ProView – Deuter Futura 28 SL

If you’ve seen my gear closet you know I have *a few* backpacks…and by a few I mean enough to start a small retail store. I have tried several different brands – Northface, Osprey, Gregory, Columbia, and now Deuter. One might think I would shy away from adding yet another backpack to my collection but, in fact, my reaction was quite the opposite. I am meticulous by nature and pride myself on finding the best outdoor gear on the market. Thus, I was beyond stoked when given the opportunity to get my hands on the Deuter Futura 28 SL. I’ve heard great things about Deuter in the past, particularly in regard to their women-specific designs, so I couldn’t wait to add the Futura to my closet.

Features

I was able to test out the Futura on several hikes, including Rattlesnake Ridge, a Pacific Northwest classic, and Baker Lake, a fun day-hike in the Sawtooth Mountains outside of Sun Valley, Idaho. As far as testing conditions, apart from snow, I got a little bit of everything. When we started the hike up Rattlesnake Ridge it was a sunny and beautiful evening.  Nevertheless, shortly after we reached the top our summit picnic got rained out. My friends’ backpacks got soaked in the rain while my Futura stayed nice and dry with the built-in rain cover! I’ve used rain covers before but they never seem to stay on very well. I carry a fair amount of camera gear when I hike so a reliable rain cover for my day-pack is crucial. The Futura rain cover fits perfectly and stays in place – ensuring a dry pack and a happy hiker.

Comfort

On my hike in the Sawtooths it was a very hot dry day with a lot of dust/dirt on the trail. The Futura made the hike a breeze, not showing any noticeable signs of wear after a long day of being tossed around in the Idaho summer heat. It also kept me nice and cool thanks to the three-side ventilation system. I sweat a lot while hiking so it is essential that my pack has proper ventilation. Without it, not only is it uncomfortable, but it can lead to chafing and/or rubbing depending on the weather, how much I am carrying, and the difficulty level of the hike. While using the Futura my back stayed nice and cool the entire hike, making the descent back to the car a lot more enjoyable.

Final Word

After one hike using the Futura it is easy to recognize that Deuter put in the extra effort with its design team to create a pack that caters to the female anatomy. Women naturally have shorter torsos and narrower shoulders than men, which is why a lot of backpacks end up causing discomfort and pain even after a short easy hike. Well, ladies, I am happy to report the Futura fits like a glove, hugging you in all the right places. Whether you are looking for your first day-pack or you are a regular gear junkie like me, you are seriously missing out if you do not add the Futura to your collection.

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