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Need a pack that can handle a weekend trip this month and a longer trek the next? The men's Deuter Aircontact Core 65 + 10 pack offers comfort and versatility for thru-hikers and backpackers.
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View the Deuter Aircontact Product LineView all Deuter Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 75 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 4,577 cubic inches |
Weight | 4 lbs. 15.4 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 17-24 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | Unavailable |
Material(s) | Main: 235-denier polyamide (at least 50% recycled); bottom/high-wear areas on hipbelt: 500-denier textured polyamide |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 2 parallel |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/panel |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Raincover Included | No |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Dimensions | 33.1 x 12.6 x 11 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
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I took it to Philmont Scout Ranch where it failed. The veri slide feature to adjust the belt to the shoulders didn’t work. It wouldn’t hold in position. I found myself constantly and uncomfortable carrying all the weight on my shoulders. Finally I got it to hold by tying the top to the bottom with 550 cord. I actually found someone else on the trial with the same problem. I’m very disapointed with my purchase and wouldn’t recommend this bag on the trail. I understand from other users that the brand has a very reliable record, but for me, I’m going to purchase a backpack similar to what I purchased for my son.
I bought this pack a couple weeks ago and have since put nearly 40 miles on it. Although I haven't had the bag long enough to speak for it's durability, I can speak on it's comfort. My first trip with this bag was a 23 mile trip through the mountains in Alaska with a ton of elevation incline and decline, as well as some challenging terrain including river crossings. The whole time I was carrying extra gear that my friends couldn't carry which left me with a very heavy and tightly packed bag. Even then, this bag was extremely comfortable and gave me no issues. If your someone who packs heavy like me, this bag is a great choice.
In 40+ years of backpacking I've used many packs-- this is my favorite. I had to replace my old pack and found the Deuter to be a reasonable compromise between rugged construction and weight. Just returned from a 9 day hike in the Sierras and can report that the Deuter is expandable enough to hold all my gear, packs it all neatly, is extremely comfortable to wear for long hauls, and is durably and intelligently constructed (though it did get slightly torn on rocks when I put it down haphazardly-- the outer material is on the thinner side in order to save weight).
This is the second pack I've tried after the REI Flash 55. The flash wasn't tall enough as I'm 6'4". I ordered online and found it didn't fit. Thankfully I was driving past an REI on my way to the trailhead and got fitted for a pack. This is what I ended up with and I love it! I usually go with my S.O. and her daughter, and I end up carrying the extra odds and ends until they build up some leg strength, so having the expandable area is awesome. Not to mention the plethora of attachment points on the outside. Again I've only tried two packs, but on the couple trips I've taken this pack on it has been fantastic.
I tried this pack, the Highly praised Gregory Baltero, and the REI Traverse. The Deuter was the most simple pack of the three. I really wanted to like the Traverse because of price and features and really really wanted to like the Gregory because of features and high praise. Ultimately the Gregory was a no for me because the zippers, especially for the sleep system compartment were not closing smoothly even before I packed my gear in it. Maybe I got a dud. But it was annoying enough during testing to dq it. Anyway the Deuter zippers are silky smooth, the sleeping compartment space was bigger than the Gregory as well. I also appreciated the overall compartment sizes and the +10 adds some versatility for me. I like the lack of external pockets compared the Gregory. This will depend on the person. But my partner has the Baltero, and tends to lose things in the numerous external pockets. For me simple is better and my packing system incorporates packing cubes, which I find easier to navigate. I also appreciate the retention straps on the Deuter doubling as a way to strap any and everything to the pack, especially once at camp, and the pack is hung on a tree. The loaded comfort was about the same as the Baltero for me, but that was just walking around the house vs an extended hike. We did about 20 miles in 90+ degree heat and the pack stayed as cool as I could ask. The Gregory may have an advantage there. Overall the material and build felt highest on the Deuter, and I’m happy with the purchase. Both other packs came with a rain fly so I’ll drop a star there. Otherwise great pack.
The original description said this pack came with a rain cover. It did not and the description on the website has since been changed. I'm not a fan of the VariSlide system as it doesn't seem to stay in place. The VariQuick system from the old model kept the back length in place. IDK I'll take it into REI and maybe they can see what they think about the adjusting the hip to shoulder length issue. There is a lot to like on this pack. Being able to open the pack to get quick access to gear is very cool and being able to remove the top piece is cool as well to save weight on shorter trips. I also like that the new version has straps to latch a tent to the lower portion of the pack. But I took this out on a trial run and because the shoulder straps slide down instead of staying in place there was way to much weight on my shoulders which makes this a deal breaker if REI can't help me make since out of this. I'll amend this review if I get that issue resolved.
I bought this bag after deciding to upgrade to a modern bag. I used an REI traverse than this year I tried an ultra light bag.. the flash 50 air and let me tell you.. after 30 miles and 72hr of supplies I hated the flash air. So luckily rei has an amazing return policy and I steered far from ultra light into ultra heavy lol. I packed this bag up to 40lbs with gear,food,water and I felt as one with the bag. The features and all that are amazing but the handling alone was great. I like to veer off trail sometimes and climb around and this bag is solid. Handles the weight great and the material gives you enough confidence to toss it around or lay on it. But here’s the most important part of this review.. if you read the reviews about the adjustment slipping I think they’re setting the bag up wrong. All the weight should be on the hip belt. On every bag you need to cinch that belt tight as can be and after a couple miles guess what you’ll have to cinch it again bc materials stretch.. if you do this correctly you shouldn’t have a lot of weight on your shoulders. And on this bag that means the adjustment tensioner won’t see crazy weight. Like the whole weight of the bag. All this saying that I did not see any slippage. But I’ll update this review after I hit 100mile mark on the bag.
It did the job of getting my stuff on my back from A-Z, but I was routinely frustrated with it. Particular the top pockets or 'brain'. Just felt like it often had the idea of what I would want out of it, but just would fall short by some feature being too small or awkward. Did appreciate the side zipper, until that zipper started to open while hiking. No cord or convenient cord holding locations to hold a sleeping pad included either.
Roomy pack for multiple day trips. Waist straps cinch down to 27" on my slim teen. Other brands won't accommodate that small sized waist.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This bag holds a lot and has many nifty pockets and features. Although advertised for women, the adjustable height works for teens. Good air flow and light materials. The straps could be more comfortable. They are lacking some padding, especially when the bag is packed full. Overall, nice quality for backpacking.