DEUTER ACT TRAIL PRO 36 / ACT TRAIL PRO 34 SL £130

Does this new pack, with its close, stable fit and air ‘chimney’ for more comfort, provide everything a hillwalker needs?

it's good

The new Trail Pro packs from Deuter are designed for those with bigger loads who need a stable, close fit that is also comfortable. The wellstiffened back panel means you can throw gear inside the pack without it distorting too easily. Two padded zones extend down the back with a ‘chimney’ up the middle for greater airflow, while very well contoured hip fins allow more weight to be carried on the hips in comfort.

The main compartment is accessed via a nice fixed lid with internal and external pockets. You can also access the base of the main compartment via a front zip.

I particularly like the big front compression panel, as it is far more robust and durable than many mesh designs used on other packs. On one side of the pack you get a huge zipped side pocket that is great for a water bottle, while the side gets a mesh pocket. The compression straps have quickrelease buckles, so you can stash items on the sides easily.

However

This is quite a heavy pack compared to some options, and the price tag is not the lowest available either. also, while the back system is comfortable and stable, there is less airflow here than some options with trampoline backs, so in warm weather this does get more sweaty than other designs.

Only having a zipped side pocket on one side and only having a mesh side pocket on the other does work for me. although sometimes I had to repack my bag to balance it out, rather than just put the water bottle on the other side as I would if a pack had a zipped pocket on both sides.

There is no length adjustment here, so this either fits or it doesn’t, therefore it’s worth trying before buying to be sure.

verdict

this strong, stable pack is great for more challenging mountain days, but those with more airflow and less weight might be a better choice on easier hillwalks.