Deuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL vs The North Face Banchee 65
Quick take: The The North Face Banchee 65 costs $5 less; the The North Face Banchee 65 carries more (65 vs 55 liters); the The North Face Banchee 65 is lighter (3.56 vs 4.41 lbs).
| Spec | Deuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL | The North Face Banchee 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $255 | $250 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 45+10 L | 65 L |
| Weight | 4.41 lbs | 3.56 lbs |
| Max Load | 18-33 lbs (8-15 kg) | ~45 lbs (tested) |
| Torso Fit | VariSlide, 35-56 cm (13.8-22 in) | S/M and L/XL, ~5 in of adjustment |
| Material | 210D recycled PA with 600D PES | Not published in the source |
| Back Panel | Aircomfort suspended mesh over spring steel frame | Framed suspension with vertical harness adjustment |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | No |
| Raincover included | Yes | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Deuter lifetime repair policy | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Deuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL
- ✓The suspended Aircomfort mesh is the most ventilated back panel Deuter makes and the direct answer to sweaty-back complaints about the Aircontact line.
- ✓VariSlide gives infinite adjustment across 35-56 cm rather than fixed stops, so the fit can be dialled precisely.
- ✓A rain cover is included at $255, which the pricier Aircontact Core does not offer.
- ✓Front zip access avoids digging through a top-loader on a pack of this depth.
- ✓The 210D recycled face fabric keeps it to 2,000 g despite the frame and suspension hardware.
- ✓The SL fit is a genuine women's construction rather than a shortened unisex pack.
- ✓A 55+10 at $275 extends the same suspension to longer trips.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy applies as across the range.
- ✗8-15 kg is the lowest load rating of any Deuter trekking pack, so it is the wrong choice for heavy carries.
- ✗A suspended mesh panel forces the load centre away from the back, which makes heavy loads feel more leveraged than the Aircontact design does.
- ✗At 2,000 g it is heavier than the Aircontact Lite while carrying less weight comfortably.
- ✗The gap behind the mesh consumes depth, so packed volume feels tighter than the badge implies.
- ✗The lid is height-adjustable but is not stated to be removable, unlike the Aircontact packs.
- ✗Only the SL fit had a US price confirmed at time of research; men's pricing was not published.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are not listed in the specification.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated by Deuter.
The North Face Banchee 65
- ✓3 lb 9 oz for 65 L is light for a mainstream framed pack at this capacity.
- ✓Around five inches of vertical harness adjustment across two frame sizes.
- ✓Carries roughly 45 lb comfortably, well above what its weight suggests.
- ✓$250 undercuts the Osprey Aether 65 and Gregory Baltoro 65 by $120.
- ✓65 L handles a bear canister and a long food carry.
- ✓The North Face's retail presence makes it easy to try on and return.
- ✓Over a pound lighter than the brand's own Terra 65 while holding the same volume.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗OutdoorGearLab does not publish the fabric specification, so durability is hard to judge.
- ✗Performance is reported to get dicey above 50 lb.
- ✗The max-load figure is inferred from testing, not stated by The North Face.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Only one volume is offered.
- ✗No ventilated back panel.
- ✗The North Face's backpacking packs get less design attention than its apparel.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.