Deuter is a German pack brand with well over a century of manufacturing experience and a reputation for building packs that combine ergonomic engineering with long-term durability. Widely trusted by trampers, mountaineers, and travellers worldwide, Deuter packs are known for their refined back systems and considered design details. At Dwights, we stock Deuter's Aircontact tramping pack range, AC Lite day packs, and Kid Comfort child carriers — covering everything from a full multi-day Great Walk trip through to a family day out on the track. The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is our lead recommendation for NZ Great Walk tramping packs. Browse the full hiking packs collection to compare options.
Deuter Aircontact — Multi-Day Tramping Packs
The Deuter Aircontact range is built for multi-day tramping and travel with substantial loads. Using Deuter's contact-load-transfer back system, the Aircontact packs distribute weight effectively through the hipbelt, reducing fatigue over long days on the track. The Aircontact Core 50+10 is our top recommendation for NZ Great Walks — its capacity range (50L main with 10L extension collar) sits squarely in the ideal 50–65L bracket for most Great Walk itineraries. The 60+10 suits trampers carrying larger loads, particularly those camping rather than staying in huts, or those on extended multi-day routes.
Deuter AC Lite — Day Packs
The Deuter AC Lite range brings Deuter's build quality to lighter day packs and shorter-trip use. Using an Aircontact Lite back system that offers a degree of ventilation alongside load transfer, the AC Lite range works well for day walks, half-day tracks, and trips where you're not carrying a full multi-day load. It's a solid choice for families, casual trampers, or as a secondary pack for use at base camp.
Deuter Kid Comfort — Child Carriers
The Deuter Kid Comfort range is designed to carry younger children comfortably and safely on the track. With a structured frame, adjustable child seat, sun canopy, and parent-focused back system, the Kid Comfort series makes it practical to get young families out on NZ's tracks — from beach walks to gentler Great Walk sections. Both the child's comfort and the carrying parent's load management are well-addressed in the design.
Frequently Asked Questions — Deuter
What Deuter packs does Dwights stock?
Dwights stocks three main ranges from Deuter: the Aircontact range (full-featured multi-day tramping packs in sizes suited to Great Walks and extended trips), the AC Lite range (lighter-weight day packs and shorter-trip options), and the Kid Comfort range (structured child carriers for parents who want to take younger children on the track). The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is our lead recommendation for NZ Great Walks.
Which Deuter pack is best for NZ Great Walks?
The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is our top pick at Dwights for NZ Great Walks. Its 50-litre main compartment (expandable to 60L with the extension collar) sits in the ideal range for multi-day Great Walk packs, which generally call for 50–65 litres. The Aircontact back system provides excellent load transfer and ventilation over full days on the track, and the overall feature set is well-matched to NZ hut-to-hut tramping. For the Abel Tasman specifically — a warmer, shorter track — a 40–55L pack is also workable, but the Core 50+10 remains a versatile choice across all the Great Walks.
What is the Deuter Aircontact back system?
The Deuter Aircontact back system is Deuter's contact-load-transfer design for heavy, multi-day packs. Unlike ventilated mesh-back systems that hold the pack away from your body, the Aircontact brings the pack close to your back to allow the hipbelt to carry the majority of the load efficiently — an approach that handles heavier loads better and reduces swing and sway on uneven terrain. The system uses a shaped foam back panel with strategic ventilation channels to manage heat and moisture where it can, while prioritising load stability. It's well-suited to NZ tramping, where carrying food, water, and gear for several days over varying terrain demands a reliable load transfer system.
Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 vs 60+10 — which should I choose?
For most NZ Great Walk trampers, the Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 is the better starting point. The 50+10 litre capacity covers the 50–65L range recommended for most Great Walks when the extension collar is used, and the lighter base weight makes a difference over a full day on the track. The 60+10 suits trampers who consistently carry larger loads — those camping rather than hut-staying, doing extended trips with more food, or who simply prefer more packing room. If you're unsure which to choose, consider your typical load: Great Walk hut tramping with standard gear fits comfortably into a 50+10, while tent-based or extended trips often benefit from the extra room in the 60+10.
How do I fit a Deuter pack correctly?
Fitting a Deuter pack correctly starts with torso length, not height — measure from the top of your hip bones (iliac crest) to your C7 vertebra (the prominent bone at the base of your neck) to determine your torso length, and match this to the pack's size range. When fitting the pack loaded, loosen all straps first, then put the pack on and position the hipbelt so the top of the padded section sits just above your hip bones; buckle and tighten the hipbelt first. Next, pull the shoulder straps snug — they should follow the curve of your shoulders without gaps. Finally, adjust the load lifter straps (the small straps running from the top of the shoulder straps to the pack) to roughly 45 degrees, and tighten the sternum strap to stabilise the shoulder straps. Dwights staff are happy to assist with pack fitting in-store.