Good day pack for a tall person!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I'm so pleased this bag is long enough for me. I'm 6'2'' and have a very long torso. Usually hip straps do absolutely nothing for me because they hit me more at my waist; shoulder stress is just something I've gotten used to while hiking. That being said, this bag fits like a dream. It's so lightweight to begin with but has every feature you need in a bag. There are tons of attachment points on the outside. It's set up for a hydration system. It's just a great hiking bag. The ONLY thing that surprised me about it was that I ordered the one in the current picture that represents the "black" color, which to me looks rather grey...? Yet the bag that arrived is straight-up pitch black. I was just expecting a more greyish black like the one pictured. Not a big deal tho.

Kathleen D.

Excellent daypack!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

A feature rich, technical daypack coming in at less than 2 pounds. I’m really liking my speed lite 26 so far.

Justin R.

Hauling climbing gear

Michael K.

Climbing with the pack

Michael K.

My new favorite pack

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I​ ​was given​ ​this​ ​product​ ​from​ ​Backcountry,​ ​but​ ​this​ ​review​ ​Is​ ​my​ ​personal​ ​opinion. I have so many backpacks for so many different needs that I wasn't sure how or if the Deuter Speed Lite 26L would fit into my quiver. I have large lightweight long-haul backpacks, climbing packs ranging from heavyweight to alpine, skiing packs for light and medium backcountry trips, and a couple of city packs for the bus or bike. I thought over the years I'd pieced together a decent solution for all my activities. But the Deuter Speed Lite 26L surprised me. 26 liters is pretty small. It's hard to fit a lot into the Speed Lite for gear-intensive activities, or to be prepared to possible cold-weather conditions. But with good external attachments for skis & avalanche equipment, or ice tools, or a climbing rope, perhaps it could be useful in a large number of situations, despite its low volume. I started out using the Speed Lite on a number of day hikes, and immediately noticed how incredibly lightweight it is for something as feature-rich as it is. It also fits me really well (I'm 6' tall) and, even with a 20 pound load, feels like it isn't there. I think the way the straps and suspension back system work together is the key. They let the pack ride with me, sleek and close to the back yet, well ventilated and cool. After the great initial test, I decided to take this as my only pack on a 3-day rock climbing trip. I was able to stash my trad rack, hydration bladder, lunch, and a couple extra layers inside the pack, and attach the rope and my shoes & helmet to the outside for some day missions. It looked a bit overloaded, but it carried really well. At the crag, I kept my pack on for a few multi-pitch leads, and I was surprised that I never even noticed it. The Deuter Speed Lite 276L backpack hits way harder than its weight (volume) class, for sure. And the features, pockets, and attachment systems leave nothing out. For such a small, light, sleek and stylish pack, it can do pretty much everything I need for a day mission, and has survived a lot of abuse without a scratch. I'm looking forward to trying it out in ski season; it has the perfect attachments for avy gear, should keep me cooler on the ascent, and ride really quietly on the down. Maybe I can get rid of some of my old packs now!

Michael K.