Deuter Aircontact Lite 60+10 SL - Women's Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Comfortable, adjustable, works well with heavy loads, relatively inexpensive
Cons: Lacks features, bulky waist belt, pack is tall and bonked our heads while walking up rough terrain
Manufacturer: Deuter
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Deuter Aircontact Lite 60+10 SL - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $165.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $280 List | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $210 List $209.95 at Amazon | $164.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Comfortable, adjustable, works well with heavy loads, relatively inexpensive | Comfortable, lightweight, supportive suspension, simple design, large pockets | Comfortable and supportive, fully-featured with pockets and access points, adjustable torso and hip belt | Comfortable, lightweight, good set of features, large stow pockets | Ultra comfortable, roomy, inexpensive, durable, can fit a bear can horizontally, low center of gravity, airy mesh frame |
| Cons | Lacks features, bulky waist belt, pack is tall and bonked our heads while walking up rough terrain | Non-ventilated back panel, less organizational features | Mesh pockets lack durability | Simple suspension, lacks support | Not many bells and whistles, set torso adjustment points, no back stash pocket |
| Bottom Line | A relatively inexpensive pack with a simple design and a comfortable suspension system that works well under heavy loads | A durable bag with all the right pockets and suspension that will keep your back, hips, and shoulders comfortable all day | A comfortable and supportive suspension, a comprehensive feature set, and adjustability all in a lightweight package | The Octal 55 is lightweight, well-featured, and provides for tons of storage space | This simple pack combines comfort, volume, and price; it will take you anywhere and won’t break the bank |
| Rating Categories | Deuter Aircontact L... | Ultralight Adventur... | Gregory Maven 65L | Gregory Octal 55 | Osprey Renn 65 |
| Comfort and Suspension (45%) | |||||
| Organizational systems (20%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Adjustability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Deuter Aircontact L... | Ultralight Adventur... | Gregory Maven 65L | Gregory Octal 55 | Osprey Renn 65 |
| Measured Weight (pounds) | 4.3 lbs | 2.7 lbs | 3.4 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 3.6 lbs |
| Volumes Available (liters) | 40+10, 45+10, 50+10, 70+10 | 68 | 45, 55, 65 | 45, 55 | 50, 65 |
| Organization: Compartments | Lid, side pocket, stash pocket, main compartment | Side pockets, front pocket, hip belt pockets, main compartment | Lid with two pockets, front pocket, side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment | Lid, front pocket, side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment | Lid, side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment |
| Access | Top, bottom | Top | Top, side, bottom | Top | Top, bottom |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rain Cover Included | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Women's Specific Features | Women's specific fit | S-Curve Shoulder Straps | Women's specific fit | Women's specific fit | Women's Specific fit |
| Sleeping bag Compartment | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bear Can Compatible | Yes | Yes - Vertical | Yes - Vertical and Horizontal | Yes - Vertical, tight fit | Yes - Vertical and Horizontal |
| Main Materials | 25% Polyester, 75% Polyamide | 500 Cordura | Nylon | Nylon | 600D polyester |
| Sizes Available | One size, with adjustable torso | S, M, L, XL, Kids | XS/S, S/M | XS, S, M | One size, with adjustable torso |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The AirContact Lite is a simple, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive pack. It is a work-horse — with the ability to carry heavy loads with no trouble. If you are looking for a simple and effective pack, this is an excellent option for you.
Performance Comparison
Comfort and Suspension
The AirContact Lite is a simple, single-size, adjustable backpack that we find incredibly comfortable. The padding in the back and shoulder straps is thick and comfortable. These wide straps work well for those with an athletic build. This pack also provides a ton of support and padding in the lower back, which is another huge plus.
Designed with women's specific sizing, the AirContact Lite has a relatively short torso and extra padding in the hip belt. The newly designed hip belt is one of our favorite features in this pack. It is sleek and straightforward while still providing plenty of padding.
A suspension's function depends on the proper fit. Luckily, this pack offers an adjustable torso length. When fit properly, the suspension distributes weight effectively. We found that this pack can comfortably carry loads ranging from 15 pounds to over 50 pounds. It is also spacious enough to fit a ton of gear.
The AirContact has 3D mesh on the back panel and shoulder straps, which help ventilate these areas. The pack also provides ample support in the lower back with extra padding. The X Frame and Comfort Lock hip belt help maintain a close, stable fit. We liked the stability this pack's suspension system provides. We noticed that the high frame of the AirContact meant that your head is bound to clash with the back of the pack. As we plowed up burly hills and hopped over rocks and other obstacles, we kept finding that our head hit the pack.
Organizational Systems
The AirContact Lite comes with simplicity in mind, and we find it wonderfully easy to use. We also appreciate that the pack isn't over-pocketed. The fewer but thoughtful pocket locations let us easily organize and access all of our belongings.
We especially like the size of the sleeping bag holder — which is large enough to fit our bag, as well as a few puffy jackets to improve the pack's overall organization. One awkward design feature is the arched zipper that accesses the sleeping bag compartment. Its shape makes it inconvenient to open and close.
The AirContact Lite has only three enclosed compartments, including the main compartment. (It also has three separate access points into the main compartment.) It is one of the more uncomplicated backpacks we tested, and it keeps organizational options straightforward, which we think is incredible. This backpack offers pockets only where they were necessary.
Weight
The AirContact Lite weighs in at 4.3 pounds, but because the AirContact has a simpler design and much of it is within the pack's well-padded back panel and suspension system, we feel it is well worth it.
As a result of the extra weight in the suspension, the AirContact Lite has a suspension system that can support heavy loads. If the weight doesn't concern you, but a cushy back panel does, then the AirContact is an excellent choice.
Adjustability
The Deuter is a one-size adjustable backpack that allows for simple adjustments to the shoulder straps, torso length, and waist belt. The minimal and well-placed adjustment points make figuring out a proper fit easy.
Tunneling lower compression straps allow you to keep the main contents of the pack nice and tight and still utilize the side mesh pockets without much hassle. You can also remove the brain, which expands significantly to accommodate big loads.
Value
Ranking towards the lower end in price but higher-end in comfort, the Deuter AirContact Lite is a good value. It has a simple design offering few pockets yet plenty of adjustment options on a one-size-fits-most backpack. Appropriate for both the beginner and the advanced backpacking woman, the AirContact Lite offers a solid value.
Conclusion
Deuter has been making backpacks for over one hundred years, and its women's specific AirContact Lite does not disappoint. It's a simple backpack in a single size that offers more than sufficient padding on the shoulder straps, waist belt, and back frame. It also has enough adjustment options to configure to most body sizes and preferences comfortably. Whether you're new to backpacking or experienced and are looking to simplify your systems, this model is a good value for a simple yet comfortable backpack.
— Meg Atteberry and Jane Jackson
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