Deuter Futura Pro 40L

Field Notes:

Sized in between your typical daypack (20-35L) and your traditional backpacking pack (50L+), the Deuter Futura Pro 40L is a “tweener” pack that our testers absolutely loved. We tested this pack on backpacking trips in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, on climbing trips to Moab, on overnights in Aspen, CO, as well as hikes around Crested Butte, CO. The Futura Pro’s Aircomfort suspension system and pivoting Variflex hip belt had testers agree that while not big on volume, this pack can haul a heavy load.

Pros:

The fit of the taut mesh back panel fits the curvature of the back well while still allowing for ample air flow. Testers noted that the hip straps were also comfortable, and that when combined with Deuter’s Aircomfort back panel and spring steel frame, the pack’s hauling capacity was remarkable given its literage. Fill it up with boulders and barbells and you might be hurting, but anything less than that and the Futura Pro will charge hard up any trail.  

Testers were also fans of the hip strap zip pockets; one called them “super handy for stashing the little essentials that always somehow fall to the bottom of the bag or become too much trouble to get to while hiking.” We were able to stash lip balm, a granola bar, a knife, and a headlamp—perfect for a day trip or a short overnight.

Cons:

One tester noted that the “stitched flip top compartment was a bit inconvenient as I tried to clip it shut over the stuff sack compartment,” and if the brain’s hinge was adjustable rather than stitched, it would make the pack more versatile for bigger objectives. He also commented on the lower compartment at the base of the bag, saying, “On bigger packs it acts as a handy bit of space for dirty hiking boots or a sleeping bag. On this pack it seemed unnecessary.” He went on, “I would prefer to have one big compartment in a pack this size.” Also, as we mentioned with the women’s Futura, compression straps under the bottom of the bag would be a huge addition for carrying a lightweight tent or sleeping bag.

Tester Comments:

“I packed it to the gills and even had camera equipment, a tripod, and a gallon of water hanging from it during our hike and felt comfortable with the weight as we traversed sand, dirt, and rock.”

Key Attribute: Performance