Deuter  Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Pack - Women's

I have reviewed maybe a handful of items in my life but was just inspired to write a review of this pack after a weekend trip. Bought it 15 years ago and have lived out of it for probably 7 months cumulatively over that time. Sent it back to Deuter once to get a buckle (broken when checked bag on an airplane) fixed for free, but otherwise this backpack is as good as the day I bought it. I haven’t been easy on it rather- I’m constantly overstuffing it. Don’t know if it’s the lightest possible pack forbackpacking, but this bag is really well made and will last a long time

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.

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.

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.

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.