There are new versions of the Deuter Futura PRO and Deuter Futura Vario backpacks. So here I show the differences between the two series. Keep reading.
Futura PRO & Futura Vario
So this is about the new 2018 versions of the Deuters series. If you search around you will realize that there are still many packs from the previous versions around and there is a lot of confusion about what is what. Therefore it is best to see the pictures below and to try to memorize how these new packs look.
The Futura Vario and Futura PRO backpacks may look very similar, or almost identical, and even when you see them side by side, you will not know which is which unless you are really familiar with these models. See these two pictures to realize what I mean, and no this is not a mistake, you have two very different packs here:
But there are important differences indeed and you should know them before you decide to buy any of the two types. One thing is certain – those are top-notch tools, among the best on the market. Most importantly, in both series you have the trampoline style tensioned mesh which provides the best possible ventilation, see the picture below. You will not find anything better if you need a ventilated pack. Deuter has invented this system several decades ago and brought it to perfection.
The new 2018 Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 is described in detail in my separate review, so please follow the link to read more. But when it comes to the differences between the two series, here are a few basic facts first about the sizes:
- The Deuter Futura Vario series is now in two sizes only:
- The Futura Vario 50 + 10 for men.
- The Futura Vario 45 + 10 SL for women. The letters SL mean ‘slim line’.
- The Deuter Futura PRO series is available in the following sizes:
- The Futura PRO 40 & 36 for men.
- The Futura PRO 38 SL & 34 SL for women.
- The Futura PRO 44 EL. The letters EL mean ‘extra long’.
- The former Futura Vario 60 + 10 is discontinued.
The numbers +10 in the Vario series indicate extra volume you have due to the expandable collar.
The most important functional differences between the PRO and Vario series
From what you have seen above, there are obvious differences in the size and weight, but I am not going to discuss these here. I shall rather focus on the functional differences which I have summarised in this table:
Front access
Adjustable harness
Adjustable lid
Expandable collar
Bottom straps
Torso size range, in
Load capacity, lb *
Price
Futura PRO
no
no
no
no
no
16 - 20
30
$
Futura Vario
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
15 - 22
40
$$
Some explanation might be helpful, so now I go through the features mentioned in the table. Both packs have the top and bottom access, but the Vario packs have an extra front access as well.
The Vario packs have an adjustable harness, and the system is continuous in the sense that you can have any length in the range 15 – 22 inches. The PRO packs have fixed harness and the torso size range (in inches) is indicated in the table above.
The Vario packs have a floating lid, this feature is related to the +10 extra volume which you have when you expand the collar. So the lid can be raised up to accommodate such a variation in the volume. You do not have this in the PRO packs.
*The load capacity – Deuter only gives the comfort limit. I have seen a statement somewhere from their representative that they never test the packs to the real limits. I have a lot of experience with their packs and can tell you that the true weight limit is far bigger; you can surely double the indicated value.
The PRO series packs are less expensive. This is because of i) fewer features, and ii) they are smaller as well.
Final thoughts
So those are the most important differences between the Deuter Futura PRO and Deuter Futura Vario. I hope I did not miss anything important, but if you notice anything please let me know, there is a comment box below.
You realize that the PRO packs are simply with far fewer features. Some of the missing features may not be so important, like the front access, but this does not hold for all of the features. All in all, the Futura Vario packs are far more functional.
You might want to check also my text with the comparison between the Futura Vario and Aircontact Lite packs, and the comparison between the Osprey Atmos AG 50 and Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10.
Thank you for reading. Do share your thoughts here if you are familiar with these packs, and let me know if you have any question or comment. Have a nice day.
Chad says
What can you tell me about capacity. I’m trying to decide between the two and I like the idea of the 40L but I’m not sure if it will fit the typical mummy bag and backpacking two-man tent along with all my other regular one to two night gear.
Jovo says
Hi Chad, Deuter’s packs always have those numbers +10 or +15 in the name, and this means expandable collar so they can accept a lot of stuff extra. There is also a pair of bottom straps, but none of these features is available in the PRO packs. So go for standard Futura Vario instead. There is always a bottom compartment so these packs can accept a lot of stuff inside and outside.
The big three pieces (pad, bag, and tent) can have very different sizes, this depends on what you have or how much you are ready to pay to have compact stuff.
But note that there is only Pro version in the 40-liters volume you want, so this would probably not be good for overnight or couple of days trip. It depends also on what you carry, is this staying in a hut or not, do you carry water and food or not. Is it at high elevations or not? Cannot say more at this moment unless you give me more details.
Average Hiker says
You omitted the torso length for the EL backpacks (20-24″) The EL is great for taller/longer “torsoed” hikers. At 6’4″, I find the regular Deuter backpacks to be uncomfortable. I have 3 packs in the EL series (ACT Trail 36EL,Futura 34EL and 44 EL PRO. They fit me better than the Osprey backpacks in this category that have the compromised sizing (M/L instead of separate M and L for earlier models – I still go to Osprey for their XL torso backpacks (Aether 70, Xenith 88)
Given that Gregory, REI, and EMS backpacks tend to be lacking in the 22-24″ torso range, the Deuter products that include an EL variant seem to be geared for a greater range of hikers than competing products offered by those 3 equipment lines..
Jovo says
Hi Average Hiker, it is true I did not focus on the EL versions. This is because they do not have it in the Futura Vario series so there is no point mentioning it, the largest pack in the EL group, as far as I know, is the Futura Pro 44 without any counterpart in the Vario series.
On the other hand I am short myself so this range of torso size is naturally not in my focus. This is why it is great to hear from somebody like you who is actually in this size range and can compare with Osprey and other brands. Many thanks.
By the way, the name Average Hiker sounds inappropriate, you are obviously an experienced hiker.