Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 - Review 2023

Paying for Premium

This Deuter backpack is great for longer trips and technically challenging hikes. First and foremost it’s comfortable. Secondly, it has all the right features performing in all the right ways. Lastly, this size is great for backpacking Europe as well as climbing up and around the Adirondacks.

It’s probably overkill for weekend trips but the U-shaped, front facing zipper opening makes access to clothing nice and you’ll probably end up using it for this.

We tested this bag in different scenarios, including camping and hiking in varying conditions. Deuter has a backpack that is one of the best in its class and price range. We detail this below, but there aren’t many others that can beat the Aircontact lite for comfort with heavy loads and well-designed features.

Read on.

Design & Materials

First impression? Premium. The 100D High Tenacity Polyamide and 600D Polyester combo gave the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack high quality. Combine that with solid construction. It kept up with considerable weight the entire time.

100D High Tenacity Polyamide is the lightweight (but still durable) mix of 250D and 330D Nylon. The tight weaving pattern is tearproof. It means it won’t rip open if you scratch it on rough rocks outdoors. That’s made better by 600D Polyester (tear-resistant as well) with PU (polyurethane coating) – making it waterproof.

If you end up leaning against this Deuter backpack while sitting down during your trek, no worries about abrasion or tear. To test its waterproofness, we’ve thrown it under the shower. And yes, Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack kept everything inside dry.

Stitching-wise, they’re clean and sturdy. Seams are often the point of failure in hiking bags, but not with this Deuter backpack. If you overload and expand another 10 liters on top, rest assured that the seams won’t give up.

The shoulder straps, back padding, and hip belts have 3mm thick 3D AirMesh material. It keeps points of contact very breathable, even in hot environs.

The construction is almost as solid as the pricier Osprey Aether 65 Hiking Backpack. Way better than budget options like TETON Sports Scout 3400 Hiking Backpack. Besides, your Deuter backpack comes with lifetime warranty. It ensures it lasts for a very long time.

Out for technical outdoor adventures or some serious backpacking adventure across the world? Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack is for you.

Custom the Fit

You can adjust everything- torso length, shoulder straps, load lifters, and hip belts.

Start with all the straps loose. The Vari Quick torso length tab at the back is next to loops of different levels. Try on the Deuter backpack and adjust according to your comfortable fit.

Pull the remaining nylon webbings, and you’re good to go. But unlike other adjustable hiking backpacks, Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack’s hip belts are not detachable.

Want a hiking bag you can fine-tune in every way possible? Osprey Aether 65 Hiking Backpack might interest you.

But given how solid and comfortable the construction is, you won’t have much trouble carrying this Deuter backpack. Plus, if hip belts are a must for you, you’ll have peace of mind they won’t fall off since they’re built-in.

Clips, Loops, Straps

Compression straps? They’re everywhere! It helps make this Deuter backpack compact as possible. We also love that the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack is jam-packed with lashing points.

The top lid alone already has four! At the front, there are two on each side, with a couple of bungee strings for your trekking pole and ice ax. Your sleeping or yoga mat can stay put at the compression straps outside the bottom compartment with two more loops for other equipment.

This Deuter backpack is almost as lashy as Osprey Aether 65 Hiking Backpack, but not quite as much as Mystery Ranch Glacier Hiking Backpack.

Now, for the load lifters over the shoulder straps- no words. They efficiently help in counterbalancing Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack’s overall weight. It’s another comfort factor that makes carrying it a breeze.

With its functional lashing points and compression straps, this Deuter backpack provides you external room for your gear while staying comfortable.

Storage

With 75 liters of maxed-out capacity, you can sneak in everything you need for your whole life of traveling (not even exaggerating).

Main Compartment

Like in TETON Sports Scout 3400 Hiking Backpack, there’s double-cinching at the top opening of this Deuter backpack. The topmost drawstring is best if you decide to expand another 10 liters, while both secure your items when you don’t have your hiking bag super loaded.

Not fond of drawstring toggle openings? Zipped backpacks like Under Armour Adult Hustle 4.0 Backpack and The North Face Jester Backpack will do great for quick hikes.

It’s a large Deuter backpack, and there’s no front loading. If you need something from the bottom of the bag, you’ll struggle to dig through all of your items. And it’s no secret how annoying that is! Take a look at Salkan Backpacker for 2-way time-saving access from the top and front.

