Deuter

Aircontact Ultra 50+5L Backpack

A Keeper

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

One size

Height:

5' 3"

Weight:

126

Used this out of the box for 3 nights backpacking the Grand Canyon in July. Hilltop to Havasu Falls campground, as a daypack to the Colorado River confluence, around the falls, and back out. I backpacked a lot in my teens and 20's with a Osprey Isis women's. About 72 liters? and 5-6 lbs. Haven't really backpacked in 18 years, so I did a bit of shopping. Long torso (18.5 or 19 in.), very wide shoulders, and 5 ft 3 in. Tested all packs by loading with pillows and a 30 lb Bowflex weight. This was the winner based on comfort and price (I have also hiked with a kids Deuter Fox 40 L which was comfortable but short, so I had a good impression of Deuter.) The runner up was Mystery Ranch Radix 47 L men's M. I LOVED that pack, but it was about $120 dollars more, and for the amount of backpacking I won't be doing now that I live in Florida, it wasn't worth it. The Deuter also seemed more breathable. But if I still did snowshoeing or frequent trips, I would spring for the Mystery Ranch. So....baseweight was 15 lbs but I overloaded with food and water, and some of my kid's stuff, so the pack weight was 42-45 lbs on the way down. It carried well, getting heavy on my hips toward the end. On the way out, it was more like 22-25 lbs, which was great, and on the daytrips maybe 10 or 12 lbs. I didn't miss having a daypack; it worked just fine. The hipbelt and buckle were great, and the shoulder straps were comfortable and not bulky. I can't believe how small buckles and straps are these days! I hate the yoke shape like the Osprey Aura; these were basically the opposite. I also hate when the shoulder buckles barely clear my armpit. These had plenty of length. I really like the carabiner torso adjustment. Sternum strap and load lifters are great. Overall, the pack moved really well with my body. The trail involved some ladders and scrambling, and there was no abrasion on the fabric at the end. I was in chest deep water for a few minutes with no pack liner, and everything stayed dry. I liked the suspension and mesh back and straps; felt less sweaty than the old Osprey in Southern Utah/Arizona and West Australia. Good ventilation. I liked the mesh hip pockets: the velcro dots were handy since I could flip the hip pockets up out of the water crossings without trying to get the whole pack out of hip deep water. They fit a Samsung Galaxy 22 just fine, and lots of bars, tubes of suncreen, and stuff. Easy access. I really like the one compartment main bag. It's easy to Ziploc my stuff into categories if I want, and when I'm backpacking, everything stays in there anyway till it's time to camp. Left the brain on. Very spacious and loads nicely. I don't care for bladders, so I used bottles, and 2 1.5 liter bottles fit comfortably in the bladder compartment. The side pockets each hold two tall bottles. They are impossible to get out, though. It's fine for me, since all my backpacking will probably be with family so I can ask someone else to get them in and out, but if I were solo, I would mod them, or add a chest pocket for water. I didn't mess around with the Z compression straps like I hoped to. Carried 2 rolled Thermarests on the bottom with paracord, which felt a little awkward. Wish it had more lash points on the bottom, or maybe I should have carried them vertically? Other packs I tried: Osprey Aura? Women's--hate the straps, heavy Gregory Maven 55L Women's--hate the straps, so many zippers and superfluous straps, heavy Mountainsmith Scream 55L--so uncomfortable, collapsed with 35 lbs Granite Gear Crown2 60L--also collapsed, torso felt too big (but my bro likes his Blaze and used it happily on this trip) Granite Gear Crown2 60L Women's 2019--hate the straps Mystery Ranch Radix 47 L Men's Medium--aaahhh...maybe in my next life Take away--won't bother trying women's packs in the future with my very wide shoulders Deuter was great for a hot desert hike. Wish the side pockets were angled, more lash points, maybe bellow outside pockets. 4.5 stars

Great lightweight but supportive ckpack

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Wanted a sub 3 lb pack of simple design with comfortable padding and internal frame and this is it! Without brain is down to 2 lb 10 oz and carries 30 lbs great! Note that 30 lbs was full weight with food and 3 liters water.

Well Rounded Lightweight Pack

To sum it up, deuter’s Aircontact Ultra does well in all aspects of necessity when in the market for a lightweight functional backpack. It excels most confidently in weight and comfort, and has some minor room for improvement with some of its pockets and the durability of features. This pack is most suited for the efficient trekker who does not want to settle for comfort or functionality. I am stoked to continue using this pack and see how it holds up through the summer.

Lightweight

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The aircontact Ultra 50+5 is very lightweight so you can really pack your gear in without worrying about added weight from the pack. The shoulder straps are very sturdy and offer great comfort and support. I have only used this on a few day hikes so I have utilized all the features but so far everything has been great im really enjoying it.

Amazing Design!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I got this about two months ago for a camping trip we were going on. This is the best hiking bag that I have ever got, it is super lightweight and it has so many different compartments you could pack pretty much everything you need into this bag. I will definitely be using this on every trip we go on.

Objects appear smaller

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Make no mistake like IIIII did, this is not a mini backpack, it's the size of a healthy toddler. I know it's supposed to be for hiking, but uh, I think I'll just keep it as my go back for emergencies in my car. You want something seemingly weather proof in the event you find yourself stranded. So many pockets!!!! I just sat there for a good 10mins exploring the backpack. It is made of very sturdy material. I thought the color would be closer to the green family, but it's actually grey and not worth the trouble of complaining and getting the pictured color, oh well.

Comfortable

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Recently got into hiking and chose this bag based on recommendation from my nephew. It is super ligh and super comfortable. Full load carried for two days and never even noticed it was there. Right gear for the job!

Wonderful paxk

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Very nice and lightweight. The pocket options for accessories are wonderful and really like the fact you can add a water bladder to it if you want. Great support and buckles and gets the job done very well.

Functional

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great product. Very comfortable to carry. I can fit all my essentials in this bag and still have room to spare. I uses this as a travel bag for work and it is very convenient and comfortable to carry.

Perfect for hiking

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This backpack is amazing, such a high quality material and design, you can see how it’s made with the thoughts of convinces for people. The backpack has so much space to put so many needed items while hiking, camping or just travelling. I think this backpack is perfect for every travel situation and can store stuff for the whole family! The colour is gorgeous, bright green will be noticeable from far a long. I feel like it might seem huge and it is, but the way it made you don’t really feel the weight and it doesn’t make me feel tired to carry it in my trips, because backpack is long and equally stays on the back.