This Deuter Futura 30 Review is about a top-loading pack with a bottom compartment, steel frame, and the best possible ventilation based on a trampoline style mesh.
Key features
- Spring steel frame.
- Rain cover.
- Bottom compartment.
- Excellent ventilation.
What type of a pack is this
The Deuter Futura 30 is a top-loading pack with a lid and collar. But it also has a separate bottom compartment, who would say for such a relatively small pack. You have a true divider between the two compartments, it is with a zipper so you can completely separate the two compartments, or you can unzip it and use the space as a single compartment.
The pack is hydration compatible and you have an internal sleeve for the reservoir, with a hose port behind the shoulder harness. The pack comes with a rain cover that has its own separate pocket on the bottom.
The Futura is the best-known series by Deuter. It includes many packs and in several sub-series. So those smaller packs are the normal Futura series like this Futura 28 SL and Futura Pro series, both without the torso adjustment. You can read about the differences between the Futura and Futura Pro in my separate text.
The largest packs in the series are Futura Vario with an adjustable torso size. You will notice also that some of them (those that are in the daypacks size range) are top loaders and some are panel type packs like this Futura 24, the latter group is a more recent trend. They also build versions for men and for women, the latter has the letters SL in the name. So, for example, this Futura Vario 45 + 10 SL is a pack for women.
I myself have been using these Futura packs from 1993. But let’s get back to this Futura 30 backpack.
Overview of features
The suspension
The suspension is based on a flexible steel spring frame which gives some rigidity and support and it gives tension to the trampoline style mesh which separates the pack from the body. You can see this in the picture above. This is what they call the Aircomfort Sensic System with foam padding columns along the edges of the mesh and with air circulation in all directions.
The torso length is not adjustable, except for small tunning with shoulder straps. It is designed to fit 16 – 20 inches (41 – 51 cm) torsos. The shoulder harness is fully padded, and here you have what they call the ActiveFit pivoting S-shaped profile.
The hip belt is with a generous padding and incredibly comfortable, see the picture below. This is again an ergonomic Comfort Lock design on hip fins with a dual-density foam. This same padding continues to the lumbar area where you have pads on the sides and a ventilation mesh chimney in the middle. The front straps on the belt are Pull-Forward construction which makes it easy to fasten and tighten.
The pack has load-lifter straps and a height and width adjustable sternum strap. So there is not much to object here, the ventilation is at its best. After all, this tensioned mesh system was invented by Deuter and used for the first time on this same Futura series several decades ago, more precisely in 1984.
The pockets
The pack has 7 + 1 pockets. Two zippered pockets are on the hip belt, two stretch mesh pockets are on the sides, you can see them in the picture below. The lid has one zippered top pocket and one smaller on its underside where you also have SOS label typical for all Deuter’s pack. One large stretch mesh pocket is on the front. Finally, there is the mentioned rain cover pocket on the bottom.
Straps and attachment points
- You have dual straps on both sides. The picture above shows the lower strap that keeps the items in the side pocket in place.
- There are 4 attachment loops on the lid.
- You have loops for trekking poles and they are paired with bungee tie-offs, visible in the picture above.
Materials
I already mentioned the steel peripheral frame. The fabric is nylon material in hard-wearing 420D and 210D density with PU coating combined with 600D polyester.
Specifications
- Type: top-loading day pack.
- Weight: 3 lb 4 oz (1480 g).
- Volume: 1830 in³ (30 l).
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 26.8 x 11 x 9.5 in (68 x 28 x 24 cm).
- Torso fit: 16 – 20 in (41 – 51 cm).
- Frame: spring steel.
- Warranty: limited lifetime.
Deuter Futura 30 vs Competitors
You might want to see how this pack compares with packs from some other brands in the same size range. So here I give two of them. This Teton Sports pack has some really great features and it is lighter. The Osprey Kestrel 28 is also lighter and it has an adjustable harness. Please follow the links for more:
Weight, lb (kg)
Volume, l
Adjustable harness
Access
External pockets
Rain cover
Metal frame
Bottom compartment
Deuter
Futura 30
3.26 (1.48)
30
no
top, bottom
7 + 1
yes
yes
yes
Teton Sports
Rock 1800
2.49 (1.13)
30
no
panel
8
yes
yes
no
Osprey
Kestrel 28
2.69 (1.22)
28
yes
top, bottom
6
yes
yes
yes
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
So the Deuter Futura 30 backpack is a technical pack with many features that make it suitable for day hiking, but I see it also suitable for travel as well. If ventilation is very important to you, this is definitely a pack to consider. They claim that it reduces ventilation by 25%, and this is a lot. Note that there seems to be a lidless version of this pack on the market, more about this in my separate text.
The pack may look a bit expensive but it is worth the investment, you will use it for decades. Note that it includes the rain cover as well. Please see how I rate it:
Deuter Futura 30
Pros
- Top craftsmanship.
- Rain cover.
- Strong materials.
- Great ventilation.
- Great organization.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- No bottom straps.
