Deuter AC Lite 24 vs Deuter AC Lite 22 SL
Quick take: The Deuter AC Lite 24 carries more (24 vs 22 liters); the Deuter AC Lite 22 SL is lighter (2.01 vs 2.05 lbs).
| Spec | Deuter AC Lite 24 | Deuter AC Lite 22 SL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $120 | $120 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 24 L | 22 L |
| Weight | 2.05 lbs | 2.01 lbs |
| Max Load | 7-13 lbs (3-6 kg) | 7-13 lbs (3-6 kg) |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable, 44-54 cm (17-21 in) | Adjustable, 38-48 cm (15-19 in) |
| Material | 600D recycled PES with 210D recycled PA | 600D recycled PES with 210D recycled PA |
| Back Panel | Aircomfort suspended mesh over flexi spring steel frame | Aircomfort suspended mesh over flexi spring steel frame |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | Yes | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Deuter lifetime repair policy | Deuter lifetime repair policy |
Pros & cons
Deuter AC Lite 24
- ✓$120 for a suspended Aircomfort mesh back undercuts the Futura 23 by $30 for 1 L more.
- ✓930 g is 250 g lighter than the Futura 23 despite using the same back system.
- ✓Rain cover included, which is not standard at this price from most brands.
- ✓44-54 cm of back length adjustment on an entry-level day pack.
- ✓A dedicated smartphone pocket and glasses stow on the shoulder strap are genuinely useful touches.
- ✓50% recycled content with bluesign certification and PFAS-free DWR.
- ✓Pole attachments and gear loops make it more than a town bag.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy applies at the cheapest point in the range.
- ✗Hydration capacity is capped at 2 L, against 3 L on the Futura and Speed Lite Pro.
- ✗3-6 kg maximum load is low and easily exceeded with water and a camera.
- ✗600D polyester is heavy for the protection it offers compared with the Futura's X-Grid.
- ✗The 16 L size has no published weight.
- ✗The suspension gap costs usable depth on an already small pack.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are not listed in the specification.
- ✗The rigid curved frame is awkward to pack flat.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated by Deuter.
Deuter AC Lite 22 SL
- ✓The cheapest women's-specific suspended-mesh pack Deuter makes, at $120.
- ✓910 g is lighter than both the Futura 21 SL and the standard AC Lite 24.
- ✓The 38-48 cm SL range is properly shortened at both ends rather than capped.
- ✓Rain cover included at the entry price point.
- ✓Smartphone pocket and shoulder-strap glasses stow carry over from the standard AC Lite.
- ✓50% recycled content, bluesign certified, PFAS-free.
- ✓A 14 L option at $100 covers short walks and travel use.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy.
- ✗2 L hydration cap, lower than the rest of the range.
- ✗3-6 kg maximum load is restrictive.
- ✗The 14 L has no published weight.
- ✗600D polyester is heavy relative to the protection it provides.
- ✗Only two SL sizes, both small.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are not listed in the specification.
- ✗The suspension gap reduces usable depth on a small pack.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated by Deuter.