What is the Speed Lite 16?The Speed Lite 16 is the lightest pack of its size in the Deuter range and is focused on providing the highest levels of comfort and breathability without adding excessive weight. To put the weight of this pack into perspective, it weighs around the same as a can of soup.
What is it made of?It's made using a super tough yet lightweight 210D polyester with a durable water repellent coating. This fabric is more than tough enough for daily life yet weighs very little, making it ideal for this versatile, lightweight little pack.
Which backsystem does it use?The key to this lightweight design is the backsystem. The backsystem features a minimalist, extremely lightweight and compact design to allow the bag to carry low-to-medium loads with comfort. Not only this, but the pack can be folded and squished to your heart's content, making it the perfect travel bag when weight is a primary consideration. Increasing the comfort of this versatile bag even more are wide, padded shoulder straps with foam cut-outs to increase flexibility and breathability, a chest strap which can be adjusted vertically as well as horizontally and a layer of mesh over the backpanel to deal with moisture.
What are the features?No pack would be complete without a series of clever pockets, and the Speed Lite 16 is no exception! A valuables pocket on the top of the bag (zipped) stores a phone, wallet, currency or keys, while stretch side mesh pockets are intelligently shaped to make retrieving a bottle on the move quicker and easier. Inside, there's a hydration sleeve that'll take a 2L bladder and a stretchy compartment for wet gear. Other features include thick toggles to make unzipping easier with bulky gloves, a light holder for your commutes and a series of loops for your climbing helmet.
- Adjustable chest strap
- Flashing light holder
- Detachable hipbelt
- Loops for attaching helmet holder
- Top valuables pocket
- Stretch side pockets
- Hydration sleeve
- Inner wet gear compartment
- Wide AirMesh shoulder straps
- Reinforced zipper loops
- 3M reflective graphics
- Tough polyester fabric
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.