Deuter began in 1898, constructing postage bags and mail sacks to the Royal Bavarian post office. Since then, they've progressed (just a little) to making some of the finest packs money can buy. From the first ventilated mesh back system, to the invention of the functioning bike backpack, Deuter have been progressing since the birth of the backpack.
The Speed Lite 24 is the lightest pack of it's size in the Deuter range and is focused on providing the highest levels of comfort and breathability without adding exessive weight. To put the weight of this pack into perspective, it weighs around the same as a large loaf of bread or 4 iPhones. The key to this lightweight design is the backsystem and hipbelt; unlike a lot of packs which feature a rigid, heavy design, the Speed Lite is about as minimalist as it gets, with lightweight foam and a layer of mesh used to give you the highest level of breathability in a pack which you can take travelling, trekking and mountaineering without sacrifice. The hipbelt is another unique yet brilliant weight-saver; deuter have removed all the unnecassary foam and shrapnel, leaving you with what they call their 'hip fins'. These fins are around a third the width of a standard hipbelt, yet manage to hold 10kg of weight comfortably and effectively.
No pack would be complete without a series of clever pockets, and the Speed Lite is no exception! Two large mesh stretch side pockets are large enough to store a 1L water bottle or a jacket and are convinently shaped to make it easier to pull the contents out without removing the pack, while an attachment loop stores your sunglasses on the front of the shoulder straps. Whether you're mountaineering or walking a Welsh coastal path, you'll appreciate the ice axe and trekking pole attachment points which are easy to find and adjust. Other external pockets include hipbelt stretch pockets for a small camera or snacks and a large stretch mesh pocket on the front for a jacket and other quick to access items. Inside the pack you get a wet gear compartment, allowing you to separate your clean and dirty gear, a phone/valuables pocket and a sleeve to insert a hydration system.
If you're physically and mentally tired of carrying excessive kilograms of pack weight around, the Speed Lite is the ideal pack to allow you to carry only the essentials whilst still featuring just about every feature you've come to know and love. The tough, environmentally friendly fabrics, the exceptional build quality and the overall comfort of this pack make it one of the best lightweight packs available.
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Lightweight (770g)
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Flexible yet supportive
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Lightweight internal frame
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Breathable mesh backpanel
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Sunglasses clip
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Pole and axe attachment
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Adjustable hipbelt and chest strap
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SOS label
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Reflective printing
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Body hugging hip fins
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.