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Deuter Futura 22 SL Review

A versatile option if you don't carry a lot of weight in your pack or want a supportive hip belt
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Price:  $120 List | $92.95 at Amazon
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Pros:  Great feature set, open mesh back provides a lot of ventilation
Cons:  Heavy, small hip belt, no hip belt pockets, one size only
Manufacturer:   Deuter
By Cam McKenzie Ring and Maggie Brandenburg  ⋅  May 5, 2018
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62
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#8 of 12
  • Comfort - 25% 7
  • Versatility - 25% 7
  • Weight - 25% 4
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6
  • Durability - 10% 8

Our Verdict

We found plenty to like when testing the Deuter Futura 22 SL. It has some useful features, like an included rain cover and loops for stowing your trekking poles. We also like the back panel design, which is an open mesh that keeps the rest of the pack off your back. However, the hip belt leaves a little to be desired. There is some good padding on the back, but then the hip belt ends way before your hip bones, leaving only the one-inch webbing to extend around the front. This is less comfortable than a full hip belt and it also means there are no hip belt pockets, which we've come to love in our daypacks. The open mesh back is great for ventilation though, so if you hike in hot climates, this could still be a good option for you. You can also check out the larger packs in the Futura line (24 and 26L) which do have full hip belts, with pockets!

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Our Analysis and Test Results

The Deuter Futura 22 SL uses 600D polyester and 210D nylon with a PU coating for added water resistance. This pack has a 17-inch torso length that is not adjustable.

Performance Comparison


Out for a hike in the Futura. We liked the exterior pockets and options for organization on this daypack but wished it had a better hip belt.
Out for a hike in the Futura. We liked the exterior pockets and options for organization on this daypack but wished it had a better hip belt.

Comfort


Our testers think the Futura 22 is comfortable for the most part, and the open back allows for great airflow. You might still get a sweaty back when hiking, but it doesn't accumulate as much thanks to the air circulation. The well-padded shoulder straps properly spaced and contoured, are all things we appreciate. There is some nice padding around the lumbar area, but that ends before your hip bones. The one-inch webbing then extends across your stomach, making this one slightly less comfortable than others with a full hip belt, particularly with a heavier load or over longer distances. This hip belt does still work at transferring the weight off your shoulders, but you'll have to crank it tight, at which point the webbing starts to dig in uncomfortably.

The hip belt stops before our hips! A little more padding around the front would be nicer and more comfortable.
One-inch webbing straight across our stomachs does not make for the most comfortable ride and we preferred to not do it up at all in most cases.

Versatility


This pack has some of our favorite features that make it versatile for just about every new adventure. The included rain cover is always a bonus, and it stays tucked away in a little pouch so you won't notice it, or forget it! We liked the side water bottle holders, which do a great job of holding our water bottle even when taking this pack on and off. The outer mesh stuff pocket is a great option for quickly stashing your layers as you take them off throughout the day, and there are two interior compartments and lots of little pockets for organizing your gear. The only thing missing is some hip belt pockets!

The stretch pocket on the front is great for stashing your layers as you heat up while hiking.
The stretch pocket on the front is great for stashing your layers as you heat up while hiking.

Weight


Weighing in at 41 ounces (2.6 pounds), the Futura is one of the heaviest packs in our review. That comes from having a substantial frame and the thicker 600D polyester used in the bottom. If you need or want a more robust pack like one, you'll have to deal with the extra ounces that come with those features. However, there are some options that are nearly as tough but have larger capacities, tipping the scales at about the same weight or even less than this one.

Ease of Use


Overall we think the Futura has some good adjustability options on the pack, but it only comes in one size, which limits the range of users who can wear it comfortably. The 17-inch back length was a little short on our 5'6" tester, so it seems like Deuter made this one with shorter people in mind.

This pack does have load lifters on the shoulder straps though we don't find them as effective on daypacks as we do on larger backpacks.
This pack does have load lifters on the shoulder straps, though we don't find them as effective on daypacks as we do on larger backpacks.

Durability


We appreciated the super thick 600D polyester on the bottom. It should help this high-wear area last longer than the competition.

This pack uses thicker material in the bottom to protect against sharp rocks and plants. Also note the open mesh back panel which helped keep us cooler on hot days.
This pack uses thicker material in the bottom to protect against sharp rocks and plants. Also note the open mesh back panel, which helped keep us cooler on hot days.

Value


The Futura 22 retails on the upper end of average for packs we tested, which seems reasonable given the features and quality of construction.

This is a great daypack for times when the weather is warm and sunny and you won't be carrying too much gear.
This is a great daypack for times when the weather is warm and sunny, and you won't be carrying too much gear.

Conclusion


We've tested other Deuter packs in the past, and this one is our current favorite. The Futura 22 is slightly more comfortable, and the features are better and more useful. However, it is a little on the heavy side, and we prefer a full hip belt even on our daypacks. Maybe you don't? If so, this might be the perfect option for you.

— Cam McKenzie Ring and Maggie Brandenburg