Aircontact Lite 50+10

The Deuter Aircontact Lite 50 + 10 is a trekking pack for walks measured in nights rather than hours. It pairs a light build with an adjustable back length and padded, ventilated back panel, so a full load of food, shelter and water sits on your hips rather than your shoulders.

Who it's for

Walkers heading out for two to five nights: the Overland Track, the Australian Alps Walking Track in sections, Wilsons Prom's southern circuit or a Larapinta stage. Deuter rate it five out of five for trekking and four out of five for travel, so it doubles as a backpacking-trip pack. The recommended 12-15 kg covers a sensible multi-day kit.

Capacity, and what actually fits

50 litres takes a tent, a sleeping bag and mat, a stove and pot, three or four days of food and a set of warm clothes. A zip-out divider gives you a separate lower section for the sleeping bag, and an elasticated inner compartment holds wet gear or a 3 L bladder. The pack measures 76 x 30 x 27 cm.

How it carries

An X-frame spreads the load across the back panel and down into the hip belt. The Aircontact back uses open-cell foam pads with ventilation channels and breathable 3D mesh, so the pack sits close for stability while air still moves. Compact ECL hip fins with padded inserts hug your hips, and pull-forward adjustment snugs them down; a cut-out along the spine eases pressure where packs usually rub. Stabiliser straps and a 2-way adjustable sternum strap fine-tune the carry.

Fitting it

The VariQuick system lets you set the back length anywhere from 42 to 62 cm, covering walkers of about 170-205 cm. We stock this pack because one size adjusts to fit so many walkers.

Access and organisation

A stretch front pocket swallows a rain jacket, and stretch side pockets take bottles. The lid has its own compartment and comes off entirely when you want to save weight. Inside, a separate pocket keeps your wallet and keys safe. An ice axe attachment and pole attachment carry the long items outside.

• Main compartment with zip-out divider
• Removable lid with lid compartment
• Stretch front pocket and stretch side pockets
• Elasticated inner compartment, hydration compatible up to 3 L
• Inside valuables compartment
• Ice axe and pole attachment; helmet holder loops (holder sold separately)

Weight

1640 g for a 50 litre framed trekking pack with an adjustable back. That is a light starting point for a multi-day load, and the removable lid lets you trim further on shorter trips.

Looking after it

The pack is built from 140D polyamide ripstop and 600D recycled polyester, with a DWR finish made without intentionally added PFAS. Deuter cover it with a 2-year warranty.