Weight: 1620g, 40l (m) | 1600g, 38l (w)

Best for: Hut-based weekend tramps and day trips.

Overview

The Futura Pro is a durable and practical overnighter featuring Deuter’s Aircomfort Sensic Pro harness with a trampoline-style back panel and plush VariFlex ECL hip belt. It’s made from tough 600D polyester and 210D nylon and includes dual compartments, large bellows side pockets with zips, lid and small waistbelt pockets and single ice axe and trekking pole attachments. Other features include 3l hydration bladder compatibility, a rain cover and attachment loops for a separate helmet holder. 

Performance

This smaller capacity pack has a torso-hugging harness with a comfortable and breathable back panel, although the shoulder straps and waist belt do not ventilate quite as well as the back. It is unrestrictive and stable to move with over a wide range of terrain, thanks to plenty of float at the hip belt and harness junction. 

The dual compartments, large side pockets and mesh overflow pockets made organising gear a cinch, but none have water-resistant zips, making dry bags and a packliner (in combination with the supplied pack cover) essential. We also note the omission of a throat compression strap under the lid.

Overall, this is a great pack with features and stability well suited to day walks or climbs requiring an ice axe, although its small capacity limits its use for longer trips unless you travel very light. It’s also available in smaller sizes and a women’s version, the Futura Pro SL (38l, 1600g).  

What we like

Breathable back panel, gear access and organisation.

Limitations

Smaller capacity, water ingress through zips.

Why buy the Futura Pro?

This pack’s well-ventilated, stable and unrestrictive harness means it carries well over a wide range of terrain, and it sports a near-complete feature set and durable fabrics.