REASONS TO BUY
Great feature set
Open mesh back provides a lot of ventilation
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Small hip belt
No hip belt pockets
One size only
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
Credit: Deuter
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Our Verdict
We found plenty to like when testing the Deuter Futura 22 SL. It has some useful features, like a rain cover and trekking pole stow loops, as well as a ventilated mesh back panel. However, the hip belt leaves a little to be desired. There is some good padding on the back, but that ends way before your hip bones, leaving only the one-inch webbing to extend around the front and lacking any pockets. If you don't mind a minimalist waist belt, this may still be a good option for you — though larger sizes of the Futura have more complete hip belt features.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Deuter Futura 22 SL uses 600-Denier polyester and 210-Denier 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.
Credit: Cam McKenzie Ring
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 and 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.
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.
Credit: Cam McKenzie Ring
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 foot, 6-inch 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.
Credit: Cam McKenzie Ring
Durability
We appreciated the super thick 600-Denier 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.
Credit: Cam McKenzie Ring
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.
Credit: Cam McKenzie Ring
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 Nichols
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