Given that Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack’s dilemma with access and lack of internal pockets, it’ll help if you use some packing cubes to keep your items inside compartmentalized.

The main compartment is so roomy you can sneak in everything you’ll need for month-long backpacking, especially if you’re a light packer. There’s plenty of space for your cooking equipment, clothes, and food when trekking and camping. Just remember to attach anything you can outside by the lash points so you save some space-it can be your trekking pole, ice ax, or sleeping bag.

Hydration

There’s a reservoir sleeve in the rear section of this hiking bag with a tube port to the back. You can plug in up to three liters of bladder and stay hydrated while conquering trails in Cascade Springs Nature Preserve.

Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack’s water bottle holders are some of the best out there. Spacious to fit even a girthy 32-oz. Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth Water Bottle. But also have a built-in compression strap inside to accommodate slim ones like 20 oz. Klean Kanteen Insulated Water Bottle. It’s easier to snatch whenever you need to quench your thirst, unlike in TETON Sports Scout Hiking Backpack, with small clearance since the side pockets are on the way.

But if you want to quickly get your drink without taking off your bag or twisting your torso awkwardly, the Osprey Aether 65 Hiking Backpack has 2-way water bottle pockets. One accessible the traditional way from the top, and another angled towards your body so you can quickly get it even while wearing your hiking backpack.

With a combination of a hydration sleeve and water bottle holders, you’re sure to keep up with your daily water intake while using a Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack.

Top Lid

The adjustable top lid is roomy and convertible into a daypack. Expanding the storage with another 10 liters on top, all you need is to loosen up the straps, so the lid sits on top of this Deuter backpack.

Want to check out the novelty stores around Savannah squares? Leave your heavy backpack in your hotel room. Remove the top lid’s strap from the tri-gliders and use them as shoulder straps. Caution to never put anything significantly heavy since the thin straps are not sturdy.

Alternatively, if you’re a digital nomad, you can check out hiking backpacks with a separate daypack like Salkan Backpacker. It’s got solid construction and a built-in laptop sleeve so you can enjoy a cup of coffee while editing shots in a café, sipping your favorite brew post-hike.

There’s also a security pocket under the lid of this Deuter backpack. No way for criminals to access your cards and passport since the zips are out of their sight and reach.

Front Shove-It Pocket

If you need to stow away your rain poncho since the sun is out again, the ideal place to drain and keep them is in the shove-it front pocket. It’s got mesh panels on the sides, making it great with dumping out some water from your gear.

And speaking of rain, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack doesn’t come with rain cover. It was a bit shocking considering the price and how well-built it is, so I was a little disappointed. But this hiking bag is waterproof anyways (although we’ve yet to compare its waterproofing against some of the best waterproof backpacks). However, the extra layer of protection would be great.

We’re also into zipped front pocket’s convenience. Sadly, this Deuter backpack is missing that. If that turned you off as well, see The Stubble and Co. Adventure Bag. It’s going to perform well when it comes to organization.

Sleeping Bag Compartment

Spacious. So much so there’s lots of spare room in the sleeping bag compartment for your other gear. Whether you’re using Sea to Summit Ascent Acl Sleeping Bag or Marmot Phase Sleeping Bag, they fit in well. You can even throw in a pair of flip-flops in there alongside your sleeping bag without any trouble.

You’ll notice that there’s a zipper above the compartment. You can undo it to remove the divider and have extra room for your clothes. That’s useful if you don’t have a sleeping bag or don’t mind lashing yours outside. It’s a typical feature you’ll find in other hiking backpacks like TETON Sports Scout 3400 Hiking Backpack and Osprey Aether 65 Hiking Backpack.

Summary

For roughly $220, Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack provides you with premium construction and performance. Same that you would find on famous brands within its price range (although this Deuter backpack is still cheaper than most).

It’s the hiking backpack for anyone who wants to get the best value for their money. Comfortable to carry, waterproof yet breathable, with a built-in bladder sleeve and optional ten more liters on top. It sounds like a total steal because it is!

You won’t regret getting a Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 Backpack if you’re an experienced traveler or hiker. But if you’re a newbie, forking out that much money might not be the best thing to do.

Buy this backpack if:

• You’re searching for a comfortable hiking backpack for a reasonable price
• Want a reliable bag for your backcountry escapades and backpacking adventure