Deuter Aircontact 65+10

Summary

Given its size, this pack is a breeze to carry no matter the weather. And it's tough as nails. Mine has seen 2 years of hard SAR use both on and off track with barely a scratch on it.

At 6'4" yet only 65kgs, I've found this pack a breeze to use over the last 2 and a half years. It sits nicely on my long back and adjusted right will hardly move, with no venting issues. Hip belt pocket is decent size yet even when full doesn't get in the way of the straps.

One of the key features to me is the Camelbak cooler I've attached to its gear loops on the back, now just sliding the bladders in and out as I need them. Keeps my water separate from my pack in case of leaks or burst. The various pockets around the sides and top have found themselves uses over the years to the point most of my good friends now know exactly which pocket something is in.

Space and weight wise, I've never really had a problem, quite often use for 7-day expeditions. With the pockets everywhere, I can fit what I need where I want it, pretty much all the time, and have even managed to squeeze in car battery (for a radio repeater) on top of my 48 pack without much issue. With Search and Rescue (SAR), I've had up to 30kg in it, which is the point you start to feel it. Anything under 22kg has never been a problem, and for most trips I only have 15kg.

Construction wise, this pack has surpassed my expectations. I've thrashed as you can probably tell from the loads I've squeezed into it, but I have yet to find noticeable fraying let alone tears. I've used in everything from middle of winter Alpine here in New Zealand too middle of summer beach over in Australia through all associated weather and never find it lacking.

In conclusion, for a weekend to week long trip, this pack will serve you well.

The first pack I ever bought was an Aircontact 65+10, and to date it's still my favourite out of all the packs I've owned, I had it for four years, and used it for every multi-day trip in that time.

The fabric Deuter uses is light, but still holds up to a lot of punishment, the only rip I ever had in it was from my knife unfolding slightly and poking a hole in it, and that was easily sewn up.

The fact that the hip belt is removable and fully opposable also comes into play a lot with customizing the fit of the pack, I have broad shoulder and a skinny waist, which means a lot of packs are a bad fit on me, but I was able to put a female hip belt in (much to the delight of my hunting partners) and keep the male shoulder straps and was away laughing.

The breathability of the harness was amazing, and Deuter really aren't lying when they say every little movement pumps air through the mesh, I could roll my shoulders and feel my back cooling off whilst wearing it, the exomesh in the shoulder straps is also great in the fact it doesn't compress down completely, so you always have padding on your shoulders (as opposed to cheaper packs where the padding will compress completely and you just have canvas sitting on your shoulders).

The stabaliser straps were, for me, a little unneeded, as I always had the pack pulled tight to my back, but that's more my own personal preference.

Unfortunately I had to retire this pack last year due to an injury at a young age which has caused my spine to grow a bit wonky (up until I hit a growth spurt the pack was a perfect fit, but now it just won't sit right), but can wholly recommend this pack to anyone looking for a decent multi-dayer pack.

For full disclosure: I currently work in a store that sells Deuter in New Zealand, although I bought the pack from the store a couple of years before I started working there.

This is a great pack!!! It has tons of room and is light and stable. The Aircontact makes sure your back and shoulders stay cool and not sweaty. I highly recommend this pack!! They're new to the US but are one of the oldest outdoor companies in Europe...Check Deuter out. You won't be sorry...And you can't beat the price!

It has a little of everything

Vari-Quick Harness System
Hollow-Core Aluminum "X" Stays
Ice Axe Loops
Hydration Compatible
Interior Valuables Pocket
Side Mesh Pocket
Adjustable Top Lid w/ Pockets
Compression Straps
Divided Main Compartment
External Shock Cord Attachment
Carrying Capacity = 50 lbs
Volume: 3950-4550 cubic inches
Torso: 15-21 inches
Weight: 3 lbs. 11 oz.
Dimensions (HxWxD): 32 x 17 x 10 inches
System: Aircontact Lite
Materials: Ripstop 210/ Hexlite 210/ Duratex