Deuter  Speed Lite Pro 25 Pack - Men's

A light weigh pack built for…. speed hiking? It’s enough volume, 25 liters for day hikes or if you’ve got your kit dialed in tight, maybe an overnight. Would be great for trekking something like the Tour du Mont Blanc where you’re hiking from hut to hut and carrying nothing more than a change of clothes, personals and dob kit. Fabric is light, but not waterproof, and I’d be a little concerned scraping up against granite rocks and the like in the Sierra. Not as tough as some of the other lightweight materials being used by cottage industries. However with reasonable care, it provides a light weight pack. Shoulder straps are a nice width, comfortable mesh build with padding where you need it most, top of shoulders, allowing some breathing and ventilation. The front pockets aren’t the largest but one side holds a phone, glasses, snacks etc.. while the other has a stretchy gusset which holds a water bottle with a securing strap at the top and a zipper if you want to close it off completely. The front harness (straps etc..) is a modified runner’s type of vest; a little wider and an adjustable sternum strap which adds to the security and stability while climbing or when you find yourself listing to one side or the other. The back panel is open mesh with a perforated plastic pad which helps with comfort, structure and a bit of airflow vs. a solid panel of material. Generous main compartment with zipper closure, compression straps that tighten and secure the load, an outer stretchy front pocket that holds a jacket or extras securely and with ease. Has an interior pocket for a water bladder and necessary holes and attachments for the tube; I never use one so I’m guessing it works. There appears to be an ice axe loop and elastic cable for securing one, but I’m not sure this would be the pack I’d be using if I was in a situation needing and ice axe. It’s missing daisy chains down the front sides as I’ve seen in other pictures; there are little loops for clipping a small clip on the ends of the compression straps, though not sure if that’s really their intended purpose. Stretch material on the sides of the pack holds water bottles, trekking poles or what have you, which is a nice touch though I’d be careful about snagging if you’re bushwhacking. Hip bet is sewn in and built similarly to the shoulder straps with a minimal hexicomb padding though it’s comfortable and does the job. Pockets are a little small and shallow but works for a Powerbar/Cliff Bar and other small snacks; I’d just make sure they don’t tumble out when you open the zipper as the material is a mesh without much structure. There's a bungie cords with fastener on the belt which I’m not sure just what they’re for but I’d be interested in knowing their purpose. Pack doesn’t have a frame per se; there’s a plastic wire sewn inside around the perimeter of the pack, adding a bit of stability and structure. Overall, comfortable pack for light use. I wouldn’t carry anything much over 15 lbs. A couple of thoughts: Load lifters - Not sure they’re necessary but they do pull the top of the pack closer to the body, though they could have designed the pack without the need,; or is there a need? Keepers on the buckles and straps. Nice keeping things clean but when you need to tighten or loosen a strap up quickly, they somewhat defeat that purpose as you can’t just grab the end and PULL against the buckling system. Minor detail but you’ll notice it the first time you try to use it. My bias: For a 25-30 liter bag, and it’s intended use,I prefer some of the simpler designed bags from cottage industries that are simpler, stronger, lighter, waterproof, comfortable and effective in their designed intentions. I like simplicity without a lot of extras and do-dads to fiddle with. However, I think this bag fits the bill for a quick outing or extended trek where your kit is tight and light. The running type of strap/vest is comfortable and does a great job of holding the pack securely to your body; no shifting around when off trail. The hip belt being sewn in does help with a bit of load distribution, but with a max of <15lbs, you wouldn’t really need one, but it does add to the stability and securing the pack to your body and it's movement. Overall, nothing to really get in the way of being a great usable pack for it's intended use.

Overall, not sure this will be used a lot. The wider shoulder straps allow sunglasses in the zippered right side pocket and my cell phone (15 max pro) easily fit in the zippered left pocket. The straps are also the downfall because they ride against my neck and was irritating on a simple 4 mile flat hike. Other than the straps, the rest of the pack is we’ll balance on my back and comfortable with breathable space from shoulder blades to hips. The pockets for storage are ample and hold water bladders and bottles well. If it weren’t for the narrow fitting shoulder straps at the neck, I’d give this 5 stars. Maybe some tweaking could help and I will stop by REI for some insight. Will update later if able to make the changes needed.