How to Choose a Backpack
Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10 Pack - Men's
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Designed for the purist, the Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10 pack sports slim pull-forward hipbelt straps and a dedicated sleeping bag pocket for added comfort, mobility and convenience on backcountry treks.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Best Use
Backpacking
Gear Capacity (L)
65
Reservoir Compatible
No
- Lightweight multi-chamber aluminum X-frame with fully padded and adjustable harness helps you dial in custom comfort and fit
- Compact multilayer hipbelt with pull-forward function allows easy fastening even when packed with heavy loads
- Expandable collar on the main compartment provides 10 extra liters of storage capacity when you need it and tucks away when you don't
- Bottom zip compartment stores sleeping bags or other light and bulky items for easy removal without disturbing pack contents or load stability
- Vertical and horizontal external compression straps reduce bulk and help stabilize heavy loads for enhanced carrying comfort
- Front stretch pocket stores quick-access items or rain gear
- Dual mesh side pockets; gear loops; bottom external sleeping pad straps
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 65 |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,970 + 610 |
| Weight | 4 lbs. 6 oz. |
| Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | 15 - 21 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | Unavailable |
| Material(s) | Nylon |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Number of Stays | 2 |
| Reservoir Compatible | No |
| Pack Access | Top Loader |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Dimensions | Unavailable |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
My new goto pack
JamesD6410 years ago
I bought this pack so I could shave some weight off my load vs the Dana Designs pack I've used for ages. I did not want to loose features by going to an ultralight pack. I also like to avoid packs with a lot of zippers as they are a possible point of failure and I rarely need them if I plan my day. Most of my backpacking/camping is in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Pros:
Weight. It's one of the lighter packs out there that doesn't sacrifice the suspension system and comfort to save weight. I saved about 2 lbs vs my old pack. That doesn't sound like much but with other lighter gear I'm now carrying around almost 10 lbs less without really sacrificing anything and I have a thicker ground pad now.
Adjustability. This pack fits the broadest range of sizes of any pack I've tried. It only takes a few minutes to switch between short and long torsos. At 6'4" tall in fits me just fine and it looks like it might fit someone a foot shorter. The large range of torso sizes it accommodates makes it a great pack for a growing teen or it would serve as a great loaner pack. It could even accommodate someone larger than me but you'll want to try one on first if you are at the far ends of the size spectrum.
Comfort. It's one of the most comfortable packs I've tried and it has excellent air circulation for your back so you aren't quite as drenched in sweat.
Construction. It's well made, I couldn't find any problems with the seams and haven't had any problems so far though I haven't had a lot a trips with it yet. The lifetime warranty can't be beat if I ever do have a problem due to construction or materials.
The front mesh pocket is a great place to stash wet clothes or things you might need quick access to during the day. It will hold a jacket, extra socks, wet socks, rain gear etc... It is not for large or lots of items however.
Expandability. The +10 expandability (75 liters total) gives the pack a great deal of versatility. This pack is great for weekends, week long trips and you could even through hike with it if you pack light and don't carry a lot of bulky stuff. With a compression sack for my 3 person tent and by folding my long Therm-a-rest 40th anniversary pad an extra time before rolling it up I still have at least 1/3 the main compartment available even without the +10 expansion. That should be enough to hold a bear container and all my other gear but I haven't tried it yet.
It's priced right. I picked it up on sale which made it too good to pass up but It is well worth the regular price. It would be difficult to find another pack this comfortable for the same price.
Cons:
The hipbelt pocket is small. You can fit a snapshot camera and an energy bar but not much else.
The water bottle pockets are a bit small and you have to take off the pack to remove their contents. They will hold my stainless bottles or cradle the bottom of your tent pole sack just fine but a nalgene might be stretching it; I haven't tried one though. I think the bottle issue is minor since the pack is designed for a hydration system. The only time I drink from a bottle is hot liquids on cold days or for an electrolyte drink and I use a separate insulated carrier for that.
The lift handle between the shoulder straps looks a bit light for a heavy load.
The lid cannot be used for a daypack but I've never used that even with my packs that support that feature.
Don't expect a lot of lashing points, there aren't any. You get 4 loops of cord on the lid and the pack compression straps. If you can't hook to that you are out of luck.
