Deuter Futura Pro 38 SL Women’s

Field Notes:

Deuter’s Futura Pro 38 SL earned top marks in the women’s crossover category: this pack size is big enough to take on minimalist overnights, but small enough to be an ideal hauler for day trips. We tested the Deuter Futura Pro 38 SL backpacking in Capitol Reef National Park, as well as on several climbing trips throughout Colorado and Utah. As did male testers with the Futura Pro 40 SL, our female testers loved Deuter’s Aircomfort suspension system. Between the system’s unparalleled ventilation and remarkable comfort, the Futura Pro 38 SL was a favorite amongst testers who weren’t afraid to push hard in high heat.

Pros:

Not only is the Aircomfort system comfortable in warm temps, but it’s also confidence-inspiring when loads are heavy. The spring steel frame keeps the mesh back panel taut, while a thick yet lightweight waist belt flexes to simultaneously transfer the bulk of the load to the hips and minimize the shock of sudden jolts. Testers felt volume was maxed out before the beefy suspension system reached its limit.

Like many of Deuter’s hiking and backpacking packs, the Futura Pro 38 SL doesn’t skimp on features. The dual zip pockets on the waist belt were actually more sizeable than those of some of the larger packs tested, and this was appreciated greatly by testers who want the same access to snacks, sun screen, phone, etc. on day hikes and overnights alike. When half-packed, the pack mitigates the sensation of sloshing gear thanks to cinchable side straps. The brain has internal and external zips, the outer mesh pocket is a life-saver for stashing wet and stinky gear, and the removable rain fly is crucial when precipitation is a possibility. Also, the dual side zipper pockets—one of which is engineered to be compatible with hydration bladders—are easily accessed mid-hike, and make a perfect place to store a rain jacket, trail snacks, additional hydration, etc. Lastly, testers appreciated the design of the water bottle holders, which refused to unceremoniously dump nalgenes into the ether.

Cons:

Most tester concerns were capacity related: while the 38L pack can handle a heavy load, high-volume essentials like sleeping bags, puffies, tents, and stoves rapidly fill up available space. A wonderful way to sneak around capacity concerns is to include compression straps at the base of the bag in order to attach a sleeping bag or tent externally, but alas, such lash points are lacking. If Deuter were to add those lash points, they’d undeniably augment the versatility of this pack, because as it stands, you’ve either got to be a minimalist rocking ultra-light gear or relying on a partner with a bigger pack to handle group gear in order to make this a realistic overnight pack. That said, you can always size up to the Futura Vario 45 + 10 for a higher-volume trekking pack that’s built around the same phenomenal Futura profile.

Our testers’ only additional concern was that the pack doesn’t have a front or side zipper to access the main compartment—the bottom sleeping bag compartment can be unzipped and then access is available from the bottom of the pack, but a mid-pack outer zip would go a long way on this otherwise killer option from Deuter.

Tester Comments: “Having the removable rain cover integrated into the bottom of the pack is key; placement keeps it out of the way, and you can remove it to dry/use on a different piece of gear.”

“The lifted back support is great: I’m usually dripping with sweat and didn’t get super sweaty with this pack. I love how it is elevated off of your back.”

Key Attribute: Suspension