deuter XV 1 – lava navy

Wasn't sure at first if the product would be real as the price offered was really affordable. Took the bullet and purchase the bag after looking at this for a few days. The bag arrived within 2 days upon order with Gooutdoor sending out the bag the next day itself (order was midnight).

For the bag originality, have done a SKU check on the Deuter site, and it's original. Now for the bag.

Good:
- Bigger than what it is: I have a Northface Kaban (27L), and I was able to move everything from that bag into the XV1 (17L); with a lot more space to spare (elastic bottle holder), elastic big front pocket
- Removal Waist Belt helped a lot to remove the load off the bag. (Tried carrying laptop, accessories bag, 3L water, jacket, and additional clothes to puff the bag). The weight was about 7kg weight, but didn't feel like 7kg on my bag
- Load adjustment strap was one of the big winner of the bag; this really took a lot of weight and move the weight distribution closer to the back
- Detachable key clip; one of the few amazing design I wished other company follows (hint hint Northface)
- Very sleek looking, especially during train commute. Doesn't feel bulky

Could be better:
- Sternum strap is not as adjustable, there's 4 fixed loop that you have to unclip and reclip. But it helps with those who wants to remove the sternum strap.
- Hidden pocket is very hidden, but it's really deep (at least half the bag). If the bottom of your bag is overpacked and rigid, it'll be really hard to dig inside the hidden pocket if things were to be lodge at the bottom (coins, usb)
- Expandable pocket outside is good for jackets or helemt, but not entirely great to pack shoes. (Lower part of the pocket is very snug)
- Not packable (like matador 16L)

Not my favourite:
- Lack of rain cover. The material is water repellent, not water proof.
- Pen / notepad / small organizer compartments are inside and a little too deep. If you pack with packing cubes, the cube will cover those spaces. And if you ever need to reach out to grab a pen, it'll be a little hard.
- Laptop compartment can be done better. If one travels and have to remove the laptop at the airport, putting bag the laptop can be a hard thing to do as the padding is more towards the back. But the front (where packing cubes, and other stuffs) is very lightly padded. I had to take everything out to put my laptop back in.

Very comfortable bag with wide shoulder strap. Very convenient for me during my travel. I can put a lot of stuff but not get shoulder pain because of the waist support. This bag will be my great companion during my travel. Love it 👍👍