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Deuter ACT Lite 40+10

rated 4.5 of 5 stars

The ACT Lite 40+10 has been discontinued. It was replaced by the Deuter Futura Pro 40.

photo: Deuter ACT Lite 40+10 overnight pack (35-49l)

This bag is an excellent overnight bag with some amazing strengths and very minor weaknesses. It's light, durable, and comfortable.

Pros

  • lightweight (not ultralight)
  • durable
  • comfortable
  • affordable
  • expandable

Cons

  • no a true backpacking pack. more expedition pack.


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The Deuter ACT Lite 40+10 is an excellent overnight to two-day backpack. It is lightweight, weighing in at about 3lb, has excellent space, and is even expandable. The bag fits great, as it has an adjustable shoulder harness. You can quickly change it up or down to fit your torso perfectly.

The interior is an open top loader with a separate sleeping bag compartment that is separated by a zippered flap. It is hydration compatible, and has two small pouches in the lid. The +10 comes in at the top, with an additional collar that can expand the bag by 10 liters. This is a great feature, as it keeps the bag small when you need it to be, but can hold that last few winter items. It makes it a true year round bag.

There are two mesh pockets, one on each side of the bag. There is an expandable "helmet" net on the outside that I use to store my rain jacket and snacks. Easy access! There is even a little pouch on the hipbelt. How convenient.

If there was any negatives, they are minor, and really a point of opinion, as they may work best for you. First, the bag is very narrow, and it hinders my packing style. However the narrow profile does make it very easy to trek through the smaller spaces out in the great outdoors.

Second is, and again, just a matter of need, the loops on the bottom are made for ice picks or some other tool. I wanted straps or at least 2 sets of loops on the bottom to strap my sleep roll to. So for most, this wouldn't even be a problem.

I have had this bag out in the woods several times, and I'm not exactly gentle on my stuff, and the bag doesn't even have the first signs of wear on it. I love this bag, and if I ever needed a bigger bag, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Deuter.

Source: bought it used
Price Paid: $50

Well designed, tough as nails pack, with a great balance of weight and size. This pack does it all, and asks for more.

Pros

  • Durability
  • Low weight
  • Warranty
  • Affordable

Cons

  • None that I have found

I have used this pack now for well over a year, for everything from backpacking on and off trail, to travel, and it still asks for more. With durable materials, I don't have to worry about where I set it, if it rubs, or how it gets treated if I check it as luggage.  

The workmanship and attention to details are spot on, with thoughtful features such as a hydration bladder sleeve with hanger, and a port to run the tube out. Comfort has always been A+ with this pack, even with heavy (45#+) loads. It isn't an ultralight pack, but at right around three and a half pounds, it's certainly not a porker either, and it will stand up to the extra weight, if you need it to.

Deuter's warranty department is fast, pleasant and efficient.  I broke a couple of the buckles (entirely my fault), and when I contacted them about acquiring replacements, they simply sent them to me, with stickers.

Overall, I would recommend this pack to anyone looking for a pack with enough room to go for days, or even longer if you pack light.  It is tough and will last for years, and stand up to the learning curve if you are new as well.

Source: received it as a personal gift

I love the fit of this pack, and the ventilation up the back. Feature rich, and built to last. This is a great pack.

Pros

  • Adjustable, comfortable fit
  • Smart features — suspension, loops, pockets, etc.
  • Rugged

I have used this Deuter ACT Light 40-10 for 1-, 2-, and 3-day hikes, and will use soon on a 4-day trip. I travel with my son, so we split stove/cook/tent/water system, and this pack ensures I pack light. 

Designers are clearly users of their products, as every feature contributes to comfort and function, with nothing extra to create weight nor problems.

The pack's strap system is muti-adjustable, for a wide range of torso sizes. I'm 5'10" and I have the length set in the middle. The hip belt is highly stable and comfortable, but moves well.

This pack is waterproof, so no additional cover/fly is needed. Top quality, super smart. Totally worth the few extra dollars.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $110

Perfect rucksack for hiking and traveling especially for short days trip (2-3 days).

Pros

  • Medium capacity and weight, suitable for short days trip and hiking.
  • Confortable back system
  • Supported with adjustable lid to have extra capacity
  • Vari-Quick System for easy adjustment to any back length

Cons

  • The Air Contact system still need to improve for better air circulation from the side
  • Less access for the compartment, only from top and bottom

The Vari-Quick System is the perfect technology applied to adapt with every user's back length, especially its easy to adjust. This hip belts is perfect and is comfortable compared to the weight that can be loaded from 40 till we used the 10L extra capacity.

Would be better to advance the product with the front access to make it easier to access. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: US $120

I had searched the net for a midsize pack for days! I read a review in Backpacker for the Deuter brand, I checked it out and glad I did. I hike in the Arizona desert and the cooling effect of the back panel is a dream. This pack handles a 30 lb. load with ease due to the reinforced hip-padding and the fully adjustable shoulder straps (using a velcro fold-over slotted flap) these adjustment points dont sag under weight, either. The pack fabric has withstood the desert abuse and has not faltered. Lots of useful pockets, very well built. I would recommend. Other packs used: Arc'teryx bora 65, Osprey Ceres, and Gregory.

Design: hybrid pack, seperate bag area, see Deuter website!
Size: 40 liters main pack body, 10 liter top lid, spindrift collar
Number of Pockets: neat hip belt pocket holds gum, passport, etc.
Max. Load Carried: about 35 lbs.
Height of Owner: 66"
Price Paid: $130

I was looking for a weekend backpacking/travel pack. The adjustable suspension is great--lots of tweaks to fit me individually. I can put a small 2-person tent, sleeping bag, food, clothes, etc. all inside for a 2-3 day 3 season trip. It handles the load without a problem and the air vent suspension isdefinitely a must. Also, BIG plus is that it fits end-wise in plane overhead compartments - mush easer to negotiate airports with a backpack rather than a roller.

Liked it so much and quality is good enough that I just bought an AC Lite 20 for around town.

Design: Top loading, bag compartment
Size: 40-50L
Number of Pockets: 2 side + 2 hood
Max. Load Carried: 30
Height of Owner: 6'-0"
Price Paid: $139

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Specs

Price MSRP: $169.00
Historic Range: $99.97-$190.00
Reviewers Paid: $50.00-$139.00
Weight 3 lb 5 oz / 1500 g
Capacity 2440 cu in / 40 L
Size 29 in x 11 in x 9.1 in / 74 cm x 28 cm x 23 cm
Material Deuter-Ripstop 210 / Deuter-Duratex-Lite
Product Details from Deuter »

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