fit, some VAUDE backpacks with body contact backs have aluminum stays or aluminum frames that can be removed and individually adjusted.
Ergo Shape Shoulder Straps
Ergo Shape shoulder straps are ergonomically designed to improve your freedom of movement. The straps are wider at the top of the shoulders to provide increased wearing comfort. They are especially narrow at the shoulder joints so that they don’t restrict the natural freedom of movement.We use adapted variants of the Ergo Shape shoulder straps for both ladies’ and men’s backpacks.
