Thanks to the kind support of Outdoor Renner we are able to take a closer look at the ACT Lite 40 + 10 trekking pack by Deuter, twice a test winner of the German outdoor magazine (7/07, 6/08). We will first introduce this lightweight trekking pack and its features. After that, the pack has to prove itself on a short outing on the Harzer-Hexen-Stieg.
The ACT Lite 40 + 10 is the little brother of Deuter’s Aircontact range. The ACT Lite series covers four different models, each available in two colours. Deuter has cut the SL models 35 + 10L and 45 + 10L specifically for female anatomy, but an SL carrying system is available as an option for the pack presented here as well.
Deuter ACT Lite 40 + 10 specifications at a glance
- Weight: 1500 g
- Volume: 40+10 L
- Dimensions: 68 / 38 / 26 (H/W/D) cm
- Material: Ripstop 210 / Hexlite 210 / Duratex Lite
- Price: EUR 139.95
- Load capacity: 15 kg
The features of the Deuter ACT Lite 40 + 10
The materials used are of high quality and well put together. All seams are turned inwards wherever possible, and at the base a hard-wearing Ripstop 210 has been sewn in to reinforce the Hexlite 210 nylon used for the main body. The zips are smooth-running YKK items, and every outside zip has a rain flap against light rain. The lightweight, shatterproof buckles are YKK as well. Using light but robust materials brings the weight of the pack down to 1.5 kg.
The carrying system of the Deuter ACT Lite 40 + 10
The ACT Lite adapts very flexibly to the wearer’s anatomy. The crossed aluminium stays on the inside can be taken out and bent to shape as you like.
The height of the shoulder straps can be matched to the wearer’s back length quickly and easily with the VariQuick system. All you have to do is open a hook-and-loop fastener, attach the straps to the loops at the right height and close the fastener again. The height-adjustable chest strap is another way to fine-tune the ergonomically shaped shoulder straps. The straps are padded with a firm plastic foam and covered with a soft, very breathable mesh. Load lifters at the top end of the straps pull the load closer to your body, which gives you better control on difficult terrain. Loosening the load lifters increases ventilation at the back.
The back padding of the Deuter ACT Lite 40 + 10
The back padding with the Aircontact system promises a back temperature up to 5°C cooler than conventional carrying systems. That “cooling” is meant to come from the foam padding and the well-ventilated back.
The hip belt of the Deuter ACT Lite 40 + 10
The hip belt has reinforced, comfortably padded wings. It closes with a larger lightweight buckle and, thanks to straps that pull forward, is easy to tighten even under heavy loads. There is a small zipped pocket on the right-hand side of the hip belt, and on the left a mount for an additional pouch, a camera bag for instance.
The compartments and pockets of the ACT Lite 40 + 10
The main compartment can be reached from two sides, with the lower sleeping-bag compartment separated from it by a zip and a divider. The volume of the main compartment can be extended from 40L to 50L as usual, but it can also be reduced noticeably with four compression straps. On top of the main compartment sits a breathable pocket with enough room for a poncho or wet clothes. Smaller mesh pockets are fitted on the sides.
The main compartment also holds a separate sleeve and a hook-and-loop tab for a Deuter Streamer or any other hydration system up to 3L. Deuter has thought of a hose port and a hose loop on the shoulder strap too. On the front of the main compartment there are two bungee cords and four loops for quickly attaching trekking poles or ice axes.
The lid has two smaller pockets, one reached from the outside and one from the inside. A key clip is sewn into the outer one so that you can stow a key safely. As a useful gimmick, the alpine distress signals and the European emergency numbers are printed on the inside of the lid. There are also four loops for strapping on a sleeping mat.
Pictures of the Deuter ACT Lite 40 + 10
The Deuter ACT Lite on the trail
The pack was tested on a two-day trip on the Hexenstieg, with a total weight of 12.8 kg. Thanks to the good carrying system the ACT Lite was very pleasant to carry, and even at higher temperatures the back stayed mostly dry — only under the straps was sweating unavoidable. This kind of back padding certainly cannot match the Osprey Exos for ventilation, but the sturdy hip wings of the ACT Lite give the pack a better seat on the body.
What stood out positively was how well the load is transferred to the hips by the ergonomically shaped hip wings. The load lifters shifted the weight forward nicely, and arms and head keep a lot of freedom of movement. In light rain showers the contents stayed dry even without a rain cover. Those qualities make the pack an ideal companion for alpine use too.
What stood out negatively is that the outer side pockets sit too high, so you cannot reach them while wearing the pack. On top of that the lower compression straps run across the side pockets, which makes access harder still. I also miss an integrated rain cover on this pack, or at least a pocket for one. And we noticed that there are no reflective details anywhere on the pack, which would improve safety in traffic.
Verdict
I liked the ACT Lite 40 + 10 a great deal. What convinces me most about this pack is the full-featured carrying system, which trims down well. But the generous room, the many pockets and loops leave a positive impression too.
The size of the ACT Lite works for weekend trips with tent and stove or for longer hut-to-hut tours. It also does very well in everyday use, shopping or travelling by train. So it will spend less time waiting in the wardrobe for its big outing than a large 70-80L pack would. The moderate price of EUR 140 is, to my mind, not set too high for a pack like this.
Only the side pockets leave a stale aftertaste.
Pros
- Carrying system
- Sleeve for a 3L hydration system
- Wet-clothes pocket
- Double base
- Lid attachment loops / ice axe attachments
Cons
- Side pockets
- No rain cover
