The right backpack can greatly enhance your travel experience, and the Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 is a fantastic choice to consider. Designed by the reputable German brand Deuter, this 36L bag is available in both men's and women's versions. Our team has thoroughly tested both variations during extensive travels in Detroit, Michigan, and across Europe.
Materials & Aesthetic
The Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 boasts a sleek and clean travel bag aesthetic, reminiscent of the popular Osprey Farpoint 40. The bag comes in an array of attractive colorways to suit different preferences. The men's version offers Black, Midnight Navy, and Khaki Ivy, while the women's version comes in Maroon Aubergine, Black, and Denim Arctic. It's worth mentioning that the women's version includes a removable flower accessory, although some may find it unnecessary.
The branding on the bag is tastefully done, with Deuter logos strategically placed on the front, straps, back panel, and zipper pulls. The bag's name, AViANT Carry On Pro 36, is also visibly printed along the side. While some may consider the branding to be on the higher side, it aligns with the bag's travel aesthetic.
The exterior of the bag is made from a Polyamide and Polyester blend fabric, which offers a soft and durable feel. The bag also features foam padding in key areas, ensuring it maintains its shape even when empty. This thoughtful design feature sets it apart from other bags on the market.
The Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 is designed with quality in mind, incorporating YKK zippers and buckles throughout. These high-quality components add to the bag's overall durability and longevity.
External Components
The harness system on the Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 is designed with utmost comfort in mind. The shoulder straps have ample padding, making them comfortable even during extended periods of wear. The strap adjusters at the bottom slide seamlessly, allowing for easy customization to achieve the perfect fit.
One notable feature of the harness system is its lower anchor point, which helps distribute weight more evenly on your back. This positioning contributes to a balanced carrying experience, minimizing strain and discomfort.
The removable sternum strap adds extra support and can adapt to your movements while walking. Notably, the strap is securely attached to webbing, ensuring it remains in place. This design feature eliminates the risk of losing the sternum strap, a common occurrence with other bags lacking a secure attachment system.
The foam back panel of the Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 provides excellent airflow, preventing the dreaded "swamp back." Although it may not entirely eliminate perspiration, it does a commendable job of keeping your back cool, even in hotter climates.
Additionally, the bag features a convenient luggage pass-through behind the back panel, allowing you to attach it to your roller luggage and easily maneuver through airports.
While the harness system of the Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 offers excellent comfort and functionality, there are a couple of drawbacks. The straps can occasionally come undone when the bag is jostled, which may pose a problem when you're in a rush at the airport. We hope that Deuter considers refining this aspect of the design to prevent accidental detachment.
The bag is equipped with top and side handles, providing multiple options for easy carrying. The handles are strategically placed and adequately padded, ensuring a comfortable grip. However, it's important to note that the bag does not include a hip belt option, which may be a consideration depending on your personal preference and needs.
Inside the Pack
The Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 offers ample organization, making it easy to keep your belongings in order. The front pocket serves as a spacious compartment with no internal organization, providing a large space for various items. It features a reliable No. 5 YKK racquet coil zipper, ensuring secure closure.
At the back of the bag, you'll find a generously sized tech organization pocket. This pocket allows easy access to your accessories and includes a floating laptop compartment for added protection. The laptop sleeve accommodates up to a 15-inch laptop, although it may feel larger due to its roomy design. The velcro strap securing the laptop compartment could be improved for easier use.
The front of the laptop sleeve features two pockets—a stretchy mesh pocket ideal for a notebook or tablet, and a smaller zippered pocket with a keyring. The opposite side of the tech compartment includes two smaller stretchy mesh pockets and a liner divider pocket suitable for flatter items or documents.
The main compartment of the AViANT Carry On Pro 36 opens fully in a clamshell-style, enabling easy packing and unpacking. It features a zippered pocket toward the back, which extends halfway down and offers additional storage space. The zippered pocket has built-in dimension, allowing you to accommodate larger gear without compromising the overall volume of the bag. At the bottom of this zippered compartment, a removable shoe compartment provides a convenient and secure space for your footwear.
The other side of the main compartment houses a zippered mesh pocket that occupies approximately half of the available space. Two compression straps are included to keep your clothing and packing cubes in place, ensuring a tidy and organized interior.
The organization options provided by the Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 are extensive and can be considered overkill for some. The tech pocket's generous volume may encroach on the space available for clothing, which may not suit those with a greater need for clothes. However, if desired, the organization components can easily be laid flat to create more space.
Durability & Testing
The Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 has undergone rigorous testing during our three-week journey across Detroit, Michigan, and Europe. In everyday use, we found the tech pocket to be larger than necessary, leaving us with surplus space that could have been better utilized for clothing. However, this pocket proved to be the perfect spot to store an abundance of snacks during our travels.
It's important to note that some of the internal organization within the bag is sideways, requiring careful consideration of how the bag is carried and set down. If not mindful, items inside the main compartment may shift and become disorganized, especially since many pockets lack zippers.
The Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 offers added peace of mind with its NFC chip, allowing you to register the bag in case of loss or theft. Though we haven't needed to utilize this feature personally, it could prove invaluable in certain circumstances.
All in all, the Deuter AViANT Carry On Pro 36 is an exceptional backpack that excels in comfort, durability, and organization. Whether you're embarking on a short getaway or a long-term journey, this bag will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience.
