1 On average, women's backs are not quite as long as men's. The SL carry system is thus slightly shorter than that of Deuter's standard rucksacks. Consequently, the models in the SL series are the ideal choice, too, for male users with shorter backs.

2 In order to give a perfect anatomic fit around the upper body, the SL shoulder straps are both narrower and shorter in length.

3 Soft edges to the straps, smaller buckles and narrow tapered strap ends prevent the SL shoulder straps from chafing under the arms and eliminate pressure points in the chest area.

4 To take account of the narrower shoulder width of the female anatomy, and thus prevent slippage, the SL shoulder straps are set closer together.

5 In general, the female waist and hip area is also shaped differently, so in order for the waist belt to deliver a perfect anatomic fit when fastened, it should ideally have a conical shape.

6 This conical form is achieved by angling the belt diagonally upwards and by

7 Curving the SL waist belt wings. The frontal adjuster system feature of our larger volume rucksacks simplifies the waist belt fitting procedure.

Our rucksacks are designed to fit the average athletic build. However, since not everyone fits the norm it is likely that women's models will fit many male users perfectly well, and vice versa. With larger capacity packs in particular, a perfect fit is crucial and for this reason the Vari-Quick shoulder straps on the regular Deuter rucksacks and children's packs can be easily swapped for SL straps in the event that the original straps are unsuitable. Conversely, the SL straps on our SL rucksacks can be exchanged for normal Vari-Quick shoulder straps that are suitable for the user with a more powerful build.