Simplicity, ruggedness, comfort, and ease of use. Those are the things you really need in a mountaineering pack. Take away the extra features, and you’ll still have a reliable pack that you can trust with your life when you’re out there in the wild. You can find all of these packed in Deuter ACT Lite Series.
Perfect for minimalists, the Deuter ACT boasts of a no-nonsense, purist, and technical design. The design is so effective that the ACT Lite won the Top Tipp in Germany’s Wanderlust Magazine.
Aircontact and VariQuick Back System
Let’s start with the Deuter ACT Lite’s most important element—its dorsal interface. The pack uses the patented Aircontact Lite system, which features a stabilized, anatomic aircraft aluminum internal X-frame. The frame is designed to transfer most of the pack’s weight to your hips and to sway with your body’s movements. The ACT Lite comes with a VariQuick system, which allows a fast, easy adjustment to the wearer’s back length.
Pads made of 3D AirMesh breathable hollow chamber foam provide a pump effect, allowing hot air to go out and cool air to go in. This results to a cooler, more comfortable load.
Like many other Deuter backpacks, the ACT Lite has SL models that are specifically designed for the female anatomy. However, they are also ideal for men who have shorter, more slender torsos such as Filipinos and other Asians.
Another cool feature of the Aircontact Lite System is the set of light, slim, and anatomically shaped hip wings that comfortably hug your hips. These hip wings take most of the load off your shoulder and transfer it to your hips, allowing a longer, more comfortable hike. The side compression straps and the front pull-forward straps add extra stability.
One of the hip wings has a pocket where you can store coins, valuables, or a small digicam.
3D AirMesh Padded Shoulder Straps
Shoulder straps with fat 3D AirMesh paddings prevent chaffing and provides great ventilation and cushion. On top of each shoulder strap is a load adjuster that allows you to stabilize and position the load closer to your center of gravity. The sternum strap is adjustable to suit all chest sizes.
Smaller Velcro straps firmly secure hydration pack streamer tubes while providing easy access.
210 Denier Nylon Fabric Construction
The ACT Lite is made of tough, rip-proof, water resistant 210 Denier nylon, a robust material used in the production of highly technical packs. Top-quality PU coating resists harmful UV light. Like many standard mountaineering packs, the ACT Lite is divided into 3 main compartments—the top-loading main compartment, sleeping bag compartment, and lid. The main compartment can be accessed via a drawstring-controlled opening and secured with a clip-on strap, which doubles as a lash for a climbing rope. The main and sleeping bag compartments are divided by a load separator; the separator can be unzipped.
Inside the main compartment is a sleeve that is large enough to hold a 3-liter hydration bladder. The streamer tube goes out through the back of the pack just behind the haul loop and to the shoulder straps.
The elastic front pocket allows you to store quick-grab essentials such as helmets, harnesses, and raincoats as well as things you don’t want inside your pack such as trash or dirty laundry. There are also elastic cords for attaching trekking poles and loops for attaching a helmet holder.
The ACT Lite’s lid compartment can accommodate a first aid kit, a wash bag, and other quick-grab essentials. The lid is height-adjustable so you can store more items in the main compartment. It also has four elastic loops on each corner where you can attach straps to secure gear externally.
Underneath is another pocket where you can store valuables such as keys, wallets, and important documents. Printed on the bottom pocket is an SOS label that reiterates important tips and signals for emergency situations.
Compression Straps
Multi-purpose front and side compression straps reduce pack volume, improve stability, and can be used to attach and fasten extra gear such as tent poles. You can secure water bottles in side pockets located on both sides of the pack.
There are minor cons though. Unlike other Deuter models, the ACT Lite doesn’t come with an integrated rain cover; you have to buy a separate rain cover. Also, the lack of extra features such as side pockets and daisies may frustrate outdoorspeople who need to utilize these features.
The Deuter ACT Lite has been our companion in the mountains and on our multi-day trips, and it is quite difficult to imagine us adventuring without this dependable pack on our backs. Overall, the Deuter ACT Lite is an ideal beginner and minimalist pack. The simple yet sleek design makes it light and comfortable—characteristics that are sought after by any trekker or mountaineer. Get one now, and enjoy the outdoors in comfort!
If you are looking for top-quality and reasonably priced travel and outdoor accessories, adventure backpacks, and urban bags, then look no further than Deuter. Deuter products are available at their concept store at the second level of Active Zone, Ayala Center Cebu. They are also distributed nationwide by Chris Sports. For inquiries and details, send a message through the Deuter PH Facebook Page.
