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Built with light-and-fast trips and thru-hikers in mind, the Deuter ACT Zero 50 + 15 pack allows the experienced backpacker or mountaineer to carry necessities without added pack weight.
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View all Deuter Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 50 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,050 cubic inches |
Weight | 3 lbs. 6 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 15 - 21 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | Unavailable |
Material(s) | 210-denier ripstop nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 2 X-frame |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 + main compartment |
Removable Daypack | Yes |
Gender | Men's |
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This pack is very well made and the quality of the materials is good. I have used it on four trips so far of two or three nights. It's great for the 23 to 30 pounds I carry on most trips in warmer weather. If my load is much above 30 pounds I use my Baltoro because the nicer suspension makes the extra two pounds of pack weight worth it. Above about 30 pounds you start to notice the hip belt/lumbar pad is not as comfortable and you are having to pull the belt really tight. The weight spec is off a bit. The pack weighs 59 oz. Without the top section it weighs 54 oz. The detachable top section is made so you can use it as a day pack, but it's pretty small.
This pack feels comfortable and solid up to 30 lbs. Above that, it sags below the waist. Adjustments do not help. It's a light bag so it doesn't have the suspension capable of the rated 45 lbs. I would recommend this for ultralight backpackers.
I purchased the 2014 model and used it for a multi-day back country trek to Canyonlands in April 2014. I will probably purchase the new model because Deuter added sleeping pad/tent straps at the bottom, which addressed one of the shortcomings of the pack. My take: It handles a heavy loads very well despite being a relatively light pack; I carried 48 lbs (25 lbs of water) and lightweight gear otherwise and it performed great. It is also a clean design with few zippered pockets, which I prefer. I'm glad there is no separate zippered mid-pack pocket or sleeping bag compartment. The base capacity (50L) encourages one to pack less stuff- a good thing in my mind. To pack it I used a compactor bag as a large stuff sack (I ditched the individual stuff sacks for all my gear) and it held everything I needed. I would rather attach my pad or tent to the outside than carry a large cumbersome back. It also works well as a day pack with or w/o the brain. My only gripes: it needs a second hip belt pocket (larger is necessary too) and the brain could be bigger- if the pack didn't taper quite as much this would be possible. I recommend this pack despite these minor shortcomings.
Got mine last year. At 35 lb. with a week's food and 3 liters of water it is comfortable and carries well.