Best Waterproof External Frame Backpacks in 2026

USE CASE: Designed for everything from trekking and mountaineering tours to overnights in the front country, this pack is both sleek and spacious while remaining lightweight and comfortable. SL means Women's specific fit, designed by women for women with a shorter adjustable back length, narrower shoulder harness and conical shaped hip belt.

MAX VENTILATION, MAX ENDURANCE: Aircontact Lite back system is proven to reduce perspiration by 15%; Breathable padding made of open-cell, hollow-chamber foam and an ergonomic internal X-frame let cool air in and hot air out

REVOLUTION IN COMFORT: Auto-Compress, Ergonomic Comfort Lock hip fins of dual density foam deliver a custom fit for load stability; Vari Quick adjustable back length easily adjusts to different torso lengths.; S-shaped shoulder harness has soft edge and airy 3D mesh lining

USE CASE: Designed for everything from trekking and mountaineering tours to overnights in the front country, this pack is both sleek and spacious while remaining lightweight and comfortable.

MAX VENTILATION, MAX ENDURANCE: Aircontact Lite back system is proven to reduce perspiration by 15%; Breathable padding made of open-cell, hollow-chamber foam and an ergonomic internal X-frame let cool air in and hot air out

REVOLUTION IN COMFORT: Auto-Compress, Ergonomic Comfort Lock hip fins of dual density foam deliver a custom fit for load stability; Vari Quick adjustable back length easily adjusts to different torso lengths.; S-shaped shoulder harness has soft edge and airy 3D mesh lining

USE CASE: For a day hiking; offering enough room to carry meals, layers, poles, hydration system, detachable rain cover, wet gear compartment, and spacious side pockets

AIRSTRIPES SYSTEM: Unique back ventilation allows your pack to sit secure and snug against your back while circulating fresh air through with highly breathable foam

VERSATILE STORAGE: Inside stretch compartment for clothes plus a pocket to store valuable items; external lip pocket makes for quick access to gear with side attachment loops for hiking poles

Aircomfort Sensic backsystem of airy mesh tensioned on a flexible spring steel frame creates maxiumum ventilation with a seamless and stable new design. Fits torso length 16 - 20".ActiveFit pivoting S-shaped shoulder harness automatically adjusts to the ergonomics of each wearer with a soft edge and airy 3D mesh lining. Load adjustment straps at shoulders. Ergonomic Comfort Lock hip fins of dual density foam custom fit by adjusting to each wearer for load stability.

Lumbar pads with three-dimensional modeling analogous with the shape of the hips. Pull-Forward construction makes the hip belt easy to fasten and tighten even with heavier loads. Dual zippered pockets on hip belt. Easy finger pull loops on zippers. Top lid attachment loops. Hiking pole attachment loops.

Side compression straps for regulating pack volume. External lid pocket. Valuables pocket on lid interior. Stretch side water bottle pockets.

USE CASE: Designed for everything from trekking and mountaineering tours to overnights in the front country, this pack is both sleek and spacious while remaining lightweight and comfortable.

MAX VENTILATION, MAX ENDURANCE: Aircontact Lite back system is proven to reduce perspiration by 15%; Breathable padding made of open-cell, hollow-chamber foam and an ergonomic internal X-frame let cool air in and hot air out

REVOLUTION IN COMFORT: Auto-Compress, Ergonomic Comfort Lock hip fins of dual density foam deliver a custom fit for load stability; Vari Quick adjustable back length fits torsos 14 - 19 in.; S-shaped shoulder harness has soft edge and airy 3D mesh lining

USE CASE: Designed for everything from trekking and mountaineering tours to overnights in the front country, this pack is both sleek and spacious while remaining lightweight and comfortable.

MAX VENTILATION, MAX ENDURANCE: Aircontact Lite back system is proven to reduce perspiration by 15%; Breathable padding made of open-cell, hollow-chamber foam and an ergonomic internal X-frame let cool air in and hot air out

REVOLUTION IN COMFORT: Auto-Compress, Ergonomic Comfort Lock hip fins of dual density foam deliver a custom fit for load stability; Vari Quick adjustable back length easily adjusts to different torso lengths.; S-shaped shoulder harness has soft edge and airy 3D mesh lining

Back System Lite Aircontact protector

Volume: 35 + 10 litres

Size: 72 / 26/20 (h x W X D) cm

Lite Air - The lightest hiking pack backsystem in Deuter's product line provides stable and pleasant load distribution with a flexible, tensioned Delrin U-frame and an extremely light ventilated padded back panel. SL - Women's specific fit, designed by women for women with a shorter adjustable back length, narrower shoulder harness and conical shaped hip belt. Fits torso length 14 - 19". Ergonomically S-shaped narrow shoulder straps with 3D AirMesh lining and mesh venting inserts.

Concealable shoulder harness and hipbelt. Athletic V-cut shape for extensive freedom of movement. Wide mesh hip fins with zipped mesh pockets. Sunglasses loop on shoulder strap. Accessory loops for gear or helmet holder attachment. Easy finger pull loops on zippers.

Two daisy chains. Ice tool and hiking pole attachment loops. Joining compression straps can be fastened across the front of the pack for ski carry or attaching other gear. Side compression straps for regulating pack volume. External lid pocket. Stretch side water bottle pockets.

USE CASE: 65L with additional 10L expansion pack was designed for thru-hikers who seek a versatile yet comfortable pack for extended trips. Full pack control, combined with outstanding load transfer for a secure, perfectly balanced fit.

EFFECTIVE LOAD TRANSFER: Previously known as the Aircontact Lite, this updated Aircontact Core with its Aircontact back system keeps weight close to the body therefore close to the center of gravity; VariSlide adjustable back length, ActiveFit shoulder straps built on a Y-frame for more direct load transfer and control.

DESIGNED FOR COMFORT: Pull-Forward system for easy waist belt adjustment to tighten for heavier loads; adjustable VariSlide back length system, mobile, snug-fitting VarFlex ECL hip fins, and ergonomic lumbar pad for effective load transfer onto the pelvis.

EFFECTIVE LOAD TRANSFER: 70L with additional 15L expansion pack. Previously known as the Aircontact Pro, this updated Aircontact X with its Aircontact back system keeps weight close to the body therefore close to the center of gravity; VariSlide adjustable back length, ActiveFit shoulder straps built on a Y-frame for more direct load transfer and control.

DESIGNED FOR COMFORT: Pull-Forward system for easy waist belt adjustment to tighten for heavier loads; adjustable VariSlide back length system, mobile, snug-fitting VarFlex ECL hip fins, and ergonomic lumbar pad for effective load transfer onto the pelvis.

TRAIL UTILITY: Extendable 15-liter spindrift collar and zippered front pocket with extra 5-liter capacity for volume pack expansion. Stabilizer straps, detachable trekking pole, and rain cover. Abundant internal and external loops and pockets. Modular gear straps to attach a sleeping mat/tent. 3-liter hydration system compatible. Specs: 6 lbs. 15 oz. | H 33 x W 14 x D 12 in