The Deuter AirContact 65+10 is a Multi-Purpose All-Season backpack. If you are interested in the backpack, I would suggest…
Deuter AirContact 65 +10 Liters Review
Deuter AirContact 65 +10 liters in 3 words: Durable, Reliable & Modest.
By Stephen John · Owner & Editor · October 10, 2019
Summary
The Deuter AirContact 65+10 is a Multi-Purpose All-Season backpack. If you are interested in the backpack, I would suggest using it for backpacking, trekking, summer and winter hiking. But if you are looking for an advanced mountaineering or backcountry skiing pack, I would rather go for something like the Deuter Freerider Pro 28. The ACT 65+10 is a multi-purposer and a true gear-hauler but despite these facts the pack has a light build overall and boasts most of the features that you would want in a backpack of this caliber. Value for money is pretty decent for this pack as Deuter always makes durable packs, and durability is always something I look for when spending big money on a backpack. The +10 in the backpack name indicates the extra volume in liters wich you get when the top collar is expanded.
Rating: Deuter AirContact 65+10l
Honest & Personal Review
OVERALL RATING
71
*How It’s Calculated
How We Got The Results
Comfort & Support
The Deuter Aircontact System supplied my back with decent ventilation (my back got sweaty on an average hot day) With this system Deuter designs the backpack so it will be as close to your body as possible. This helps to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly so e.g. your shoulders won‘t be crushed after 1 day of hiking. I did not have a hard time concentrating on using my torso for that heavy steps on the slopes.
The shoulder straps are covered with moisture-wicking mesh for that extra comfort. However, there are more comfortable backpacks out there in similar categories e.g. the Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65
Specifications
The adjustability of the pack makes it very comfortable when you‘ve adjusted it perfectly to fit your body shape. The Deuter AirContact 65+10 comes with an adjustable-length frame system so you can shorten or lengthen the straps to fit your exact dimension needs. I felt the backpack was never riding my shoulders too much. The hip belt wings ensure that the weight is evenly distributed to avoid pressure points.
Versatility
The Deuter AirContact 65+10 is a top-loader with a detachable top lid. The top lid has two pockets, one is a typical top lid pocket but under that pocket, there is also a deep pocket which is good for storing e.g. a toilet paper or first aid kits. The top lid is very adjustable in height and is detachable.
Front Opening; a zipped opening on the front of the pack is always a necessity for a backpack of this size. The ability to pack your backpack with the front opening feature in mind is crucial for a longer expedition because you‘d want to grab e.g. thick outer layer of clothing while taking a quick stop. For traveling purposes, it‘s also very handy.
Main Features
The ACT 75 is a great gear hauler and you can stuff it almost endlessly on the inside and on the outside. For example, the pack has two tiers of compression straps on the side of the backpack that can be used to store snowshoes to the side of the pack. This backpack is perfect for people who are looking for a backpack that can serve more than one purpose and at the same time get the most for your money.
Best Purpose of Use
- Multi-Day Trekking or Hiking in hot/cold climate.
- Multi-Day Camping or hut-to-hut tours.
- All traveling purposes (Note that it could be too big for most airplanes overhead compartments).
Features
- Stuff-it Pocket; good for stuffing damp or wet gear for temporary storage and prevent wet clothing to make everything else wet in your pack. Not good for bulky objects like camp shoes.
- Sleeping Bag Compartment; Can be unzipped and folded away.
- Side-Mesh Pockets; Fits a 1 liter/32 oz Nalgene bottle nicely. Note that the side-mesh pocket might not fit the bottle if the backpack is completely stuffed.
- Hip-Belt Side-Mesh Pocket; Good for a small map, compass, small cameras and should fit most sizes of smartphones.
- Removable Rain Cover; The rain cover stashes away in a special pocket.
- Stretch Compartment; The stretch compartment is on the inside of the back and is great to store e.g. sweaty/wet clothes.
