User Review: Deuter Aircontact Zero 60+10

Deuter Aircontact Zero 60+10
Above: The current Aircontact Zero 60+10, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed August 12, 2007 by William

Rating:
Design: top loading
Size: 3650-4250 ci
Number of Pockets: 5 (bag, 2 in lid, 3 mess side pockets)
Max. Load Carried: 36 lbs
Height of Owner: 5'11''
Price Paid: $127

I recently picked up this pack last minute for a Mt. Whitney hike (2 night stay on the mountain).

Items packed: NF bag, SD ASP3 tent, BV400 food container, SP stove and fuel, Pur purifier, light clothing and small misc items plus food (weighed in about 36-37lbs with 3L bladder).

Initial packing took several tries since the pack is triangular shaped. I had to switch back and for between the bear can and tent to get the best balance. Adjusting the pack was easy and quick. Pack sat well against my back and the weight felt balanced over the shoulders.

The hike up to trail camp was very pleasant. The pack sat well on my hips and there was no pulling on the shoulders. We pretty much hiked the entire distance with short breaks to fill up on water.

2nd day we went to the summit. Carried clothing, stove & fuel, food, extra water (6L). I liked the way the pack compressed down to secure these items. Pack felt light and I carried the pack on the shoulders like a day pack. No problems and we made it to the top! Wo ho!

3rd day the descent, This day I couldn't get the pack to balance as well as I would have liked. It seemed like after an hour or two the pack was slipping back at the shoulders pushing me off balance. I tightened the upper straps which seemed to help out a bit.

Overall, pack was good, especially for not having much time to play with this pack before the hike. I was comfortable and move well. The pack seemed durable and I had to admit I was cooler in the back region. The clasps seemed kind of weak in design but, held up well when I cranked down on them.