Deuter is a European company specializing in hiking and camping accessories. They are known for their beautiful craftsmanship and their high-quality materials. There is no going wrong with any one of their backpacks. But each of their backpacks are made for a particular purpose.
In this Deuter Aircontact Lite vs Aircontact comparison, we cover all that you need to know about these hiking backpacks before you purchase one. We want to give you as much information as possible about each of them so that you can decide which one would be best for you.
Deuter Aircontact Lite vs Aircontact
What Makes Them So Great
The Aircontact Lite and the Aircontact are both pretty great. In fact, they have many of the same features. We have made a list of these wonderful features below so that you can see at a glance what they’re all about.
- Stretch compartment: As we have said in reviews for other backpacks, we love stretch mesh compartments. They allow us to store large items such as wet gear and other types of things that would want to keep separate from the main compartment. Both the Aircontact Lite and the Aircontact have stretch compartments on the front panel.
- Lid pocket: The lids of these backpacks have a large pocket that you can use to store items that you want to access frequently.
- Valuables pocket: Also at the top of the backpacks are valuables pockets. You can keep your valuables safe there and away from any obvious detection.
- Bottom compartment: They have bottom compartments that are large enough to store your sleeping bag or you sleeping pad. It is great that you get to keep things separate from the main compartment.
- Side pockets: Like many of the Deuter backpacks, they have side pockets for your water bottles or other gear like your map and compass.
- Hydration sleeve: These backpacks come with hydration sleeve that can accommodate the Hydration System 3.0 L. However, this hydration pack is sold separately.
- Adjustable torso length: Pretty much anybody can fit into one of these backpacks. Whether you are tall or short, the torso adjustability in these backpacks is just what you need.
- Plenty of ventilation: There is something great about the fact that in feel the sweat coming off your back with the ventilation system of these backpacks.
Deuter Aircontact Lite vs Aircontact: The Differences
As the names just, the Aircontact Lite was meant to be the lighter version. It is approximately 2 pounds lighter than the Aircontact. The downside of the Aircontact Lite is that it does not have as much back support as the Aircontact. Nevertheless, many customers feel that the Aircontact Lite back support is adequate. Here just a few more differences between these backpacks:
- Raincover: The Aircontact has a rain cover while the Aircontact Lite does not. A rain cover comes in very handy when it begins to rain and you want to protect the insides of your backpack. However, you could purchase a rain cover for the Act Lite. You would just have to do some research into a rain cover that fits the dimensions of the backpack.
- Front opening: The Aircontact has a large front opening in order to give you full access to the contents of your main compartment. This means that you’ll be able to access gear from any point between the top and the bottom of the gear. The Aircontact Lite does not have this feature.
- Daisychain: Daisychains are great to allow you to attach further gear to your backpack. The Aircontact Lite does not have a daisychain, while the Aircontact has these attachments along its frontpanel.
- Rotating waist belt: We love the fact that the waist belt on the Aircontact moves freely as you move. This is highly important to many people who are going to be moving their bodies in various ways.
All the above being said, it is worth mentioning that some customers claim that the side pockets on the Aircontact Lite are a bit too tight for water bottles. Granted, this is only when the backpack is completely full. Some of also said that the Aircontact Lite’s hip belt pockets and stretch mesh pocket are a bit too small.
Deuter Aircontact Lite vs Aircontact: Price Comparison
Do you think that the Aircontact Lite is less expensive than the Aircontact? You guessed right when it comes to most merchants. If you want to get current prices on Amazon for the Aircontact Lite and the Aircontact, please see below.
The Verdict
In order to make the Aircontact Lite the lighter version, Deuter has needed to do away with some of the features. The Aircontact is great for those who really value comfort, without needing a lighter backpack. It has features like a daisychain and a rotating waist belt to be even more comfortable.
You simply cannot go wrong with the Aircontact unless you actually want to get a cheaper price. The Aircontact Lite does come at a lower price point. But be sure of which of the two you actually want before purchasing. After all, these backpacks a last you for years!
