How to Choose a Backpack

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Lightweight and built with a women-specific design, the expandable ACT Lite 45 + 10 SL pack lets you comfortably tackle everything from gear-heavy weekend trips to lightweight multiday treks.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 45 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 2,746 cubic inches |
Weight | 3 lbs. 12 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 14 - 19 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | Unavailable |
Material(s) | 210-denier ripstop nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 2 |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
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This one is so comfortable that I had even started using it for winter day hikes when I require a lot more gear. As far as organization, it's a no brainer, but the genius of this pack lies in its suspension and frame. Holy jumping jesus on a pogo stick they've thought of everything. The adjustability is off the charts, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone for whom this pack doesn't work. The padding is very dense yet breathable on the back, soft and contoured on the shoulder straps and belt, once adjusted properly the pack feels weightless. I can easily fit everything I need for a multi day trip, yet it feels like I'm carrying barely a day pack. I love this pack so much I decided to also get the 35 + 10 for day hikes (which would easily do for an overnighter) for winter day hikes because it is more compact than the 45 + 10 but of the Deuter packs, the ACT Lite is certainly the best balance between lightness and support. I've had many injuries including a broken back and I am hard to fit, but this pack has replaced my Osprey as new fave.
I just used this backpack on a month long European trip. It was the perfect size to fit just what I needed. It's durable and when the extender isn't filled, it WILL fit as a carry on for the budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. And if you buy in stores the staff will fit the backpack to you! This bag did not hurt my back and was filled Wil about 10kg of things. I was very happy with my purchase.
Used this pack trecking through YellowStone for 4 day's and it held up great. Very comfortable and had about 40 pounds loaded in it. I like how the bottom compartment can keep my sleeping bag for easy access and all the side pockets are a plus! Was ok to use as a carry on for my airplane ride to Mammoth national park in Kentucky. Would definatly recommend this bag for a weekend backpacking trip, could probably even make it longer if I could keep the weight down. Only down fall is I'm pretty rough on my things and already broke 2 of the buckles by dropping on the ground when setting up camp.
After having friends that insisted that other brands of packs were the best, I initially was looking at some of the more "big name brand" packs. All of them pinched in weird places or felt unsteady. But this pack has been perfect for me. Plenty of pockets and places to store things, and I love the separate compartment to stuff my sleeping bag in so I don't have to bring a stuff sack. This backpack has seen the bottom of the Grand Canyon, around Mt Hood, even managed to hold my snowboard on a backcountry hut trip. I loved it so much, I insisted the men's version be the first one my boyfriend tried when he was in the market for a pack himself.
I purchased this backpack in August 2015, after going into the store and trying on multiple packs of different brands. This one fit my frame the best, I am 5'4" and weight about 120lbs. I have since taken it with me to Europe for a two week trip, Southeast Asia on a three week trip, and countless camping trips in the Northeastern US mountains. The shoulder straps are very comfortable and the waist straps allow to take the weight off my back. Excellent placement of zippers and pockets, buckles are sturdy and durable. Would recommend for travelers and hikers of any experience level.
I bought the Deuter ACT Lite 45+10 Pack for Women because it is lightweight, comfortable, and steady. It also adjusts to fit any torso length. The capacity is perfect for a weekend trip, and were I more thoughtful about which items I bring, would use it on a week to ten-day trip. I have used the pack on two trips in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it was comfortable to carry, held up well, and kept my items organized. I carried 31 lbs., including items for my dog. I used bungee cords in the small side loops to attach a sleeping pad. The pack has a hydration sleeve, but I opted to carry water bottles in each side pocket. The large mesh pocket held flip-flops, towel, and snacks. I'm looking forward to many trips with this pack. I highly recommend this pack for women.
Bought one month ago, used for a backpacking trip in Tetons. Pros: I liked that the back was adjustable, so it could fit my long torso. The hip belts were very comfortable. The shoulder straps fit me better than the Osprey packs, both in width across the shoulders and across the - ahem, chest and underarm area. I used the far left side hip snugger belt (I dont know what it's called) to attach my Bear repeallnt can to the bag. Cons: it hard to reach water bottles in the pockets, next time I will try to use the water bladder. There is only one pocket on the right hip belt, and it's not very big or easy to use, I wish there was one on the left side too. Had to re-arrange weight load a bit to get it really comfortable. I'm almost 58, 5'6 and using this pack I had no hip, back or shoulder pain whatsoever! And that's saying a lot! This is a great deal!
I used this pack on my first backpacking trip (one-nighter/11 miles) and it worked out perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was despite completely filling every nook. It fit my 5'4, 105 lb frame very well. The pack doesn't have the straps at the bottom for a tent/sleeping pad like I've seen many have, but I was able to fit my sleeping pad in one of the snap closure parts (see picture). I highly recommend!
This was my first multi-day pack and I am glad I purchased this over the others I tried on. I tried 3-4 different packs on in the store walking around 15 minutes in each before trying this one. An employee helped me adjust the straps just right, allowing the weight to be equally balanced between my shoulders and hips. I have used this pack for several trips, some over 3 days carrying friend's items because their packs were too small. There was plenty of room and often times I packed too much, that's how much room this pack has even with a full 2L bladder. I could easily adjust the straps while walking to move the weight to my hips on longer hikes. I stuffed my sleeping bag in the bottom pocket which took up some room but was still able to fit most my necessary items. The only cons I have against this pack is the lack of external pockets/straps for external storage.
I needed a medium 45-55L pack for medium to light backpacking in the Rocky Mountains. I selected this model over the gender nuetral version because of the explicit design for women. I used it on a light two day trip and the pack work well. It fit well on my hips and balanced the weight evenly. The straps very easy to use in the shoulder straps/waist belt. The sleeping bag compartment is designed for 30 deg bag smaller/lighter. There is a camelback compartment. There is also two outside mesh pockets for waterbottles/coffee mug. The main compartment is suitable for a three season three to four day trip. The pack would not work well for winter trips.