GearBuyer
Product Videos Product Reviews Buying Guides

Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack

Hiking & Camping > BackpacksRated: ***** by 12 reviews.

Rock/Creek Outfitters

The Aircontact 65+10 Backpack by Deuter Packs is a great pack that offers a mid size range for anyone needing 4550 cubic inches of space, and a weight capacity of 65 pounds. 
Carrying heavy loads, means you need an excellent suspension system to help make it easier.  With the Aircontact suspension you get an anatomic X-frame stay system that offers you torsional rigidity and flexibility to move how you need to, without losing touch with your pack.  Which means no more wobblies while you try to cross the freezing river on that wet log.
A specialized foam is located in certain areas of the pack that pump air in and out as you move.  This gives you awesome ventilation and is super comfy while you haul your pack to your next adventure.
The Aircontact also has head room.  No more staring at the ground while you walk, or limited head movement when you try to stare up at the top of a huge cliff.  Deuter designed this pack with a contoured head molding, that gives you freedom of your neck and head to move easily and without restriction.
**To read more about the Aircontact Suspension System, click on the sizing chart.

Features:

  • Aircontact Back System
  • Bottom Access Compartment with Zippered Divided Main Compartment
  • Burly Side Water Bottle Pockets
  • Contoured, Padded Shoulder Straps with 3D AirMesh
  • Hip Belt Pocket
  • Hydration Compatible
  • Ice Axe and Pole Attachments
  • Integrated, Detachable Rain Cover
  • Side Bellows Pockets Add Capacity
  • X-frame with Pivoting Vari-Flex Hip Belt and Adjustable Vari-Quick Shoulder Harness
  • Zippered Front Map Pocket

REI

This lightweight multiday pack from Deuter features a light and fast design that will keep you cool on your trekking adventures.

  • Vari-Quick harness adjustment system lets you dial in the best fit quickly and easily
  • Deuter Aircontact Lite suspension features a special hollow foam which creates a pump effect, forcing warm air out and drawing cooler air in
  • Hollow-core aluminum X-frame offers torsional rigidity, flexibility for body movement and effective weight transfer
  • Contoured, padded shoulder straps feature 3D air mesh lining for breathability and stabilizer straps for ideal positioning of pack
  • Bi-laminate foam hipbelt uses a soft interior foam for comfort and a stiffer outer foam for weight transfer and lateral movement control
  • Top-loading main compartment offers lots of room for your overnight gear; two side mesh pockets store your water bottles or snacks
  • Adjustable lid has two pockets for quick access to gear such as map, headlamp, first-aid kit, sunscreen and multi-tool
  • Extendable lid allows you to expand the collar, adding up to 600 cu. in. (10 liters) of storage space
  • Hydration-compatible design features reservoir pocket and drink tube exit port for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)
  • Bottom compartment lets you stuff your sleeping bag or other light, bulky items directly into the pack; shares a zippered separator with the main bag
  • Side compression straps let you cinch down loads for jostle-free carrying
  • Dual ice axe loops and front elastic cord are ideal for securing gear to the front of the pack

Altrec

These stable trekking packs have also undergone a complete transformation. With luxurious back padding and top-notch features, these packs are comfortable load haulers, burly provision keepers, and organized gear storage all in one package. The pivoting Vari Flex fins hold the load firmly in place. Combined with the X-frame and the Vari Quick system they form a carry system that will take medium to heavy loads, while maintaining stability, flexibility and optimum load transfer. With its new back-padding layout, the Aircontact System sits even more comfortably on the back, while at the same time optimizing the airflow.

