In reply to Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com:
I guess, and being related to the Sales Manager at Salewa and having sat through numerous sales presentations from the Italians, Speed Hiking, as a concept in the UK, doesn't exist as we are slightly more traditional in our approach to the hills. You're either running (and not being a runner I can only surmise this involves wearing minimal clothing and getting very sweaty) or walking (brown boots, gaiters, enormous rucksack) - A massive over-generalisation I know, tongue in cheek of course.
What the Italians consider "Speed Hiking" is fast and light, where the approach is minimalist kit, bare minimum etc. Admittedly many people now hike in the hills in less kit than we used to carry, trail shoes instead of boots, running packs or small 12ltr packs instead of larger bulkier packs with group shelters, first aid etc etc. As a swift disclaimer I'm not in any way condoning heading into the hills unequipped. You should always carry the correct equipment for conditions and terrain.
Now me, I don't do many things at speed but I do enjoy lightweight kit and this is where I think Salewa nailed it. As you observed Dan (slight toggle failure aside) the bag is lightweight, breaths well etc. If you should choose to sprint up a hill then walk the rest it will do everything perfectly.
I guess, and before I ramble on any further, to define speed hiking would be a personal choice. If say I head into the hills with my brother I consider his choice of uphill speed would be defined as speed hiking whereas mine most definitely is not! The products as a collection are "speed hiking" but if we are more observant and look at the trekking/hiking range from Salewa as a whole they would simply be the lightweight options instead of the more durable options.
Your Mountain Trainer would be Pedroc Air
Your Mountain Trainer 2 25l would be your Pedroc Pro 22l
I hope some of what I've written makes sense. In a nutshell The Salewa Speed Hiking collection is the lightweight options to the Hiking and Trekking collection.