Other:
The sleeping bag compartment will handle my long 20 degree synthetic bag without needing a compression sack though YMMV. A zero degree synthetic bag might require opening up the divider or using a compression sack. I can probably squeeze my bivy in there with my 20 degree down bag if I use a compression sack but I haven't needed to.
I would look elsewhere for a pack to haul really bulky or heavy loads but for most of my needs (2-10 days, 3 seasons) it fits the bill and it's my new go to pack.
JamesD64
Western Nebraska
60 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Inflexible.
Miles8 years ago
REI reps recommended these for a number of scouts in our Troop's Philmont crews including one of my sons. The brain is not removable, and also, therefore, not fully adjustable in terms of position. The Hydration bladder pocket is inside the bag, under the brain. It is just a more difficult to use bag than similar sized bags from Osprey.
Miles
Houston, TX, United States
3 people found this review helpful
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erinwilleymeow
Vancouver, WA, United States
Excellent pack... Even for the ladies!
9 years ago
My search through the "female" packs was rather challenging, and not meeting my particular needs.. (I wanted a green pack). I had previously been measured at an REI store, I knew I could fit into this pack comfortably but I was skeptical about the adjustable size. After reading previous reviews, I thought I'd give it a try. I eventually wound up on the second to last notch on the spinal adjuster, and it literally fit me perfectly. I am 5'6, 130 lbs, female, and I'm convinced this pack was made for me. Finally getting this pack out for an adventure, it did everything I need a pack to do and more. My first long distance backpacking trip, at 35-40 lbs this pack held everything I needed, some things for my partner, and was extremely comfortable the entire time. There was endless ways for me to strap everything in on the outside, and was very compatible for the treacherous trail. I never overheated and could only really complain about my tired legs. After this trip, my partner was quite impressed with this pack, considering it isn't a "common" brand, and is going to get one for himself. Looking forward to my next adventure with this pack!
Yes , I recommend this product
Tedward
Denver, CO, United States
My First Pack, and I Love It!
10 years ago
This is my first pack and I just took it on a trip in the Needles District of Canyonlands. The pack was excellent. I was able to fit a sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, and chair in the lower compartment. In the main compartment, I fit a rucksack of clothes, a two person tent, a 3L bladder, four 1.5L bottles of water, a jetboil, and a satchel with miscellaneous tools. The mesh pockets on the side fit my journal, maps, and a few other items. On the outside, I attached my sleeping pad and a hefty bear canister full of food, and I tied my tennis shoes to the side straps. In the top compartments, I fit a sizable med pack, a plate, a cutlery set, a bowl, and a spoon, along with a roll of toilet paper and a zip-lock bag of personal items (toothbrush etc). In short, I fit everything I needed into the pack with relative ease. What's more, the pack was comfortable. I found my self adjusting the straps to alleviate my shoulders, back, and hips as needed and redistribute weight/pressure with great success. I endured the 7 mile hike from the car to the backpacking zone with little discomfort. I can't wait to take this pack on more adventures!
D Herron
Glennie, MI, United States
1st 18 miles
9 years ago
Just got home from the 1st hike with this pack. Long story short I have compacted discs and lower back issues right at the base of my spine. This pack was GREAT! my back didn't hurt at all from wearing the pack the whole trip! We did 18 miles in 2 1/2 days and this pack rocked it. Only 2 things I found that may or may not bother others. 1. Buy a rain cover don't rely on the "built in" option it works but after 4 hours in a steady drizzly things got wet. 2. The adjustable shoulder straps can rub in the center of your shoulders. I would buy this again and would 100% suggest this to anyone with back problems that still want to live life and play outdoors. Good luck safe travels
Yes , I recommend this product
BRed
Las Vegas
comfy like a caddy
9 years ago
Over all i love this pack. Extremely well balanced, very comfortable with great padding in all the right places and very good ventilation. My first use was a training hike and i put about 35lbs in it. Almost the entire load was carried on my hips as it should and i barely felt it there. Lots of adjustments and very versatile. Only thing i would make an improvement on is the placement of the hydration resevoir compartment. Its in the usual location but very deep in the pack which means ill have to remove everything to load it. Working on an in place refill system though. I intend to take this on my JMT hike this year and i cannot wait to see how well it holds up.