Features:

  • Ballistic / Ripstop 330/ Duratex
  • Double-layered base
  • Energy saving comfort due to the anatomically shaped and pivoting, doubly reinforced Vari Flexhip fins, which follow your every move
  • Head molding and positionable lid pocket with compression strap allow freedom of head movement
  • Hip belt zipped pocket
  • Hydration system compatible side bellows pockets
  • Ice axe loop
  • Integrated detachable rain cover
  • Large zipped inside pocket
  • Lid pocket
  • Lower side pockets for tent poles
  • New stable multi-chamber aluminum X-frame transfers load to the hip belt
  • Precise load control due to compression straps on hip fins
  • Pull-Forward hip belt buckle, easy to fasten even when heavily laden
  • Stabilizer straps
  • Three side compression straps
  • Top lid attachment rings
  • Two daisy chains
  • Zipped map pockets at the front

TahoeMountainSports.com

Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack is the newest addition to the Aircontact series, for long hauls and gear-intensive treks
Durable 3D air mesh enhances the excellent all-round Aircontact ventilation
Features Include: positionable lid with compression strap, new head moulding that allows for free head movement, dividable main compartment, two bellows pockets, integrated detachable rain cover, and two ice axe loops


Backcountry.com

You play hard with your gear, and as a result, your backpacking equipment tends to look like it was attacked by a rogue lawnmower. The Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack uses tough fabric to stand up to season after season of abuse.


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Access / Loading:Top
Access Types:Top, bottom
Adjustable torso:Yes
Approximate volume:3,950 cubic inches
Approximate volume - metric:65 liters
Average weight:3 lbs. 11 oz.
Average weight - metric:1.67 kilograms
Backpack style:Lightweight backpack
Carrying Capacity:65 lbs.
Color:Anthracite-Moss
Detachable Pack:No
Dimensions:32.5 x 15 x 11 inches
Fit:Men's
Fits torso:15-22 inches
Fits waist/hips:22-46 inches
Frame material:Aluminum
Frame type:Internal
Hydration Compatible:Yes
Ice Axe Loops:Yes
Material:Ballistic, ripstop 330, Duratex with PU inside coating
Materials:Microrip-polytex and Ripstop Nylon
Number of pockets:5 + main compartment
Number of stays:3
Pockets:[External] 2 side water bottle, 1 hip-belt
Rain Cover:Yes, detachable
Recommended Use:Backpacking
Shovel Pocket:No
Ski Carry:No
Sleeping bag compartment:Yes
Snowboard Carry:No
Suspension:X-frame, pivoting Vari-Flex hip-belt, adjustable harness
Torso Adjustment:Yes, 16-21.5in (40-54cm)
Torso Length:16-21.5 in.
Torso Size:16-21.5 inches
Volume:3950-4550 cubic inches 65+10 Liters
Weight:6lb 3oz (2806g)

View other products from Deuter classified in Hiking & Camping > Backpacks.

View all products from Deuter.
View other products classified in Hiking & Camping > Backpacks.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 PackDeuter ACT Lite 65+10 Pack$178.95 - $179.00

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Deuter Futura Pro 42Deuter Futura Pro 42
Hiking & Camping > Backpacks
$148.95 - $149.00
Rei Ridgeline 65 PackRei Ridgeline 65 Pack
Hiking & Camping > Backpacks
$199.00
MSR SweetWater MicrofilterMSR SweetWater Microfilter
Hiking & Camping > Water Treatment
$62.95 - $79.95

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

Color
Steel
Steel
179.00
Anthracite/ Moss
Anthracite/ Moss
248.95248.95

Legend

  •     - REI
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - Altrec

Notes:

Rock/Creek Outfitters offers this product at $248.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

TahoeMountainSports.com offers this product at $248.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Moosejaw offers this product at $249.00, but does not provide any color/size information.

Deuter Aircontact 65+10 Backpack Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****10
****2
***0
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Backpack Reviews.

Reviews:

My new Fav! Best for long torsos! Big!

Rating:*****
First thing I want to say is that this pack plays larger then it reads in the specs. I had an Osprey Aether 85 with 5100cu and it just didn't carry as much as the 65+10. I cant explain why this happens other then the ability to open the sleeping bag hole to the main compartment. The vast amount of uninterrupted open space just allows me to put more junk in. I use this pack for everything from day hikes when I carry everything for the wife & I to week long hikes/summits of Mt Rainier. Very adjustable/adaptable to different events or hikes.

