Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 + 5 – Hiking Backpack Review (With Real Trail Use)
Trail-Tested, Thoughtfully Designed, and Ready for the Miles
After some serious trail time across Tasmania and New South Wales—from misty alpine climbs to sunny summit day hikes—this pack has proven itself over and over again. The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 + 5 isn’t just another backpack—it’s a reliable, comfortable, and cleverly designed companion for long-distance hiking, vanlife travel, and everything in between.
🎒 What I Love About the Hiking Backpack
🧢 The Detachable Daypack Lid
This is probably my favourite feature. The +5L top lid converts into a lightweight daypack, which has been such a win for how we hike. If Amy and I are taking a rest day on the trail and want to explore without packing up camp, we just clip the daypack together and go.
It takes a little fiddling the first time (definitely a “figure it out once” kind of thing), and it doesn't quite fit a big water bottle perfectly, but overall it’s so convenient. We've taken that little pack up countless mountain summits, and it’s never let us down.
🌬️ Comfort + Airflow: Back System That Works
The Aircontact back system is breathable and really well-engineered. It keeps the pack close to your centre of gravity and lets your back breathe on hot days. Compared to my old budget pack from Anaconda, this thing is like night and day. With the old one, I always had shoulder pain and pressure points—this Deuter distributes the weight way more effectively.
No, it’s not like I’m floating—but for a 50L+ pack, it’s impressively comfortable.
🧦 Front Stretch Pouch = Game-Changer
The sock-like front pouch is one of the most versatile parts of the pack. I constantly shove my fleece or jacket in there when I heat up mid-hike, but I’ve also used it to store my tent when it was wet or needed quick access. It’s flexible, easy to reach, and makes trail life so much smoother.
💦 Hipbelt Pockets = Yes, They Exist!
Let’s clear this up: the hipbelt does have pockets. And they’re great. Light, breathable, and perfect for snacks, my phone, or little things I want close at hand. A small detail that makes a big difference on long days.
🎨 Stylish, Subtle, Weather-Resistant
The Tin Shale colour is sleek and understated—although it's light, I love that it catches the dirt a little and doesn’t scream “I just left the gear shop.” It looks great in the wild and even while traveling. The outer material is slightly water-resistant too, which has helped me ride out a few light showers without rushing to throw on a rain cover.
🔻 A Few Minor Drawbacks
Daypack setup takes a bit of trial and error the first time
Doesn’t comfortably fit a large water bottle in the daypack
No rain cover included
Not ideal for ultra-heavy hauls, but perfect for minimalist or medium-weight loads
🌏 Why Deuter Deserves Respect
One of the things that drew me to Deuter in the first place—and has kept me loyal—is their genuine commitment to environmental health and sustainability. That’s not a marketing buzzword with them. It’s built into how they make their products.
✅ PFAS-Free = A Big Deal
This pack is made completely without per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS). That’s huge. PFAS is commonly used in waterproof coatings, but it's a toxic, persistent chemical that shows up in soil, drinking water, and even remote wilderness areas.
Deuter’s solution? A Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment that’s harmless to both people and the planet. This feels really personal to me because my partner Amy works in contaminated land as an environmental scientist. She’s constantly testing for PFAS in soil and groundwater—it’s everywhere. Choosing a brand that’s actively reducing that harm matters deeply to both of us.
“This Deuter product was manufactured without the use of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. This reduces the use of substances that are harmful to the environment and health.” — Deuter
♻️ Sustainability and Warranty
100% recycled body fabric
bluesign®-approved manufacturing
Fair, transparent supply chains
Lifetime warranty – Deuter stands by their products
Built to last = less waste, less replacing
It’s incredibly satisfying to own gear that’s built to last and built with values. As someone who lives simply, hikes often, and cares about the planet—it’s exactly what I want from a gear company.
🧭 Final Verdict
The Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50 + 5 is a thoughtfully crafted pack that nails it on both function and ethics. It’s practical, durable, sleek, and trail-tested. Whether you’re trekking through alpine passes or walking into town, it keeps the weight off your shoulders and your mind on the beauty around you.
🌟 RATING: 4.8/5
Light enough to love, tough enough to trust, and sustainable enough to feel good carrying. If you're ready to invest in a pack that supports both your body and your values, this is the one.