Ramsay Bolton
Boston, MA, United States
Durable, reliable and convenient pack
7 years ago
I just finished my Appalachian Trail thru-hike using this pack the whole way. The pack is still practically like new even after the 2200 mile / 6 month trek. Many other hikers with more ultra-light style packs had issues with straps breaking, packs tearing, lack of room, etc while I had zero issues with this. All of the compartments were extremely helpful for organizing my gear. My only complaint is that the hip-belt pockets are too small and the zipper on them is tough to open/close while you're wearing the pack. Of course, this pack is on the heavier side but that's what you pay for durability/convenience/reliability/space.
Yes , I recommend this product
Jingling Jim
Rutland, MA
This pack rocked the JMT!
9 years ago
I had tried out an Osprey Exos58 for my JMT trip and quickly found I needed something that could carry a little more weight. This pack fit the bill perfectly! BV500 bear can fit sideways after loosening up the compression straps and I was able to squeeze in all my other gear with room to spare. Very comfortable strap system that I set up once and only occasionally adjusted. Waist belt pockets were big enough to hold snacks so I didn't have to take off my pack to get food on the trail. Loved it for 130 miles of the JMT until I was driven out by wildfire smoke. I plan on carrying this pack when I go back to finish next year.
Pennsy Hiker
Harleysville, PA
As Comfortable as the High End "Comfortable" Brand
9 years ago
TL;DR: fits everything easily, is very comfortable, is durable, and looks great. I have owned an ACT Lite 65+10 for four years now and have used it on several backpacking trips. Deuter changed the colors on this pack after I bought mine, but I did not see any other appreciable differences in the pack when I looked at one recently (while shopping for an ultralight tent-stay tuned). The previous reviews disappeared and this pack needs some more praise. I know that other brands have more options for lashing gear on the exterior, but I love the concept of putting everything inside the pack. That was a key criterion for me when selecting this pack. It protects the gear better and makes hiking in the woods simpler, as there is less to catch on a branch/bramble... I have no trouble packing all of my gear and enough food for several days in this pack. Typical summer load: REI Half-Dome 2 Plus tent with footprint (for solo use and to share with a friend), Marmot Trestles 30 bag, Exped Synmat 7 (I love this pad's comfort, though it's noisy to move on), Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Mummy Liner, inflatable pillow, pair of socks, pair of underwear, rain jacket, 3 liter bladder, first aid kit, stove/cook kit, food, water filter, compass/maps..., ziplock with toothbrush/paste/comb, headlight, paracord, raincover for pack, and Goal Zero solar charger. After a couple trips with the pack, though, I noticed that my hips were getting sore. It was not unbearable, just unpleasant. My loaded pack was 40-45 lbs. So I went to my local REI store with the pack and had the experts there verify that it was properly fitted. It was. We then fitted a Gregory Baltoro 75 to me. Gregory packs are supposed to put comfort above all else, according to the REI staff, right? I loaded it up to 40 lbs, and wore it for 45 minutes while checking out other gear. That was long enough to tell me that it was no more comfortable than the Deuter pack. So I kept the Deuter pack, knowing that my solution would be to shed some weight and/or redistribute the load. That's what I am working on now; slowly upgrading my gear to get the loaded weight into the low or mid 30's. I know that I can cut 5-8 lbs with just the tent and sleeping bag. One thing I will not be changing is the pack. It has shown no signs of wear in the use I've given it so far. This pack weighs in around five pounds with the rain cover. I like it so much that I just bought this pack's little brother, the ACT Lite 50+10 for my teenage son. It will have plenty of room for him as we upgrade his other gear from the junior items he has now.
Yes , I recommend this product
Hilljr
Salt Lake City, Utah
Great pack
9 years ago
After much searching, I finally found this backpack. Pros: Well made. Lots of attachment points. Good adjustments for custom fit. One of my biggest pet peeves is fixed with this pack: the sleeping bag compartment is completely sealed off (by zipper) from the main compartment. This ensures nothing falls down into the far bottom of the pack - why can't all packs be like this?! Cons: My only complaint with this pack has been the lack of outside pockets. I know the steamlined thing is cool and everything, but there's a shallow, narrow pocket on one side of the pack but not on the other side. I like symmetry - just a very small nagging bother. Overall: A great pack that fits almost all of my needs.
