How to Choose a Backpack

Need a pack that can handle a weekend trip this month and a longer trek the next? The women's Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL pack offers comfort and versatility for thru-hikers and backpackers.
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Imported.
View the Deuter Aircontact Product LineView all Deuter Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 70 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 4,272 cubic inches |
Weight | 4 lbs. 8.7 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 | 32.3 x 12.2 x 10.2 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
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I purchased this backpack at REI and have had it for 2 years. It fits well, it is very comfortable, it is very roomy and it is of great quality. However, for 2-4 night trips I have switched back to my lighter, smaller, cheaper beginner backpack. What I don't like about this Deuter women's pack: (1) it is heavy, nearly 5 pounds! - for about the same price (maybe $30-50 more) you can purchase a lightweight backpack that is probably half the weight. (2) it does not include a rainfly, it must be purchased separately and added to an already heavy pack and an already high cost (3) hip pockets do not fit most smartphones, they will fit only small phones I have had this backpack too long to return, I may keep it for 5+ night trips, or I may sell it used and put that money towards a significantly lighter backpack that will do the same job.
[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.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I got this for my husband and he loves it. He wants to start hiking and often does a lot of walking in the woods when he goes fishing and hunting. While I’m not sure he will use it for fishing and hunting, he will definitely be thrilled to have it for hiking. It has tons of storage space and is pretty large. I wish it had some bright “ here I am” colors on it just for safety but that is on my husband not the company because he picked this himself. All around it’s a really nice pack and has tons of pockets, a waist clip and I believe it’s steel supports along the back of it.
After trying on numerous packs in store (highly recommend) I landed on this one as the most comfortable for my size and shape. I can't stress enough to make the time to work with the knowledgable folks in store at the REI to help size a pack to your body. Online reviews can only go so far. I say this bc another backpacker in our group just ordered online looking for pack color and they were miserable on a two day backpacking trip. Back to the pack - fit well with full gear all inside for a two day backpacking trip in the spring in SC AK. I specifically liked this pack due to my neck and shoulder type. this was the only pack that didn't squeeze my lower neck and add tension due to the narrow placement of the upper shoulder straps. I did use a liner trash-bag for the in hike as the weather was iffy, however on the out hike I was able to utilize the upper lid and body zipper functions to grab sit pads, snacks, lunch and layers very easily. Weight distribution was great going over sandy and rocky beaches, roots, over icy uphill switchbacks and through ankle deep snow. I was able to wear my scat bear spray belt in the front and above the deuter hip belt for access. Deep water bottle pockets fit a large mouthed nalgene type bottle easily.
Did 20 miles round trip with my new pack and it was great. The extra back support was a game changer and liked how I could zip the front open for easy access. Highly recommend this pack.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Got this couple weeks ago and finally got to use it this past weekend one our 15 mile hike thru the canyons and wow! I’m glad I scooped up this backpack! Super comfortable, the extra back support came in handy. Zippers are super easy to access without taking it off. Perfect size to fit all the right gear and essentials! I personally thought the bag was pretty light for its size! I would 100% recommend this backpack!
I'm new to backpacking so I'm not sure what I was expecting. We hiked a few times with some serious mileage, about 11 miles in a day and I had to adjust the pack quite often. At the end of the day, I was just uncomfortable and tired of trying to get it to set right on me. The guy at the store helped with the fit so it wasn't just my own novice self. I packed my gear according to tons of expert advice, and it weighed in at 35 pounds. I like using a water bladder, and though there is a place for it in this pack, I was paranoid that all the pressure from my gear was going to make the bladder fail. It didn't, and my stuff stayed dry, but it's a pretty tight fit in there. Part of the allure to this pack was it's a 60L + 10 because of the stretch, but I'm not a big fan of cram cram cram. I don't want my bladder to burst open, and I don't want my food pouches to get punctured or otherwise compromised. Maybe if there were some outside pockets to store things ya' don't want smooshed... IDK. I just couldn't love this pack. My hiking partner has the same pack, and she loves it - but she is 5'2" and small framed. I am 5'7" and 165 pounds and it's just not the pack for me. I'm returning it for something with more room and definitely more pockets.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is an excellent backpack! It can be used to go on a backpacking trip like traveling through Europe or Asia. It can also be used for a backpacking hiking trip. It is well designed to provide a good amount of support to the back and be as comfortable as possible. It looks stylish and the dark color is cool. Lots of compartments to pack everything you need. Definitely recommend
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Aircontact Core 60+10 SL is of exceptional quality. I’m so impressed of the thoughtfulness of details and design. From the curves on the shoulder and hip straps to the various attachment loops- so amazing. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and durable. By far the best pack I have owned.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This backpack is made with quality. It goes around waist so that it keeps it it place while hiking. It has a ton of pockets to hold everything you’d want or need for a hike. The back it made so that you can keep good posture while walking without hurting your back.