Deuter aircontact packs

[rsriddle_76]

Hi, i'm just getting into hiking and was wanting to know if anyone has/used the Deuter air contact packs? as anaconda had them on sale from $399 to $320 for the 65+10 ltr packs. Does anyone think i would be worth getting for the price and that i'm just getting into it. Or shoild i go with what seems to be used by most Macpack, HW, one planet!!
Thankyou Rod

[nickL]

hi

saw your post and just to let you know if you are in the market i have an Osprey argon 85lt pack for 400 O.N.O - if you are interested it has a great harness with excellent ventilation and a brilliant set up

it is posted on the market square forum.

nick

[Ent]

Hi

I have a Futra 50 + 10 that I got with the idea of using it a large group day pack and an overnight pack. Err? Lets just say compact packing and me have not gelled as heading out tomorrow with my 90 litre One Planet stuffed to the seams for an overnight walk

Anyway back to the pack. Mine is a nylon pack and uses the air harness system and adjustable in fixed increments for back length. The mesh appears to be supported by steel and pack weight is around 2.6 kilograms from memory so not a light system even compared to the traditional type packs. The harness is a simple system so around 15 kilograms is the true comfort level for a long walk. For shorter ones it can handle 18 kilograms. The quality or workmanship is excellent and materials not bad so it should hang around a bit. Also it is a design that has not obvious bits to fail apart from mesh pockets. As for the air mesh system, yes on stinking hot days it is not bad but then not vastly better than my favourite system, that being the One Planet Exact Fit Plus.

However, frankly given the price I would prefer to put the money into say a One Planet Stiletto that has about the same weight but a considerably better harness plus the ability to take more of life's knocks and bumps. One Planet has the advantage of been Australian so after sales service is brilliant and they do understand building a pack for a warmer climate unlike one brand that I found to be rather poor, especially in warmer weather, despite the hype. If you have already brought the pack you should be happy but if not check out the One Planet range. As for the mentioned Osprey by another poster they are gaining traction as a lighter weight (but no means ultra light) option that can stand up to hard work and was used by a group that bush bashed following in the footprints of a infamous Tasmanian killer from the convict era. Also they have like One Planet a lot of local stores so no gambling that comes from mail order. Packs and boots are two items that being fitted correctly for are worth the extra money especially if new to buying gear, at least in my humble opinion.

Cheers Brett

[rsriddle_76]

Thanks Nic, but its abit big for what i want but looks like a great buy! Also deuter claim to be the oldest pack maker, dont know if that means anything but. anyone else use them ? or have any trouble with them.

[flatfoot]

I have a Deuter Futura 26L and an AirContact 75+10. The problem is I haven't had a chance to try them out yet. I'll be trying out the 26L pack next weekend on a daywalk. I purchased the 26L pack to use for daywalks and will also try using it for an overnight walk. I'm also just getting into hiking after a long hiatus.

I bought the 26L from Anaconda. I purchased the 75+10 via a buying agent from the states. The harnesses have lots of adjustment and seem comfortable. I got most of the equipment I need for day and overnight/extended walks. I've only recently joined a bushwalking club.

I think choosing a pack is a tricky decision. Work out what features you really want. I like the Deuter packs because of the harness and the integrated rain cover. I also wanted packs with a no-fuss mechanism for attaching hiking poles. The two packs have convenient systems for this purpose. Whilst I don't currently see that I will use a water bladder, I think it's best to buy a pack that has this capability ... that way if you decide to use a bladder you don't need to buy a new pack.

[dpatto7]

Hello,
I have the Deuter Air Contact 65+10 that i have used for numerous overnight hikes and more recently hiking the cape to cape in WA (135km - 6days/5nights)
I loaded it up with about 19kgs and never had any problems, it was full at the start but quickly compressed down so i was glad i didnt have anything bigger... its also quite adjustable which i think is important on long walks, has plenty of compression and a nice easy access hip pocket for your camera/GPS and has a built in pack cover which was good for when it rained.

In saying all that, my wife had an osprey pack, and my friend had an arctex pack which have very similar features/price point and they were comfortable too (we as comfortable as you can be when you are carrying it for up to 7 hours a day!)

[rsriddle_76]

Thanks flatfoot, i just got my Deuter 65+10 aircontact today off layby from Anaconda the only reason i got it from there was the price, as help there is not the best!!. I have geared it up with all my hiking stuff and 3ltr hydration bladder and it feels and fits great, love it. can i ask how much the 75+10 cost you from the states?
What bushwalking club did you join? as i have almost all the gear for few day hikes. But gee i could get carried away with all the stuff you can buy hey! love it.

[flatfoot]

The price I paid on 25 April was USD $215.09 as the pack was on special. I bought via a shipping agent and consolidated the order shipping with a Black Diamond Tent. The pack I have is this one. I had trouble finding the 75+10 available locally (only looked online).

Consolidated shipping of the pack and a Black Diamond 2-person tent cost me approximately USD $130.

I joined Springwood Bushwalking Club since it's more convenient for me to get to their meetings. Most of their walks are in the Blue Mountains but they do go further afield. I may join a second club for additional variety of walk locality. I'm aiming to walk 2-3 times per month.

[rsriddle_76]

Do you have contact details on Springwood club at all. And any other club that is west of Sydney as i live in Richmond and would like to join a club.

[flatfoot]

Do you have contact details on Springwood club at all. And any other club that is west of Sydney as i live in Richmond and would like to join a club.

I've sent you a PM with some info for the Springwood Bushwalking club.

[mjdunn8]

Deuter make great packs. Ive had mine for years.

The cheapest place to get them is http://www.tipi.com.au and when you register you get a 10% discount

Good luck

[Drifting]

Try it on with a full load in it before you buy it!