The next thing I have to say will save many a tall & long torso'ed person. (That said, short people can use the same pack because it adjusts! I'm 6'4" and my 5"8 friend used my pack, no prob.) The greatest features of the Deuter (imho) is the adjustable "Vari-Quick" system. It enables you to shorten or lengthen where the pack sits on your back. I don't mean four inches either I have made it adjust up to a foot. You are supposed to use 4 loops with the strap but I only use 2 loops and extended the torso to about 23". I'm a 25.5" torso and no one makes that size without going custom and spending $750-$2500. Between the thick waist strap and vari-quick torso adjustment I can make this pack work for my 25.5" torso. The belt sits a little higher then I would like but it is the best fit I have ever had....ever!
I would think anyone of any size would love this pack because you can make it fit you within an inch. Torso is the #1 most important fit & no one mentions it because they can't possibly fit all the "normal people's" different shapes little lone the odds shapes.

A few of the features that made me love this pack.
-tough as heck! I'm good to my gear but I wouldn't have a pack last longer then a season maybe two. This pack shows not signs of wear and allows me to clean it up easy. No hidden sand pouring out in the house months later.
- I can fit all my gear inside the pack. Sleeping quilt, big oldman air pad, bear can, MSR Reactor, clothes, crampons, etc.. This allows me to use a basic pack cover for more protection from the NW rains. (the ice axe fits nicely with tip guards under the cover, almost like the botton was shaped to the business end of the axe.)
- Carries weight very well with bean shape curve. I often (on Jansport & Osprey)had to re-cinch and adjust my pack for every incline/decline. With the Deuter I can pretty much set and leave it. If I do need to adjust the stabilizer straps it's two straps, period.
- The first pack I can scramble with well. My other packs made me feel always off balanced. I can now move much more natural and can get up and down from sitting without help. My long scrambles, alpine scrambles, or Mountain summits were so tedious with the careful moves. I also wasn't allowed to carry the fuel or adult beverages die to the falls. Now I have no issues and move like a Ninja. Scrambles & climbing got more enjoyable or "more funner". Like when I realized the weight of a think air pad was worth every gram.
- Foam belt is so wide It makes me look skinny! Love handle control.... It also has a couple stash pockets on the belt. A little to small to be real helpful. I actually made a bigger pocket to put on mine.
-No more sweaty back! Okay not as sweaty. Last summer I used a 50+10 AC lite and I can attest to being about 90% less sweaty. Often times when the pace is relaxed or the breeze is right my back won't sweat at all. I also wore this pack shirtless and quite liked it, made a 100° Sedona day comfortable. I would say the Osprey was decent with sweat. (I admit to sweating like a pig at a bacon factory.) The AC lite was 100 times better. On hot days I could loosen the waist strap and let the pack flop a little. It would suck cool air up from the bottom and push the hot out the top. The bounce was like a pump using the tunnel of the air contact pad as a pipe. Once the back & neck cooled tighten back up.
-Waterproof and tough as nails. Actually used the pack as a foot bivy on Mt. Baker in a whiteout. Kept my feet & partners warm, dry, & cozy. His feet were wet and cold.
- All webbing is connected to the pack by an intermediate wider cloth. This takes the direct pressure off the weakest point (webbing meets cloth). The mid piece spreads the force and I have yet to have a stitch break. They also used 7 different types & sizes or webbing on this pack. You will see the thought that went into this. Has two extra webbing clip thingys on top of pack so you can modify or add stuff to the top of the pack.
-X support brace is brilliant. Allows shoulders and hips to move and rotate while keeping center load supported and unmoving. I have pulled out he supports and used them to hold up a Sil tarp tent on one end. Hoping to make a tent using two hiking poles and the x supports from the Deuter pack. Ultralight & dbl use!

