Deuter Futura 42 AC Backpack Review (Part 1of2)

The Deuter Futura 42 gives a list of well-thought out features in a sturdy pack at a fraction of the cost of comparable packs from other companies. But don't think for a second that quality has been compromised by the low price. I've literally kicked my Futura around the UK (England,Wales), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam), and up and down the east coast of Australia with nary a problem or any sign of damage.

The Futura features:
- Sturdy top-loading design with adjustable waist belt
- Hydration compatible
- AirComfort System to prevent "sweaty back syndrome"
- 2550 cubic inches (42 liters) of space in the main compartment with a zip divider to separate it into upper and lower compartments
- expandable side pockets on either side (for an extra 5 liters/300 cubic inches of storage) with compression straps
- mesh pockets on either side with compression straps
- 2 top flap pockets
- front stash pocket
- bottom outer pocket
- bottom access to the lower half of the pack's main compartment
- small zip pouch on the waist belt
- integrated rain cover
- Materials: Microrip Nylon & Polytex
- weighs 3lbs. 14 oz. (1.75 kg.)
- measures 28"x14"x10" (71 x 35.5 x 25.4 cm)
- Fits torso lengths 17-21" (43-53 cm)
- Retails for approx. US$140

However there were a few small details that I wish I could change
- The air comfort system, while nice in summer, is superfluous in cooler months. The extra volume taken up by the system makes the pack a little too large to be taken as a carry-on in planes. It would be nice to have the option of getting the pack without the AirComfort.
- The interior of the pack is black (making it harder to find items in low-light conditions) while the exterior is bright yellow (which attracts unwanted attention that I'm a tourist). They should switch the color schemes between the interior and exterior.
- People with longer torsos have complained that the 42 is just too short for them.

Despite these little nit-picks, the Futura 42 is an incredible value for the price ($130 when I purchased it), especially when compared to more expensive backpacks that offer less features.

Highly recommended.

p.s. There is a new model of the 42 that is only in red. Though still a bright color, it's certainly a step up from bright yellow.
p.p.s. Deuter also offers the Vario 50 and AirContact trekking series which offer many of the same features as the Futura but in a larger size pack. People with larger torsos may want to look into this.

This video was shot with an Olympus 770SW.

Category:

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Tags:

• deuter
• futura
• 42
• ac
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• review
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• rei

[jumpthemap]

Sorry, not sure of the season or year because I bought this pack used at an REI Gear Sale.

Once I got it I hosed it off in my backyard, let it dry in the sun, and have been using it ever since.

I'm not sure of any big difference between this one and the red one.

If you decide to get it post a comment and let us know what you think.

[optijazz]

Just a note on the AC backing. In the winter put a fleece into a plastic bag and shove it into the gap. You can lace the side with thread (or dental floss) make a imprompto net when you tie the floss to the straps around the side of the bag. It'll keep the items in the gap from falling out to the side or dropping. Also helps reduce thermo loss out of your back.

[jumpthemap]

Nice!

Thanks so much for the great suggestion.

Can't wait to try it out!

[TheMrZOMBIE13]

got the futura 32 yesterday and so far i'm liking it

[patrickgetsontube]

Do you do anything special before checking in this pack? I mean, do you tie the straps so that they don't get damaged?

[1q3er5]

i see a fault the waist strap only has a pocket on one side....WHY not both sides. Who complains about more pockets! Nice bag though overall

[tipiconnect]

This is cheap place to buy them if any viewers are from Australia

tipi.com.au

[Blackwater200]

Could it fit a 17" laptop?

[Intensiteetti]

I bought this pack a year ago and I like it so much I plan to get the futura 28 as well.

[tanktheturtleman]

Do you reccomend this for multiday backpacking trip? does it hold alot? thanks

[yosup84]

you said that the built in rain cover was one of the features you liked that made you want to get that pack, but right after you said you walked around with a plastic bag cause you didnt know you had a built in rain cover cause its so low key..... hahahaha i just thought that was funny. ok anyways great vids and reviews keep them coming!

[kgmachine]

I bought a black wolf cuba 90 litre and did the sunshine coast hinterland great walk.

It weighed in at about 19.6 kilos and was the biggest uncomfortable piece of shit ever so dont but travel packs for hiking or even black wolf.