Deuter Slim Line Packs

Working where I do, I’ve become quite knowledgeable in the field of ‘top-performing outdoor gear’. Deuter happens to be our top-selling backpack brand, so naturally I’ve learned a lot about their extensive variety of packs. Some of the more common customer inquiries involve Deuter’s line of womens-specific backpacks. The fact that they can meet more customers’ needs based on niche products like the womens-specific packs is unique industry-wide, and I find that impressive. I thought I’d highlight some of the Slim Line’s (SL)** key characteristics in order to answer several questions simultaneously. I also think people should know that no matter their adventure, build or body type; there is a pack for them.

Most packs are designed for men's bodies and women often have difficulty finding one that feels just right, but the importance of a perfect fit increases as trips lengthen and weight loads increase. No one should ever feel like they can't find the right gear for their favorite activities, so Deuter goes the extra mile and designs back systems specifically for the female figure. Now women, kids and smaller guys don't have to work so hard to find the perfect pack for their body type.

What's different about Deuter's "Slim Line" SL pack system?

Torso lengths are shorter (and ridiculously easy to adjust, as with many Deuter backpacks) and the SL hip belt is slightly more cone-shaped to accommodate a woman's hips and a greater arch in the spine. The hip belt also has slits to make room for a woman's sharper, pointier hipbones. Shoulder straps are closer together, narrower and anchor to the pack a bit lower. This helps avoid underarm chafing and prevents uncomfortable pressure on the chest. Their S-shape keeps them in place on the shoulders and a soft exterior lining makes them more comfortable on skin during the biggest days.

Not sure if your body fits a standard pack or SL pack? Well, are you smaller than the average bear? If you’re not sure, you can start by measuring your torso length. Start at the C7 vertebrae, the bump on your spine at the back of your neck - some protrude more than others - and measure the distance to your iliac crest (bump on your lower spine, between the top of your hips). SL packs are meant to fit torsos 13-to-20 inches long. If you measure greater than 20 inches, go with a standard back system. If your torso length qualifies you for SL packs but you've got more broad shoulders or a thicker build, you may still find more comfort in a standard Deuter system.

Here's a good instructional video on how to fit your Deuter backpack:

Want to win a free Deuter backpack?

Until July 31 you can win the pack of your choice by simply entering your email address and creating a password at http://www.activejunky.com/giveaway. If you are randomly drawn from the pool of entries you'll get to pick out any pack you want! Choose from day hiking packs, ski and mountaineering packs, overnight haulers and thru-hikers, racing and hydration packs and even larger Deuter packs ideal for overseas travel and the longest excursions away from home.

To give you a push in the right direction, here's a brief description of some of the more popular Deuter hiking backpacks that our store carries. There are far too many to mention each individually, so I just picked a handful. And yes, you can choose any of these packs if you win the giveaway:

ACT Trail 20 SL: Perfect for technical routes and day hikes, the Deuter ACT Trail 20 SL is the ideal pack to keep up with the even the most versatile weekend warrior. Lightweight and feature-rich, you'll have easy access to all your goods while moving fast on the trail.

ACT Trail 28 SL: With eight more liters of volume to stash an extra layer, more water, tools, or even a sleeping bag, the Deuter ACT Trail 28 SL is the perfect mountain pack for bigger day trips or ultralight overnights.

Aircontact 70+10 SL: 
This pack offers a major edge when it comes to carrying heavy loads. Even when packed to the gills, the Deuter Aircontact 70+10 SL is stable, controlled and surprisingly flexible. Hip belts move with you when you hike and climb, and this pack feels almost like an extension of your self.

Guide 40+ SL: 
The Deuter Guide Lite 40+ SL pack provides plenty of room for weekend backpacking trips and overnight ski trips, or big days climbing and mountaineering in any season.  The removable foam back panel is useful as a trail seat around camp.  Reinforced ski straps with ice axe and extra gear loops, plus extra durable outer material make this pack ideal for rugged mountain terrain.

Futura Pro 34 SL: 
If you're looking to cover some fast miles on the trails, the Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL backpack may be just your ticket. This lightweight backpack works as a peak bagger or for overnight adventures, with a top-loading compartment, a rain fly and a flexible, moving hip belt that hugs your body much more comfortably than others.

ACT Lite 45+10 SL: Light, reliable and totally customizable, the Deuter ACT Lite 45+10 SL backpack offers not only the perfect fit and style for shorter hiking excursions, but a freedom of movement not seen in many mid-sized packs. With light, hollow-core aluminum X stays and a Vari-Quick System shoulder harness adjustment to fit any torso length, this bag fits like it was custom-built.

ACT Lite 60+10 SL: 
This sleek, lightweight pack has great compartments for stashing gear and provides optimal comfort no matter what it is you're carrying. The Deuter ACT Lite 60+10 SL takes women trekking through the Rockies or conquering eight-thousanders without oxygen like Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner. Or how about Jordan Romero, the youngest person to summit Mt. Everest, who wore this Deuter SL pack.

Aircontact Pro 65+15 SL: Designed to carry as much weight as you want, the Deuter Aircontact Pro 65+15 SL transfers the load from your back to your hips. The roving, generously padded hip belt keeps you comfortable and balanced over uneven terrain. Three access points - top loading pocket, front panel pocket and bottom sleeping bag compartment.

Everyone’s body is different, and just because a pack fits someone of similar size doesn’t mean it will fit you. The best suggestion I can make when fitting a pack is to visit your local Deuter dealer and try a few on for size (pun intentional). Add weight to the packs before you strap them up, and be sure to move around with them. Many shops have ‘sand bags’ or other tools you can use to mimic a realistic pack-load. Grab anything you see that looks fitting. Stuff the pack with a sleeping bag, tent, fuel canisters, a few Nalgenes, a backcountry anvil…basically anything heavy and/or bulky. Then put the pack on and see if the shoulder straps irritate your underarms or if the load rides too low on your waist. Walk around with it on your back. Jump up and down. Find a set of stairs and lap them (or walk an escalator backwards, if you’re in a fancy two-story gear store). With so many styles and technologies in Deuter's quiver, there's no reason to blindly buy a backpack. If you can't physically try your pack on before purchasing, be sure to take measurements and do sufficient research online.

**Deuter SL packs are not just for women. Slim guys and young men (smaller torsos/frames) also find their perfect fit with S.L. systems, just as some women might find a better fit in standard Deuter backpacks.

The majority of the information in the review excerpts above is courtesy of Active Junky 2013 Women's Backpacking Gear Guide.

–Adam Broderick, Tahoe Mountain Sports Content Editor

Learn about SL packs from the links above or...

• Check out an overview of the SL pack line at Deuter.com
• Learn whether SL or standard packs fit you best through our Tips and Tricks
• Read experiences with our SL packs from our ambassadors Alana, Becky, and Kerry