Deuter, makers of innovative, high quality, and price competitive packs with 100 years of internationally proven experience, announce a major women’s initiative for spring/summer 2006. Deuter will now offer a women’s specific pack in every one of its categories. The Women’s Fit Line features Deuter’s SL back system, with streamlined designs, shorter torsos and narrower shoulders. All nine women’s packs will also incorporate one of Deuter’s patented air ventilation systems to keep the enthusiast more comfortable while carrying loads. The women’s packs will be supported at retail with hangtags and point-of-purchase materials. The Women’s Fit Line will be highlighted at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in August 2005. Select Women’s Fit Line packs will be available in outdoor and specialty stores in December 2005.

According to marketing manager John Herron, “Deuter is committed to providing women with packs that fit and are comfortable to use. Deuter’s team of female outdoor sports specialists, including world renowned climber and product tester Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, took a long, hard look at the anatomical differences between men and women. The result of their investigations is a completely new product range of technical packs – the Women’s Fit Line – that are designed to suit the female anatomy and to deliver optimised performance over a broad spectrum of use, from climbing and trekking to biking and backcountry skiing.”

The Women’s Fit Line features Deuter’s SL back system, streamlined designs, shorter torso and narrower shoulders. All packs will be outfitted with shoulder strap harness that are tapered and offer a more slender shape and curve for a smaller frame. The shoulder straps are narrower, shorter and closer together to fit women better. The hip belts feature multi-laminate fins that are adjusted in their length and height to match the SL system and also have a softer surface padding. The conical, padded, formed hip belt wraps perfectly around the hips.

Key packs from the lineup include:

Deuter’s Futura 22 SL, $95, 34 SL, $115 utilize Deuter’s advanced Aircomfort-System®. The Aircomfort-System® is the first of its kind to be patented; laboratory-tested and still the only pack with three-way ventilation. Ingeniously simple, the pack's suspension system is like a spring-loaded trampoline. A special mesh covering the frame creates the optimum space between the backpack and the wearer's back. It distributes weight evenly and keeps the weight of the pack off the back — moist air can freely escape through the three-sided system, preventing heat buildup.

In addition, the Aircomfort-System® allows technical clothing to breathe and function optimally. The Futura packs feature: two side mesh pockets; integrated rain cover; compression straps; practical front pockets; interior valuables pocket; internal separation pocket; hiking and ice ace loops and sternum straps. FUTURA 22 SL, Capacity 1350 Cu. In., FUTURA 34 SL, Capacity 2100 Cu. In.

Deuter’s ACT LITE 35+10 SL, $129 and ACT LITE 45 SL, $145 are designed to fit women with narrower shoulder straps, shorter back length, padded and curved hip belt and Vari-Quick adjustable shoulder harness allowing users to customize the fit of the pack. Utilizing their Aircontact® ventilation system, the pack optimizes air movement via a pump effect that circulates fresh air through our sandwich construction Aircontact® cushions. The ACT LITE packs have an anatomically profiled X-frame offering balance, torsional rigidity, and freedom of movement while transferring weight through the frame. Pack features include: front and internal valuables pocket, compression straps, elastic cord attachment, stabilizer straps, mesh side pockets, inner separator pocket, hydration compatible, valuables pocket, and separate bottom. ACT LITE 35+10 SL, Capacity 2150-2750 Cu. In., ACT LITE 45 SL, Capacity 2750-3350 Cu. In.

The AIRCONTACT 50+10 SL, $169 and AIRCONTACT 60+10 SL, $189.00
SL, are the largest trekking models designed for women. Both packs utilize the Women’s Fit System, Vari-Quick shoulder straps and Aircontact® ventilation system. These packs offer top and bottom loading, top lid pocket with internal mesh pocket, large map pocket, compression straps, double bottom, ice and hiking pole loops, two exterior pockets, removable rain cover and hydration compatibility. AIRCONTACT 50+10 SL Capacity: 3050-3650 Cu. In., AIRCONTACT 60+10 SL, Capacity: 3650-4250 Cu. In.

The TRANS ALPINE 26 SL, $115, is the best compact pack for challenging all day bike tours. The TRANS ALPINE features Deuter’s patented lightweight Airstripes-System®. This special carrying system, designed specifically for cyclists, is made of two contoured foam strips with AIR channels and is covered in highly durable, breathable mesh. The Airstripes-System® is designed so that only 5% of its surface comes in contact with the wearer’s back. This spacing between the foam strips creates a “chimney” effect that enhances ventilation during riding and other high-exertion activities. The pack features a 3-liter hydration unit, dividable main compartment, contoured shoulder straps, mesh hip fins, easy access drink tube, two exterior zip pocket s, buckled helmet holder, and pump holder, safety blink loop, and 3M reflectors. Capacity: 1600 Cu. In.

The PARAGON 60+10SL $375, is designed for carrying heavy loads for significant distance. The Paragon utilizes profiled aluminium stays in V format, ergonomically shaped to balance & direct the load into the lumbar area. Robust GRP rods dynamically transfers loads to the hip fins and a firm lumber pad supports heavy loads. Comfort is insured with Deuter’s breathable Aircontact® technology. This pack features zip off super lightweight summit pack, zippered front opening to main compartment for convenient access, compression straps, spacious bottom compartment, with removable separator, side expanding pockets and hydration compatible. Capacity: 4500 – 5100 Cu. In.

The Glide 25SL $129 is the perfect pack for ski touring or moving from hut to hut. The Glide utilizes the Deuter Alpine back system, a proven performer in stability and breathability. The narrow body of the Glide makes it a great companion in the backcountry. Featuring an adjustable top lid with pocket, internal shovel pocket, probe pocket, ice axe loops, ski attachment straps, snowboard/snowshoe attachment, and SOS patch. Capacity 1500 – 2100 Cu. In.

DEUTER SPORT GMBH of Augsburg, Germany, has over 100 years of history in the backpack business and is one of the leading international pack brands. Deuter’s major focus is on the development and sales of innovative, high quality, and price competitive packs. DEUTER's current strength in pack innovation is the ventilated “AIR” back systems they have developed and refined over the last 20 years.