Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Deuter Aircontact 50 10SL > Jodi Cornelius > Initial Report

My e-mail: bpskids@atlanticbb.net
Name: Jodi Cornelius
Age: 42
Height: 5'4"/1.6 m
Weight: 160 lbs/73 kg
Gender: Female
City: Derrick City
State: PA
Country: USA
Date: September 29, 2004
My area of the country: Northwest Pennsylvania

Initial Impression:  My first thought when the pack arrived was it is finally here!!  WHOO HOO!!!  It arrived in a plain box via the man in brown (UPS). I opened the box and the pack was inside, no packing material other than the pack in a clear plastic bag. I pulled the pack out of the box and promptly started drooling.  After quickly grabbing a towel before I made a big mess, I started examining the pack.  The pack had a tag attached that said what the product was, what their website is, a card with a sample of the Aircontact material used to help my back stay cool, a letter, thanking me for testing their product, and a short Product Feeback form. And then, OOOOO, tons of pockets (I love pockets - it is my opinion that there can NEVER be enough pockets on a pack).  A key pocket that I really liked can be found on the waist belt.  On the right side of the waist belt, there is a pocket in which you can carry a car key or anything else of a small nature that you would like to have handy.  I like it for my car key.  It is a zippered pocket so chances are the key will not fall out.  I checked to see if my digital camera would fit in the pocket. It does but it is a tight fit and I would be fearful of something crushing it (should I prove my lack of grace and pitch forward onto my face). However, I do think a smaller digital camera, mine is the Kodak EasyShare CX4230(4.375 in x 2.5 in x 1.675 in/11.11 cm x 6.35 cm x 4.25 cm), would fit very well, along with some of the slimmer digitals. The zipper is also covered by a small flap that helps to keep the pull tab from catching on brush and accidentally being opened.

The Vari-Quick harness system appears to work as a one size fits all. However, upon examination of the pack, it appears that the pack could conceivably fit a torso length from 16 in/40.64 cm to 24 in/61 cm. The reason I determined this is my torso length is 19 in/48.26 cm and my dad's torso length is 21 in/53 cm. I had initially set my pack too long - it fit my dad. I asked him what size his torso was and upon telling me 21 in/53 cm I looked at the adjustments and noticed they were 1 in/2.5 cm apart. I then moved the system down 3 straps and tried it on. It fit PERFECTLY! Checking it this way, I have determined that it is possible the pack could fit the mentioned torso lengths. The adjustments are made by lifting up a hook and loop strap, pulling the strap out from the fabric adjusters and moving it up/down depending on your size. Then you pull the strap back through the adjusters, flip it over the slits and re-attach the hook and loop.

The pack arrived on the same day I found out my father had a stroke. So I used the pack as my suitcase and packed my sleeping bag, mat, and clothes in the pack. I found there was plenty of room for all the stuff I needed to take which was nice.

Test Plan: I look forward to actually using this pack for my upcoming hikes. I will be hiking the Morrison Trail, the North Country Trail, Tracy Ridge, and Johnnycake Trail this summer and fall. I plan on testing the pack with and without using the available hydration pocket. I will try to determine how much space it takes away from what I normally carry if any. I will also determine how much weight I can comfortably carry along with how light I can go before the pack feels uncomfortable or awkward.

View of the Pack

View of the top of the pack

View of the padded side of the pack

View from the left


Close up of the buckle on the top side cinch

Zipper pocket on side of pack - one on each side

Pack with top extended

Closeup of daisy chain

Pack with built-in rain cover

Closeup of belt pocket

Things I like: The pockets!
Things I dislike: Nothing as of yet. I tested the Deuter Futura 42 day pack and the construction of that was very well done. I foresee the same attention to detail in this trekking pack as I did in the day pack.

Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Deuter Aircontact 50 10SL > Jodi Cornelius > Initial Report