Please note that I am not paid by the manufacturer and do not have any relation with them. If you need more options, check in my page with packs below 35 liters. You might want to check this Mountainsmith Mayhem 30 Pack with a unique and ultra-strong Spectra Fiber fabric.
In the case of questions or comments, please use the comment box below. Have a nice day.
Simon says
Hey Jovo, I have the chance to buy a Futura 30 brand new for a very discounted price. I just want to know whether the 32 is sufficiently better to warrant spending nearly quadruple the price. There is also a heavily discounted Futura 32 ‘storm titan’ but not sure if that is the regular model or older. Thanks for the great reviews keep ‘em coming!
John says
Volume/Weight ratio
6
Features & Bonuses
9
Comfort
9
Hi Jovo,
Part of this I posted on the comparison of the Osprey Stratus vs Deuter Futura page, but I also submitted a review on the Deuter USA site, so I though you would appreciate it here, as well. As of 1/21 I have had the backpack for about 10 months
I actually pulled the trigger on the purchase, because of your review and recommendation, so thanks for that.
Mine is actually the Futura 34 EL, which looks identical tho the Futura 30, but is designed for the longer torso, so one gets bonus capacity.
I use it primarily as a large daypack and for rucking. As I have a long (22″) torso, that took me up from the Futura 30 to the 34 EL
Durability, ventilation and comfort are all outstanding. Usually, I carry 25-30 pounds for anywhere from 3 – 12 miles at a time. The side water bottle pockets require some flexibility to use on the fly, but they work with 1 liter Smartwater bottles, just fine. One thing to note, the pack is tall with a narrow body, so the profile is small. I like that, because it does not interfere with my trekking pole use and allows for good maneuverability in tight places.
This gets used 2-3 times a week, except for winter, when there is usually just one day a week available. I sweat… a lot. The ventilation helps keep me cooler than I would be otherwise. That was paramount in my selection criteria. Durability and weight carrying capacity were next. So far, there is no visible wear. None of which would matter, if it were not comfortable, which for me, is great. I can easily adjust from carrying primarily on the hips, to shoulders, as desired. The shoulder and hip straps I find to be just right, not too hard, not too soft.
The option to carry a water bladder is a nice feature. Often, I will just put a 2-liter bottle in the pouch, but have used it with a 3 liter bladder, as well. Typically, since I use it for training or rucking, I may have 6 to 8 liters of fluids being carried and it holds all that, plus additional clothing, rain gear, etc. very well. Having the internally zippered, lower access point is helpful to balance the load and keep items handy. It will comfortably fit a sleeping bag, as well. In my case, that is a 20 degree rated, synthetic bag. The dual zippered top flap is great for both securing items and having quick access. Waist pockets are mesh and small (so, not going to fit a large cell phone), but are very usable for snacks and other smaller items. The back “shove it” pocket gets used all the time and is holding up well. I rarely stow my trekking poles, but when needed, they stay out of the way with the attachment points. Oh, I have used the included rain cover and it works great keeping the pack dry and as a bonus, looks great to boot.
If you are looking for an ultralight bag, look elsewhere. Otherwise, no downsides for me and I have been super pleased with it.
Thanks for your assistance, Jovo.
Jovo says
Hi John, many thanks for such a detailed description of this pack. I find it valuable also because I am on the opposite side with respect to body size, so cannot have any real feeling about the EL version. Interesting observation about the divider with the zipper, this is what I like in these packs because this is indeed completely closable, and as you rightly notice, with this the load is stabilized inside. But this zipper and some other details that are normally not available in some other light packs indeed affect the weight. Deuter’s packs from Futura series and not light, but they are durable. All the best.
Maple says
Thanks a lot for useful information. I want to know maybe it could be nice for women?
Jovo says
Hi, thank you. Yes, you will be doing fine with it for sure. This is a top quality item, the suspended mesh is the best one can have regarding ventilation. I have been using such packs for 15 years already.
Roger A Ford says
Jovo,
I posted on your site as well (this section wasn’t working).
But love the comparison charts!
Your love of mountains and climbing really comes through with your site (it’s your child!).
The mountain header photo is breathtaking. And your photos are clear and informative.
I like how you did the links to Amazon, eBay, etc. Nice work.
Great comments from followers. Because you have great content, by the way.
Interesting twist on the “About me” page, making it about the site.
sounds like you love adventure, and want to share it with others!
Jovo says
Hi Roger, thank you. The header photo I took when I was on the summit of Garde de Bordon, described in a page within the site. Glad that you like it. Those are all my own photos of course. So you noticed ‘About the site’ page, yes this is on purpose because it is about mountains, not about me.
Paul says
Very thorough review of the Deuter Futura 32 Daypack. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere on the site, I’m a beginner backpacker and given your recommendation as well as other positive reviews I’ve read this is definitely something I’m going to spend time looking at. I’ll have a look at the videos as well. Thanks.
Jovo says
Hi Paul, great to hear from you. This pack is definitely worth its price, one of the best Deuter has made. It is no surprise that it received awards. All the best to you.