- Hydration Compatible; Compatible with Deuter Streamer 2.0 l and Deuter Streamer 3.0
- Ice Axe & Hiking Pole Attachments; Has 2 ice ax loops at the bottom that can also be used for trekking poles. It also has two elastic shaft holders so your axes or poles won’t be swinging back and forth as you walk. Along with those dedicated loops, there are many other various loops on the ACT 65+10 that make your life easy when preparing your trip.
Build Quality & Durability
One thing that I did not like was that I could not reach my water bottle, located in the side-mesh pocket when the pack was on my back. So if you would want to be able to drink water on the go and without any effort, you‘d want to go for a hydration system instead, the ACT 65+10 can manage the Deuter Streamer 2.0 or the Deuter Streamer 3.0. The water drinking hoes come out through a center port, located at the back of the pack.
The most recent model of the ACT 65+10 is 15% lighter and has some new features like hip fins that flow into the back which allows the backpack user to carry heavier loads.
The Deuter AirContact 65+10 is a lightweight, but high volume backpack, good for multi-day or extended backpacking trips. Its adjustable-length torso ensures a personalized fit with multiple access points so you can access your gear when you need it.
Pros
Cons
FAQ – Deuter AirContact 65+10
You Should Buy If:
- You want a pack that can be used by more than just one family member.
- You are ready to invest in a good durable and multi purpose backpack.
You Should Not Buy If:
- Looking for a backcountry sking pack.
- You are on a really tight budget.
Testimonials – Deuter AirContact 65+10
– Awesome Backpack!
As a seasoned backpacker who owned the same pack for ten years, I was skeptical about getting a new backpack, but the Aircontact has exceeded all of my expectations in a modern trekking pack. The brain is enormous. I fill it with books, lights, a hat and lots of snacks. The bottom compartment is perfect for my sleeping bag, and other various things I can fit in there. The main compartment goes on for days! I have yet to feel constrained on space. So happy with it.
– Taken from: https://www.deuter.com
– Durable, economic, and high quality
This is the 3rd Deuter pack I have purchased and I continually come back to their product because they have great features, in a durable long-lasting presentation, that comes in at a fair price. The newest Aircontact 65+10 is no exception. I love the ability to manipulate the use of my pack from trip to trip (and with plenty of attachment points, sleeping pad webbing, and zippers to compartmentalize) this pack allows me to do just that. Super plush padding keeps my hips and shoulders from aching. The lid compartment is huge; fantastic! And the total weight is not bad either. If I had to say one negative thing, it would be that the side compartments are nearly useless, which hasn’t been the case in previous models. They are so tight you could barely fit clothes in there, much less water or supplies. With the richness of the other qualities of this pack, that small setback was not enough to keep me from giving it 5 stars! I would purchase again and recommend to others. Thanks!
– Taken from: https://www.deuter.com
– Bag has held up great so far
Comfortable to carry and the extra space on top can be useful. A little pricey but very much worth it. The only minor quibble I have is that it would be nice to have one or two additional pockets on the outside. For those that care, the teal/gold bag looks quite nice.
– Taken from: Amazon USA
– The heaviest in its class???
This may be the heaviest pack I’ve ever had on my back. At 6.4 lbs its 2 pounds heavier than a KIFARU ZULU or Gregory BALTORO 65. I spend lots of money to save weight. With a starting point of 6+ gonna be tough to come in under 30#s for a basic non food weight carry. Otherwise a well made good looking unit. But just too heavy for multi day 8-12 / mile day treks. Just finished a 10 day run in YELLOWSTONE and the thought of carrying two extra pounds rules this otherwise fine looking unit out for me.
– Taken from: Amazon USA
Comparison Table – Trekking Backpacks
| Trekking Backpacks | Price | Rating | Seller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deuter AirContact 65+10 | 280-285$ | 71 | Amazon, REI |
Author
Stephen John
Founder, Tester & Editor
Stephen is the founder of Backpackfanatic. Besides managing daily operations he also edits, designs & tests products.
