The Deuter Stepout 16 is a neat, compact daypack for the everyday: the train to work, a day of lectures, a wander through the Saturday markets. It opens wide, keeps your phone in reach, and does not leave a sweat patch on your shirt.

Who it's for

Commuters, students and city walkers carrying a tablet, papers, lunch and a jacket. Deuter rate it five out of five for lifestyle use and four for office, school and uni. The 3-6 kg recommended load covers a normal workday.

Capacity, and what actually fits

16 litres in a 45 x 26 x 17 cm pack takes a tablet in its own sleeve, a document folder, lunch and a light jacket, with a bottle and umbrella in the stretch side pockets.

How it carries

The Airstripes back sits on two padded strips with an air channel between them, under breathable 3D mesh, so most of your back gets airflow on a warm walk. Perforated, shaped shoulder straps and a two-way sternum strap keep it comfortable and steady.

Fitting it

One size that covers a wide range: back lengths of 38-54 cm and people around 158-195 cm tall. Shorten the shoulder straps until the base sits in the small of your back.

Access and organisation

A big U-shaped zip opens the top of the pack wide, so you can see everything inside. A phone pocket on the side, against your back, lets you grab your phone one-handed without taking the pack off.

• Big U-shaped zip opening at the top
• Side phone pocket against the back
• Tablet sleeve and document compartment
• Inside valuables pocket with key clip
• Stretch side pockets; grab handle

Weight

580 g empty, light enough to carry all day around the city.

Looking after it

The body is 600D and 300D recycled polyester, made without intentionally added PFAS, and the pack is bluepass and Green Button certified.