Cons-

-Cover won't fit if you do want to add anything to outside of pack. Must make a custom cover then.
-Dark inside makes everything small get lost. Have lost things only to find them inside two trips later.
-Foam mesh attracts branches and mud.
-Waist quick pockets to small for real things you would carry. One should at least be the size of a Garmin Gps.
-Ice axe loops aren't big enough to hold alot of marker stakes. You use one of the mesh pockets to hold your markers & avalanche probe.
- The nylon shock cord will probably be good for most. If you use your pack alot, yard sale your pack (adding 50 things to the outside of your pack) or get stuck in branches alot you must get a stronger cord. Mine lasted 4 days and bust from carrying plastic boots with crampons.
- Packing extra junk on top is very hard. If you can't fit everything inside (you really should be able to) you have to strap it below or to the side. (I suggest the side as it move with your body better and doesn't through of your balance when scrambling. Adding to the bottom makes you tip over more then normal.)
-Make sure you can fill your bladder while installed if using a bigger size. I connect my filter to the installed MSR bladder, If you use a huge bladder then you almost have to unpack to get it in when filled. I need a ton of water so I use the largest bladder and carry two 34oz nalgenes. The bladder size thing is only a problem if you use a bigger then standard bladder over packed your pack. Just get a filter that connects to you bladder and bottles. MSR makes the best.

Conclusion-
All said and done this pack is the best fitting pack I have ever worn. I consider it technologically & ergonomically superior to the other "great" packs I have used. I have bought 2 of this series for myself (50+10, 65+10), 1 for wife (35+10sl), & 2 as gifts(50+10). Everyone is happy and only one had a failure of a zipper. I would expect that Deuter becomes more popular once the buzz of the Osprey wears off.

The price on Deuter is a steal for the quality of product & design and I had to look hard to find anything bad to say.
GuruJ at REI on 02/09/2008

Perfect. It doesn't get any better.

Rating:*****
This backpack is phenomenal. I am 19 and have been backpacking for years with relatives' gear, rented equipment, and a whole lot of creativity. I've had the opportunity to use many packs by leading brands, in a variety of conditions.After spending a year away from the amenities of family (being off at college), I decided to finally begin my own gear collection. This summer I dug through books-worth of online backpack articles and reviews, and gathered the wisdom[...]. After all my research, the results were in such favor of the Deauter ACT Lite 65+10 that I ordered it online without ever even seeing it... and I couldn't be happier.Since then, it's traveled well over 50 miles in the burning-hot Arizona desert, the (actually burning) Trinity Alps, and Yosemite Wilderness fully loaded with up to over 40 pounds. This pack is hands down the most innovative, comfortable, thoroughly thought-out and well-built I have ever used.*It is cool, lets your back and shoulders breathe, and weighs next-to-nothing.*The frame is as sturdy as internal-frames come, and the fabric is brilliantly designed with sturdy stitching and heavier material where necessary.*I have never seen a quicker, more intuitive adjustment system, which allows you to completely personalize the pack for anyone regardless of size, shape, or gender (the ability to cross gender requires the adjustable chest strap, a feature criticized in an earlier review) in a matter of seconds.*The shoulder tightness and distance from the pack can be changed as you hike--a feature I have found to be indispensable.*The pack has pockets where they are useful and none where they aren't.*I find that the pack works best when middle- to top-loaded. To make achieving this weight distribution easier, the main and bottom pouches can be used separately (if you have light-weight items on the bottom to which you want quick access) or combined (if you have a larger, heavy item that should be supported by the thick pack-bottom).*Deuter uses the perfect materials, shapes, and thicknesses of all padding to minimize weight and awkward bulkiness found in many packs, as well as adequately cushion the hips, back and shoulders. The padding, as advertised, significantly contributes to the coolness of the pack.*It's a really good-looking pack, at least on me :)Overall, this pack is much more comfortable, more adjustable, and stronger than other ultralights like Osprey without any extra weight. Also, it's lighter and more maneuverable than typical weekend-size bags--and it costs half as much as a similar (but, in my opinion, less worthy) North Face.So far it's conquered all the outdoor adventures I could throw at it, and is already reliably making its way through Europe this semester. I can't imagine a better overall backpack, but if someone can, it'll probably be Deuter. I'm sold.A+++++
Mike Marcacci at REI on 08/03/2008

Backpack from Heaven!