Yes , I recommend this product
Paragon
Seattle, Washington
Great pack for those who run hot
10 years ago
I had a few requirements for a pack but the main selling point was that it tried to keep me cool. I run really hot, especially along my back. Deuter advertises their "Aircontact Back System" as a way of drawing hot away and replacing it with cooler air via a pump. I went into REI and asked the associate about the system and got some rave reviews from him. Based upon his feedback, I went ahead and purchased this bag. On my first trio out, I noticed my back was significantly less damp than I expected after stopping at camp. We made only about ten miles that day due to a mid day start but it was in the Olympic Mountains in Washington. While not a full rain forest, the humidity is high and the hike was consistently up hill. My back wasn't dry, but it was not nearly as damp as I was expecting it to be. I also noticed no discomfort even though I had filled the pack up fairly full. A comfortable pack that helped me not stink up the trail? Sold on that alone!
Yes , I recommend this product
JamesD64
Western Nebraska
My new goto pack
10 years ago
I bought this pack so I could shave some weight off my load vs the Dana Designs pack I've used for ages. I did not want to loose features by going to an ultralight pack. I also like to avoid packs with a lot of zippers as they are a possible point of failure and I rarely need them if I plan my day. Most of my backpacking/camping is in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota. Pros: Weight. It's one of the lighter packs out there that doesn't sacrifice the suspension system and comfort to save weight. I saved about 2 lbs vs my old pack. That doesn't sound like much but with other lighter gear I'm now carrying around almost 10 lbs less without really sacrificing anything and I have a thicker ground pad now. Adjustability. This pack fits the broadest range of sizes of any pack I've tried. It only takes a few minutes to switch between short and long torsos. At 6'4" tall in fits me just fine and it looks like it might fit someone a foot shorter. The large range of torso sizes it accommodates makes it a great pack for a growing teen or it would serve as a great loaner pack. It could even accommodate someone larger than me but you'll want to try one on first if you are at the far ends of the size spectrum. Comfort. It's one of the most comfortable packs I've tried and it has excellent air circulation for your back so you aren't quite as drenched in sweat. Construction. It's well made, I couldn't find any problems with the seams and haven't had any problems so far though I haven't had a lot a trips with it yet. The lifetime warranty can't be beat if I ever do have a problem due to construction or materials. The front mesh pocket is a great place to stash wet clothes or things you might need quick access to during the day. It will hold a jacket, extra socks, wet socks, rain gear etc... It is not for large or lots of items however. Expandability. The +10 expandability (75 liters total) gives the pack a great deal of versatility. This pack is great for weekends, week long trips and you could even through hike with it if you pack light and don't carry a lot of bulky stuff. With a compression sack for my 3 person tent and by folding my long Therm-a-rest 40th anniversary pad an extra time before rolling it up I still have at least 1/3 the main compartment available even without the +10 expansion. That should be enough to hold a bear container and all my other gear but I haven't tried it yet. It's priced right. I picked it up on sale which made it too good to pass up but It is well worth the regular price. It would be difficult to find another pack this comfortable for the same price. Cons: The hipbelt pocket is small. You can fit a snapshot camera and an energy bar but not much else. The water bottle pockets are a bit small and you have to take off the pack to remove their contents. They will hold my stainless bottles or cradle the bottom of your tent pole sack just fine but a nalgene might be stretching it; I haven't tried one though. I think the bottle issue is minor since the pack is designed for a hydration system. The only time I drink from a bottle is hot liquids on cold days or for an electrolyte drink and I use a separate insulated carrier for that. The lift handle between the shoulder straps looks a bit light for a heavy load. The lid cannot be used for a daypack but I've never used that even with my packs that support that feature. Don't expect a lot of lashing points, there aren't any. You get 4 loops of cord on the lid and the pack compression straps. If you can't hook to that you are out of luck. Other: The sleeping bag compartment will handle my long 20 degree synthetic bag without needing a compression sack though YMMV. A zero degree synthetic bag might require opening up the divider or using a compression sack. I can probably squeeze my bivy in there with my 20 degree down bag if I use a compression sack but I haven't needed to. I would look elsewhere for a pack to haul really bulky or heavy loads but for most of my needs (2-10 days, 3 seasons) it fits the bill and it's my new go to pack.
Yes , I recommend this product
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