The ACT Trail Pro is a mid-size backpack with heavyweight credentials, and it comes with all the precise engineering we expect from Deuter. It is far more comfortable than a burdensome load has any right to be: the back is padded with body-hugging foam cushions and both the shoulder straps and hip belt come with a significant smattering of spongy softness. Wearing this pack is like being hugged by a benign bear. The cuddly feeling is helped along by how well the pack stabilises and bears a heavy load. As it’s slightly smaller than many of the other packs on test, it doesn’t have as many storage options, but it does feature a useful wet laundry space at the front, a zipped side pocket and a front zip to the main compartment. There are holes in the shoulder straps to encourage ventilation and the foam back has a gap down the middle for air to flow through, though I didn’t feel this made much of an impact on hot days. Target Price £120.
SPECIFICATION
Weight: 1511g
Capacity: 38L
Extra pockets: 6 (2 x top, side, front, 2 x belt)
Air system: aircontact (padded)
Contact: 0191 296 0212, www.deutergb.co.uk
VERDICT
PROS: Comfort, stability and made with high quality, durable materials.
CONS: The back system can overheat if tackling really challenging terrain.
Comfort: 5/5
Stability: 5/5
Features: 4/5
Ventilation: 3/5
Best for: Winter trips when more space is needed for extra layers.
Review from Country Walking magazine