New Deuter Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 Backpack For Men

Deuter Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 backpack for men is the largest pack in the new series, best suited for hikers and backpackers, a reliable pack and a top-quality workmanship.

Key features & benefits

What kind of backpack is this

Deuter has many backpacks with this ‘aircontact’ or its variant in the name. You can see this Aircontact 65 + 10, or ACT Lite 65 + 10, or Aircontact PRO 75 + 15. But this Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 is a new 2018 version from this series. The series includes also packs of 40 + 10, and 50 + 10 liters for men, and 60 + 10, 45 +10, and 35 + 10 for women.

Now, the Deuter Aircontact 65 + 10 is with the weight of 6 lb 6 oz (2900 g), and Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10 is 4 lb 2 oz (1870 g). But this Deuter Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 is with the weight of 4 lb 6.2 oz (1990) g. So now you have at least some idea about where to place this new pack. But it is not all about the weight, see also the features.

The number +10 in the name indicates the extra volume in liters which you get when the collar is expanded, see the picture. So you have a classic top lid which is movable and removable and you can raise it to close the pack in the case of such an extra volume.

Note that the lid can be used as a lumbar pack or a shoulder pack when you remove it from the top.

The pack is top-loading, but you have also the bottom compartment. The divider between the two compartments is removable and it is a real divider with a zipper. This is what I love to see, contrary to some shelf dividers which you can find in Gregory’s packs and in some of Kelty’s packs. You can open it fully when you need one single compartment inside.

This is a hydration compatible pack with a sleeve in the main compartment and the port in the middle.

Who is it for

With 65 + 10 liters volume, this pack is big enough for multi-day hiking and backpacking tours. They describe it as a pack for hiking, trekking, and for hut-to-hut tours. The picture above shows how the lid can be raised when the collar is expanded to add extra load.

You also have multiple attachment options from outside, and the suspension is strong enough for the extra load, so this pack is indeed a multi-functional and versatile outdoor tool.

Overview of the remaining features

The suspension system

The suspension is based on an aluminum X-frame which makes the structure stable to the side movement, and it transfers the load to the hip belt. On the hip belt you have a generous padding, and on the front you have dual straps that create V-shapes from both sides and they converge to the front buckle, see the picture. So when you tighten the belt, this pulls the upper and lower portions of the hip fins separately, and they hug the hip area in the best possible way.

The back padding creates two zones on the sides so you have a vertical chimney in the middle, see the picture above. This is the same in all packs with this aircontact design.

The torso length is adjustable and here you have what they call the Vari-Quick back length adjustment. This implies a ladder-type system where you move the harness up or down to specific positions in the ladder. This is easy because of the Velcro connection which you have there. This allows for the adjustment in the range 15 – 21 inches (38 – 53 cm), so several family members of different body size can use this pack and adjust it in seconds.

The pockets

You have them 7. Two are on the lid, one with the access from outside and one from inside. There are two zippered pockets on the hip belt, and on the sides you have two stretch pockets for water bottles or for any other item which may fit. One large stretch pocket with buckle is on the front.

Attachment elements and compression straps

• Starting from the top, you have 4 loops for equipment attachment on the lid. This can be anything, like a solar panel or pad, etc.
• Similar loops are on the front and these are designed for helmet attachment.
• Attachment loops are also on the bottom.
• On the sides you have dual compression straps. The lower are with the inside-out feature, so you can pass them through the pocket to cinch the load in the main compartment, or over the pockets to secure the items in the pockets.
• The largest pack in this Aircontact Lite series is equipped with dual compression straps.
• There are side straps on the hip belt for stabilizing the load and shifting the pack towards the body.
• Load lifters straps are on the top of the harness.
• The adjustable sternum strap is on the front.
• There is a compression strap over the collar. Here you can fix the rope or any pieces of clothing.

Please see more in this video by Deuter:

Specifications

• Weight: 4.387 lb (1990 g).
• Volume: 3966 + 610 in³ (65 + 10 l).
• Size (H x W x D): 33.1 x 12.6 x 10.2 in (84 x 32 x 26 cm).
• Torso fit: 15 – 21 in (38 – 53 cm).
• Rain cover.
• Colors: 3.

Deuter Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 vs Competitors

Here I give the Aircontact Lite 65 side by side with two other packs of the same volume. As you realize, each of them has some features missing in the others. Please follow the links to read my detailed reviews, this will help you make an educated choice.

Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons

See how I rate this pack:

Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpacking Pack

9.3

Volume-Weight ratio

9.4/10

Features & bonuses

9.2/10

Comfort

9.4/10

Pros

• Expandable collar for extra volume.
• Removable lid doubles as a daypack.
• Very good and adjustable suspension.
• Quality materials and workmanship.

Cons

• No rain cover.
• Expensive.
• No upper side pockets.

BEST PLACEs TO BUY

Blacks

REI

Amazon

Thank you for reading. If you need something different in this size range, please check my page with packs 56 liters plus, you will find many top-notch models of the best-known brands reviewed in detail. Check this Mystery Ranch Stein 62 pack with several unique features.

Please use the comment box below in the case of comments or questions. Have a nice day.