Rating:*****
For 4.5 months in 2007 I hiked all 2200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Suffice it to say that with anywhere from 25-35 pounds of gear/food/water, the three Gregory packs I carried from Maine to Maryland were the bane of my existence. The number of buckle, seam and suspension failures I had were totally unacceptable and all 3 packs were returned.When I reached Maryland I went in to the DC area and was ashamed to see the same Osprey and Gregory packs in each of the seven outfitters I visited - where were the other brands!?!? At my last option, one of three REI's in the area, this beauty was on display. [...] The fully adjustable shoulder suspension made sure it fit like a glove. The hip and shoulder straps were simply divine, and every pouch seemed to be in the right spot. For the remaining 1100 miles of my journey I carried this pack and after I washed the smell out you'd swear it was brand new.Deuter's are far from common on the Appalachian Trail, and they certainly seem difficult to come by in urban areas, but outfitters on the Trail itself were very familiar and many stocked their packs. An outfitter in Tennessee told me that they're selling more and more of them each year and the company really seems to know hikers - unlike Gregory which has gone downhill ever since being bought by a bank and has changed hands too many times to count.I hope to see more Deuter's on the trails, and I'm certainly glad that REI is now carrying this specific pack since it's truly a great product.
Kenneth AT 2007 at REI on 03/03/2008

Great price, padding and capacity!

Rating:*****
I would describe myself as a minimalist who is comfort driven. I like to be bring with me everything that will allow me to have a safe and comfortable trip. With that said, this pack allows me to comfortably carry everything that I need. I purchased this pack earlier this week and took it with me on a nine mile overnight hike this weekend at Greenleaf State park near Braggs, OK. After a few adjustments I hardly felt the weight of the pack at all. I was able to fit a tent, sleeping bag and pad and some food in the main compartment(s) of the bag along with some clothes underneath the bladder holder. Everything else I needed (first aid kit, food, headlight, etc. fit in the other compartments on the lid. The pouch on the belt/pad was useful for carrying trail mix and gum (as one of the other reviewers said it wouldnt really hold a Garmin GPS). The only problem I experienced was that I had to ocassionaly tighten the shoulder straps as they tended to slip every once in a while. This bag carrys a lot of equipment but it won't do well if you carry a lot of heavy or bulky items. Use this pack with the right equipment and you will definatley enjoy it.

Try this pack out and you will see for yourself why no one has given it a bad review.
Wotko at REI on 01/18/2009

Buy this pack!!

Rating:****
Over the years, I've owned backpacks made by Lowe, Osprey, and Gregory. I bought this pack to cut down on the weight of my Gregory Palisade, which is a great pack but at 6.5 lbs, I felt that there had to be a lighter pack that does the job as well. I was wrong; the Deuter does the job better. Not only is it 2.5 lbs lighter than the Palisade, it's MUCH more comfortable. I broke this pack in yesterday with a 13 mile hike to 11K feet over mixed trail and deep snow carrying 25 lbs. Once the pack was on my pack and I was hiking, I was hardly aware of it. The waistbelt is by far the most comfortable I've ever tried and this is where you carry the weight. And the Aircontact Lite design to keep your back drier really works - far superior to any other pack I've ever used. I bought the pack based on the other reviews and I'm now a believer, too. I've heard of Deuter for years; sorry I waited so long to give them a try. The only complaint I have about the pack (and it's fairly minor) is that the shoulder strap adjustment keeps slipping requiring periodic tightening; it's a bit annoying, but given the positives about his pack, I'll deal with it.
Jim in SD at REI on 04/24/2009

Great Hauler

Rating:*****

This pack is tough, durable, versatile and well thought out. I've been searching for a good replacement pack for 2 years and this is it! I just took this pack on a 4 day ski tour across the Olympic Mountains, WA, and it easily cushioned and handled the 60+ pounds. The pockets are well laid out with nalgenes on each side as well as side pockets for small items. The side and top compression straps work great and make this pack versatile for smaller trips. There are ample attachment locations for ice ax, crampons, skis, skins, pads, etc. The built-in rain cover was plenty big to fit over my tent, crampons and everything else I had strapped on, and stayed on in 70+ mph winds.

