Deuter Trail 28 SL

The women's-fit Speed Lite Pro, with a 38-48 cm back length and hip fins carrying zipper pockets. It is the largest SL size in the line at 28 L and 740 g, and one of the few genuinely women's-specific fastpacking-style packs from a mainstream brand.

Largest of the unisex sizes in Deuter's mid-range hiking daypack family, the Trail 30 sits between the frameless Telatie and the spring-steel Trail Pro. A flexible Delrin U-frame stiffens the Airstripes back, the lid is flat so a helmet can be strapped on top, and a removable rain cover is included. The line runs from 18 to 32 L, with the 32 EL built on a longer 48-58 cm back for tall hikers.

The Futura is Deuter's ventilated day pack and the smallest application of the Aircomfort suspended mesh used on the Futura Air Trek. The mesh is tensioned over a spring steel frame so the pack bows away from the back, which is why a 23 L day pack weighs 1,180 g -- heavy for the volume, and the direct cost of the airflow.

The women's-fit Futura, with a 38-48 cm back length against the standard 44-54 cm and shoulder straps shaped for a narrower chest. Same suspended Aircomfort mesh and included rain cover as the standard Futura, in a 21 L, 25 L and 30 L size run.

The Speed Lite Pro takes the Speed Lite's weight target and adds a vest-style harness: perforated shoulder straps with pockets, hip fin pockets, and a LiteAir skeleton structure that restores load capacity to 10 kg. At 680 g for 25 L it is the closest thing in Deuter's range to a fastpacking pack.

The AC Lite is the budget entry to Deuter's Aircomfort ventilation: the same suspended mesh and spring steel frame as the Futura, in cheaper fabrics and with a smaller 2 L hydration capacity. At $110 it is the least expensive way into the suspended-mesh back that defines the brand.