Deuter’s lightweight, multi-chamber, aluminum x-frame backpack with lots of separate compartments and mesh side pockets.
Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 Info
| Capacity: | 65 + 10 Litre |
| Weight: | 4 lbs 6 oz |
| Dimensions: | 34″ x 14″ x 13″ |
| Material: | 65% Nylon, 35% Polyester |
The Deuter ACT Lite series of packs provide all the necessary features, while stripping out extras in favour of being lightweight.
The 65 + 10 L version is large enough to carry everything you need for a multi-night hiking trip. Since it is so lightweight and adjustable, it is also well suited for carrying less on shorter outings with less gear required.
Alternate Colors Available
Weight
This pack comes in one size only, and only weighs 70oz. There are lighter packs available, but it’s hard to find an ultralight one with as many comparable features.
Comfort/Fit
The most notable features that make this pack both comfortable and easy to fit, are the adjustable suspension system, the air ventilation capabilities, and the adjustable hip and shoulder straps.
Adjustable Suspension System
- Deuter’s “VariQuick” adjustment system lets you adjust the back length to fit anywhere between a 15″ – 21″ torso length.
Air Ventilation Capabilities
- Deuter’s “Aircontact Lite” system consists of breathable padding on the back, shaped anatomically, with extra air channel ventilation between the back cushions to ventilate as you walk.
- The system is designed to vent heat off your back, reducing temperature and perspiration.
Hip and Shoulder Straps
- The hip belt and shoulder straps are contoured, and well-padded.
- The hip belt has their “Pull-Forward” feature that makes it really easy to fasten, even with a heavy load.
- The shoulder straps are made of thick “3D Air” mesh lining. The adjustment straps slide easily and hold well.
- It’s not possible to adjust it to control the tension on the shoulder straps.
Possible Fit Issues for Some Users
- The sternum strap isn’t adjustable.
- It is most comfortable if you can keep the load down below around 35-40 pounds.
- It’s not suitable for people with especially short (under 15″) or long (over 21″) torsos.
Storage
There are many different compartments to keep things well organized: the main compartment, the bottom compartment, the +10 L top lid, a stretchy pouch on the front of the bag, a hip pouch pocket, and two mesh water bottle pockets on the side.
In addition to these pockets for packing your gear, there is also a compartment meant for water bladder storage, 2 extra outer loops and side compression straps.
Main Compartment
The main compartment is quite tall and thin, which does limit the number of ways you can arrange your gear inside.
Bottom Compartment
The bottom compartment is actually large enough to fit a sleeping bag, even 4 season ones if they are compressible.
There is separator between the two compartments that can be unzipped, but not fully removed.
+10 L Top Lid
The “+10” in the name is a fold-up extension to the body of the pack. This provides up to an additional 10 L capacity when needed. If it’s not needed, it can be folded down over the pack.
There is a flat zippered pocked on the underside of the top cover, and a sizeable storage pocket on top.
Stretchy Front Pouch
The stretchy pocket on the front of the pack is useful for small items you want easily accessible.
Hip Pouch Pocket
The pocket on hip belt is very convenient to quickly grab things without having to get in to the back or main part of the pack. It’s the perfect place for you camera or a snack.
Mesh Water Bottle Side Pockets
There is a water bottle pocket on each side, and they securely fit 32oz water bottles.
Water Bladder Storage
This extra compartment supports most common water hydration systems, with room for the tube to exit and hydradtion strap on the shoulder to keep it secure.
Extra Outer Loops
The extra outer loops are great for carrying trekking poles, or ice axes.
Side Compression Straps
The straps on the side can be used to hang additional gear, or to compress the bag when carrying smaller loads.
Durability
Material
Deuter uses their own polyester and nylon blends: Deuter-Super-Polytex, Deuter-Ripstop 210, and Macro Lite 210. These fabrics are lightweight and strong, and everything has a PU coating for water resistance.
The outside of the pack is very durable and the bottom of the bag is reinforced with extra fabric so it shouldn’t wear out as fast.
Rain Protection
Although the outside of the pack has a PU coating, it only helps small amounts of water bead and run off. For any rainy weather, you’re going to need a rain cover because this pack is not waterproof. The separate rain cover fits nicely in the front pouch.
A rain cover is not included, but Deuter makes a rain cover for the ACT Lite packs that is sold separately.
Fasteners and Zippers
The large fasteners on the belt buckle and shoulder straps are strong and sturdy. They don’t seem fragile or flimsy. There are a lot of little plastic fasteners on the front of the bag that are attached to the straps.
The zipper on the bottom compartment can be difficult to open and close when the pack is loaded. There is a heavy fabric flap along the length of the zipper that can get in the way, and to open the zipper you have to bend and squish the fabric.
Price
We found the average price for the Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 backpack online to be $209.
Overall Value
The Deuter ACT Lite 65+10 Backpack is very reasonably priced, we found it to be solid and stable even when heavily loaded.
This backpack is a great compromise between being lightweight and having very good basic storage features.