Considering the primary environment for my skiing exists in the backcountry, I am on the constant search for the ultimate backpack. My women’s specific ski needs force me to carry a ton of stuff. I have sacrificed fit in the past to use a pack with features that allow me to have all of this stuff. Other times I have found a women’s specific pack that fits my geometry but is not big enough or has the features I am looking for in a backcountry backpack. Deuter you did it!! I am a bit stunned that I can say those words. I have been reviewing the Deuter Glide 25+ SL for the past two weeks. I have used it to ski and snowboard. I have packed it heavy with my standard gear consisting of avalanche tools, H20 Bladder, extra base layer, down vest (full down coat on those 0 degree days), extra gloves, first aid kit, goggles, food, and of course…. my thermos filled with Yummy Original Good Earth Tea. So as you can see I haul a bundle around.

The Fit
I was born all legs with a head. My torso is quite short. No, I am not an alien. Though my boyfriend thinks so sometimes. Anyway, the design of the SL pack fits my geometry very well. The contoured shoulder straps fit comfortably snug without crushing my chest. The straps and waist belt are all easily adjustable. Deuter’s Women’s Fit Line features Deuter’s SL back system, with streamlined designs, shorter torsos and narrower shoulders. Nothing frustrates me more than skinning up a steep slope and my hat continually slides forward from my pack hitting the back of my head. Sorry to you ladies with all body and no legs. There are no adjustments in the length of the back system. In that case, I would suggest the men’s version of the pack. Women’s specific fit is not for every woman.

The Features

The amazing features only enhance my love for this pack. Let me start with the removable foam pad that you can use to sit on when you are pigging out at the top of a peak. SUPER COOL. The compartment features are what sold me on this product. There is an inner pocket that you can slide your bladder into. The two top compartment pockets are great for sunscreen, snacks, and goggles. Maybe Deuter will consider fleecing one of these pockets in the future for the perfect goggle pocket. The front pocket has a probe and shovel handle section along with enough room to slide the shovel blade in. I love this. It used to swim around inside the main compartment of my old pack…irritating. Now my main compartment has more room for extra clothing, food, and first aid kit. One of my favourite features is the mesh outer pockets. The ultimate pocket for carrying my thermos. These pockets are also great to quickly slide my skins in when we are farming out small backcountry bowls. My only complaint is that the mesh can grab on branches and such when you are approaching. Be careful when you are in thick trees or brush so you do not tear the mesh.
The ski attachments work wonderfully. No bobbing skis on my back. I actually used the snowboard attachment this morning as I surfed the 10 inches of new snow we received. Brilliant again. No board hitting the back of this girl’s head as I boot packed up Mount Glory.

If you are of a smaller torso and you are looking for a pack that can do it all in the backcountry, I do suggest checking out the Glide 25+ SL. It makes life that much easier.