Greg G

Deuter's been doing this longer than anyone, and it shows. This is a well thought out pack from the original backpack company from Germany.

First off, it's comfortable, even with a heavy load. The hip belt is burly and the shoulder straps do not skimp on padding. I became sold on the Vari-Flex hip belt when we first tried the Deuter Kid Comfort 2 pack years ago. It works just as well on this pack. It's so much easier to stay balanced when moving through technical sections on the trail.

Second, the pack is well layed out. The bottom compartment easily holds my Marmot down bag, Big Agnes insulated pad, and a bunch of clothes. The side pockets are great for holding all the little odds and ends. The side compressions straps keep stuff from banging around. The main compartment is huge. Even with the Deuter 3L hydration pack filled up, there is plenty of room in there. (The spec page says the pack only fits the 2L hydration pack. It will actually hold the 3L just fine.) The top part holds your first aid kit, emergency gear, keys, etc. There are plenty of straps to attach your sandals, bottles, ropes, tents, etc. Bonus: a rain fly is included at the bottom of the pack.

Finally, it's a Deuter. It's got a lifetime warranty. Go for it. It is tough.

This one is simple, ladies and gentlemen. This is the sleeping pad to own.

It's only been out a few times, but each time I marvel at why I put up with those self-inflating wafers for so long. Sure, you've got to spend a couple of minutes blowing it up, but the reward is well worth it. (Word of advice: don't try to blow it up right after hiking into a camp at a high altitude.)

Oh, and it really does pack down small. I can fit it, my Marmot down bag and a bunch of clothes in the sleeping bag compartment of my Deuter pack.

I got sick of moving the one that comes with the Chariot from my bike to wife's bike and back all the time. Now we can hitch up any time.

It was pretty embarrassing moving the original one to her bike and then a few days later going on a ride together, but feeling too lazy to move it back to mine. "Hey, look at that jerk. He makes his wife pull the Chariot (with two kids!) behind her bike." No more!

Got these for the wife as a peace offering for spending too much on gear. She wears them all the time now. She claims they've even helped her plantar fasciitis with the sweet arch support. Can't wait to get myself a pair.

Use it for your bod, or to dry the dishes. Just throw it in the wash when you get home.

It's super small and light. Highly recommended.

Works as advertised. You only need a tiny bit to clean up. Works for cloths, dishes, you name it. I keep it in my MSR Alpinist 2 set.