Vaude’s Trail Light 16 is light, but it’s anything but a lightweight when dealing with riding punishment. We’ve been amazed by how well it stands up after being snagged on branches, used as a seat and jammed full with food. If it was made to sit an inch or two lower on our backs it’d be a contender for the overall title. While it’s not sold with a bladder, its price means that adding one puts it on par with the likes of CamelBak's Octane LR.
We really like the low profile shoulder straps that spread the weight well without adding bulk or weight. Like all Vaude packs it has a zip out rain cover in a separate pocket in the bottom of the bag. It’s useful but also one of the bulkiest parts of this slimline bag. In good weather we remove it and let the main compartment take up the space. The Trail Light has a long, two-thirds circumference zip for easy access to the full length of the main compartment, and two Lycra side pouches.