Deuter Airlite SL 26L Backpack - Women's

I've used this extensively and it's an outstanding pack. I looked at loads of backpacks and bought this one because of the 3D Air Mesh, size, and the # and placement of pockets (stash pocket in front, main compartment with sleeve for water bladder, top pocket for keys/wallet, mesh water bottle pockets at sides, and small mesh pockets on hip straps). The 3D Air Mesh -- there's a "trampoline" of mesh that raises the pack off your back to let air circulate -- makes a HUGE difference compared to my old pack. Hiking in Texas summers, my buddies will have sweated out and my back will be dry. Excellent size, but on the bigger side if all you're doing is short hikes. It will fit a 3L water bladder, DSLR, jacket, and lunch with room to spare, plus a rain jacket in the outer stash pocket. I've loaded it down and the straps and shape still do a good job of distributing weight for a comfortable fit. I only wish the side mesh pockets could cinch to better hold a water bottle (regular sized nalgenes tend to tip out, so I use a smaller, 16 oz one instead). And I wish that the material at the slit for the water bladder hose was reinforced/thicker so that it didn't pull the bite valve off when I threaded it through (just be careful). But minor quibbles. All-in-all it's a well-designed back with lots of thoughtful details.

I used this pack on some very light day hiking through state forest land. It is very well constructed, and is really made to fit a women's body comfortably. The ventilation system is EXCELLENT, I cannot stress that enough. Once you get the straps adjusted, its pretty much the perfect pack. Looking forward to putting it to use again!