How to Choose a Backpack

Need a pack that can handle an overnight this month and a longer trip the next? The women's Deuter Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL pack offers comfort and versatility for thru-hikers and backpackers.
$24
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$54
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View the Deuter Aircontact Product LineView all Deuter Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 55 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,356 cubic inches |
Weight | 4 lbs. 5 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 14-22 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 | 29.5 x 11.8 x 9.5 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I used the 45 L Aircontact on my recent "Fastest Known Time" unsupported hike of the White Mountains 48 4,000 footers. For that hike, I carried 8 heavy days of food so I needed a pack that could carry and disperse the weight well. I had used the Aircontact 35 L on my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail earlier this year and had been impressed with its ability to carry an extra heavy load in the Sierra. The 45 L was no different, and the extra 10 L of pack space gave me the room I needed for the long, heavy food carry. The waist belt is sturdy and the belt's padding saved me from an untold amount of pack sores. The shoulder straps were quickly adjustable, and the straps are high quality, so I never worried about them even when I was throwing it around fully loaded. The chest strap catered to my shape and the elasticity built in reduced friction and kept the pack snug on my body. If you want a pack that's immediately comfortable, and one you can rely on for thousands of miles. This is the pack for you.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This backpack is amazing ! It is super light weight. The backpack has so many zipper compartments for whatever you need ! Holds everything you need, and more. Super comfy straps. Great back support. You can adjust it perfectly to fit you. I am in love !
I normally gravitate toward Osprey packs, but Deuter has made me a fan! I could definitely get through a 2-3 night trip with some room to spare. The hip belt was comfortable and was able to hold my iPhone 12 Pro and snacks in its pockets. The adjustable frame made it so easy to get my perfect fit. The color is also just so cool - I got a ton of compliments while on the trail. I loved how it has a ton of loops all over the pack - it made it super easy to clip wet shoes or towels to the outside of my pack to dry. I rated it 4/5 because there were some features I wish it had: a removable lid that could turn into a daypack, a whistle on the chest strap, a way to hide/store the excess hip strap, and a rain cover (I purchased the Raincover II directly on Deuter's website). There are always going to be some sacrifices made with every backpack, but the Aircontact core is still worth the money. Should anything go wrong, Deuter's warranty is pretty top-notch.
I love this backpack!! I’ve done long multi day trips and it handles the weight of heavy food and water SO well, I didn’t even feel like I was carrying a heavy load at all. Also did a rim to rim in this pack, loved that I could remove the brain and reduce the space of the pack for a trip like that. This pack is so versatile and amazing in every way you’d want to use it. Whether you’re crushing elevation gains in the thousands in a day, or you need a reliable pack to just get you to your camp that night. This pack so perfectly and comfortably carries weight on your back while having great organization. I love the stretchy mesh of the side and front pockets and also the hip pockets. I can fit so many trail snacks, sunscreens, and most importantly my iPhone 14 in the side pocket. I tried on packs in REI and found this one to be most comfortable for my shoulders and my body back when I got it a few years ago.
I went on a random Appalachian trail hike Starting in Georgia for over 30 miles with no prepping and couldn't say more about this pack! It is an absolute beast! I was the heaviest in the group with no training on this random impromptu trip and I had 0 problems with this pack and she was loaded to the gills! (Obviously this is not how most people who hike do trips lol) But I literally had 4 days to plan this trip and just wanted to go and see how far I could go (again with no training). She was a whopping right at 50 pounds with gear, food and water weight. I would and will always recommend this pack and plan on repurchasing in the future when mine it worn out. Absolute Beast 1000/10 recommend
I’m 4’11” and have a short torso length for most female backpacks. Finally I tried this one and while it’s still slightly oversized by the head, it’s extremely comfortable on the shoulders and hips. Therefore it’s the true winner!!! I wore it for Havasupai (10 miles 3600 elevation gain) with 30lbs and no pain. No back sweat or issues with movement on my back either. Only downsides: no rain fly. Can’t reach water bottle holder without a friend helping you get it out.
I got this pack for my PCT thru hike (2,600 miles) and not only did it last the entire trip and beyond, but it's the most comfortable pack I've ever used! The back support, hip belt, and shoulder straps were so comfortable I didn't experience any of the pain I usually do with a new pack. The mesh was very stretchy and held a lot of extra volume as well. I can't recommend this pack enough!
I just took this bag on a two night trip. The positives are that it's very comfortable, easy to adjust, lots of space for everything I need. One big downside for me personally is that the side pockets are not reachable while wearing the pack. They are too high up! I prefer water bottles rather than a reservoir, but I had to ask my hiking partners to get my water bottle out and put it back every 15 minutes! If you use a reservoir this is probably a great bag, but I think Deuter should keep is bottle users in mind.
My first brand new backpack from REI and I love it. They were most helpful in fitting me to the backpack to make sure I got the right size in helping me with any questions that I had. I've used it multiple times and it's very comfortable and the very durable. I've used it on a 1-6 night backpacking trips. It holds everything I need. I am a medium frame female weighing about 145 and just shy of 5'4" and this pack fits me perfectly.
I am 165 pounds in an avid hiker. Tried hiking with his pack today up a difficult hike and the material was rubbing against my skin. It’s pretty rough and I could not seem to get a comfortable fit after a few tries. The hardback also sits up very high on the head so if you wear your hair in a bun, you are constantly hitting your head against the hard frame. This is my very first mountain air excursion backpack. I usually just stick to a camelback, but I wanted something bigger to carry more water. It is a very awkward feel to be honest. I did not like the feel especially just wearing a tank top