The only negatives are that the skis did tear a small hole in the back of the pack when carryed diagonally, but this pack wasn't really meant to carry skis and the pack held up fine to crampons and general abuse.

The vari-quick fit is the best adjustment for torso length EVER! It may just be the best thing since sliced bread.

Bottom line: This pack will get it done.

flan-man at Backcountry.com on 05/06/2009

making a come back

Rating:*****
I suffer from degenerative disc disease, have had 2 lumbar back surgeries, and was retired at 25 years of service on a disability retirement (It was thier idea, not mine). I gave up backpacking years ago and thought that was just a fond memory.[...]. Wow!!! Folks, I'm back!!! Based on the reviews of this pack, I thought it might be a good start and I was right. I'm hauling 35 lbs without any problem and I do 3 to 4 miles a day just to train. Thank you so much for giving me my life back. I showed this fully loaded pack to my Doc and you should have seen the smile on his face. He inspected the pack and said it is the equivelent of a back brace. He says he's ashamed for not thinking of this as a therapy alternative for his other back patients. For once, he didn't chew me out for being fat and says he thinks I may make it to old age yet (I'm 51). Thanks to everyone who reviewed this pack [...]. Thanks to all of you, I have a new lease on life.
oldcajunbackpacker at REI on 11/06/2008

Great design, fit, and value

Rating:****
The previous review is 100% on the mark. The Deuter Aircontact 65+10 is an overall superior performer with the invaluable ability to precisely adjust for various torso sizes. I find that I can make relatively small adjustments easily based on load and what I'm wearing. After a long search and much money spent on packs that didn't quite fit comfortably after some time on the trail, I've found the Aircontact Lites to fit me like a glove (I also own a 50+10). I have frequently worn the pack for 3 hour stretches without taking it off...not out of necessity but because I simply didn't need to remove it. It's that comfortable. My ONLY serious gripe with this pack is the fact that the hydration bladder sleeve is much too deep. When using a Platypus (that has no handle, loop, or other means to effectively hang it) it drops to the bottom of the pack. My fix is to stuff my spare clothes in a sil-nylon bag and put this at the bottom of the sleeve.
Dienekes at REI on 03/06/2008

Finally! Good Capacity + Lightweight

Rating:*****
I try and keep things very lightweight. But taking out two new backpackers and the requirement of a bear keg really complicates that goal. However; this pack was perfect for what I needed. It was large enough to hold a full size bear keg and all the other essentials with room to spare. I switched to this from my full-size(or atleast what I consider full-size) Triconi. The triconi was just entirely too heavy (more than 2lbs heavier) and had a lot of extra creature comforts I didn't require. I wore this pack for 30+ peak bagging miles (a total of 9 actually) over 3 days, two of which were suffered with a VERY bad sunburn on both of my shoulders and back. The pack was beyond comfortable. If you buy this pack, keep it light! Dont buy a lightweight pack and load it up with traditional/heavy gear. It wont be comfortable. My pack weight before water was around 23lbs. After 4-6lbs of water it was barely noticable on my back.
Alleyehave at REI on 08/04/2008

Another Great Deuter Pack

Rating:*****
This is my second Deuter, I also have a 40L. This pack has worked great and even withstood heavy bush whacking. After a few epic trips, a branch tore a hole in the mesh water bottle holder thing about the size of a penny, no big deal. Last trip up Mt. Adams I was yanking on the straps to tighten up my load and one of the plastic clips broke, i temporarily fixed it by tying them together, but this is a concern, they look a little flimsy... might replace them all with some of the old school tough clips. This bag is definitely still great and the adjustable shoulder straps helped me when my pack weight changed throughout the climb. Still lovin this pack.
SavedOne at REI on 08/07/2008