From Hans Deuter’s humble German Post Office bag in 1898, to leading the world with the first nylon backpacks in the 60’s, this German manufacturer is a company working hard to meet the new lightweight demands of today’s bushwalker.
The Aircontact Lite 45L+10L SL (SL = women’s fit) is offered in their Trekking range and weighs in at 1.7kg.
Overall, this is one of the narrowest packs on the market, which when loaded to maximum capacity forces it to have a very tall profile.
If pushing it to these limits, smart packing is essential to ensure heavier items are close to your back and lumbar, otherwise the lid can push against your head and set you up for a slightly top heavy swing as you walk.
The pack strikes a good balance of comfortable padding with support designed specifically for a woman’s body. The breathable hollow chamber foam against the body cleverly leaves the spine in an untouched trench, whilst the shaping hugs the lumbar and waist curves of the female torso.
And ladies, you’ll be pleased to know that the chest tensioning straps are well located and adjustable.
Feature wise, the internal lower section can be unzipped, revealing a single compartment and the mesh hip belt pockets are a good size, with a small amount of stretch for expansion.
Whilst the external side pockets fit a 1L drink bottle, access whilst wearing the pack isn’t possible without extreme dexterity, however the internal hydration bladder has a generous opening for a 2L+ bladder and centrally located access hole for the hose.
A handy feature is the lid that can be removed completely to carry essentials for side-trips. This is the secret to the +10L extension of the pack, with an ample throat below which can be cinched down for carrying less or extended fully when needed.
Whilst our Aussie conditions don’t call for ice-axes very often, the bottom loops and mid-height elastic toggles hold walking poles securely in place when not in use. If fitted and packed properly, this pack would make a good weekender as an entree into the world of lighter weight packs.
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Review_Caro Ryan. lotsafreshair.com