65+10L ACT Lite from Deuter: The Practical Trekker – Gear Review
Clark Rasmussen
Key Review Points
Quick Features:
- Adjustable Shoulder Strap Portion
- Internal, On the Back Style Frame
- Factory Weight: 4 lbs. 6 oz.
- Large Padded Hip Belt w/Pockets
- High Total Volume 65+10L
- Elastic Side and Front Pockets
A Multi-Day Trekking King? The 65+10L ACT Lite from Deuter
I’m less experienced in the world of through hiking and overnighting than I am with your average day hike, but I do feel confident that I stumbled into some gold here with the 65+10L ACT Lite from Deuter. This pack offers a lot of versatility, which is absolutely necessary for over nights. I certainly got good vibes, but you can never really tell how it will “feel” unless you spend some quality time with it, which we were able to do over a long weekend.
Our crucible trip, three days and two nights in Keene Valley, gave me plenty of time to feel it out. Hour after hour, I became intimately familiar with all of my favorite features and the small handful of complaints (some of which could be a deal breaker for some adventurers).
In terms of quick summaries, let me be blunt and say that this pack is probably too heavy for most long distance trekkers. However, it makes up for that weight by being strap and feature rich, with dozens of options for carrying and attachments. The pack is also more adjustable than average, creating a lot of great options for people who need unconventional or frequent adjustments.
THE PROS:
Expectations for a larger pack like this are a bit different than something under 40L, but that being said, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and adjustable the pack was. Consecutive days with a large pack like this (and 45+ pounds, not recommended) can be absolutely brutal on the shoulders, back and knees. I was certainly hurting by the end of the trip, but that was almost entirely a by product of my own physical issues. Load lifters, an adjustable shoulder strap section, and excessive padding make this pack surprisingly comfortable. My version is absolutely littered with useful S hooks.
Just from looking at it, you can see the 65+10L ACT Lite from Deuter is overflowing with straps, loops and mounting spots. During our trip I was able to fit nearly everything inside the main compartment, but if I had to strap a pad or bag on the outside, I don’t think I would have had any problem doing so. The exterior mesh pockets are also pretty solid here, and come with fasting straps right below the pocket line, for ensuring you don’t loose anything on the trek. Overall, I feel like there are so many different options and configurations here.
While it may not be of serious consideration to come, the +10 feature is something I’ve frequently taken advantage of. Inside the top of the duffel style opening, tucked into the bag, is several additional inches that can either be tucked in or pulled out to add that additional space. Once I realized that I was going to need to carry a bear canister for our over night trip, that extra 10L suddenly became a necessity.
The 65+10L ACT Lite from Deuter also has all the basic features you’d come to expect from Deuter, like a water reservoir holder, pole holders on the outside; all the other basic stuff.
THE CONS:
I have so much less to say here than I normally would, but I feel very confident here that the base weight is probably the packs greatest flaw. The pitch on these packs is big and lite, but in the big and lite world, it’s not a serious contender. Google top ultralight packs and you will never see someone list these ACT Lite or Air Contact Lite (rebranded) packs. Deuter has more recently released Futura Air Trek and Aircontact Ultra lines, but even those are not generally high rankers. Despite not being top dogs, based purely on experience, Im willing to bet that these Deuter packs are quite a bit more comfortable than some of those top ultra light contenders. Regardless, the most common critique you will see of this pack online is almost exclusively this high base weight.
I am an outspoken advocate of rigid, external, off-the-back style frames, which you may have noticed are absent here. It is my least favorite thing about this pack, but you may not be surprised to see that a lot of contenders in this volume range do not have those kind of frames, almost certainly because of the additional weight it would include. This is a preference of mine that I know not to be universal. The good news here is that the padding strips are so thick that they create a sort spine gap that should provide a little air flow.
The +10L Sleeve
Separate Bottom Compartment
Highly Adjustable Load Lifters
Shoulder Strap, Vertically Adjustable
Thick Hip and Lower Back Padding
In Conclusion: Comfort Meets Volume
The 65+10L ACT Lite from Deuter is an easy recommendation for me, DEPENDING on what you’re doing with it, and how much you pay.
This is a pack I never see myself replacing, but I also doubt I’ll use it very much. Because of the adjustability and high volume it provides, I can use it for various activities adjacent to my hikes, such as packing up for a weekend of camping.
I have friends who have different large packs from other major brands including Gregory and Osprey, and they all seem fairly satisfied. I think, when looking at a big pack like this, you really need to measure your assessment against your needs. For me, volume and comfort were my main considerations, and I feel like I get both of those here.
If you know that your aim is for that Ultra Light experience, I don’t think this is the direction that you should go. Even among the current Deuter lineup, there are several better options.
Purchase links: This pack is currently outmoded, so it may be difficult to purchase new, but you may have some luck on Amazon or Ebay if you really want it.
Deuter has released a newer series of Aircontact Packs that are nearly identical to these original ACT line ones…