The new Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 pack is available on the market, so this great pack has been improved and there are some important changes in the design. The pack is lighter and it comes with bottom compression straps.
Key features & benefits
- 3 access points.
- Adjustable harness length.
- Zippered upper side pockets.
- Ventilated suspension system.
- ActiveFit shoulder straps.
- Vari Flex hip belt system.
- Vari Slide torso length adjustment system.
- Rain cover included.
What is new in the new Futura Vario 50
I have recently ordered this pack so I know all its features, see how it looks:
Here are some of the most important changes:
- There is a new front stretch mesh pocket in the New Futura Vario. The previous version was with a zippered front pocket. I am not sure which is better, obviously both have pros and cons. I would probably rather have the previous zippered pocket.
- Bottom compression straps are available in the new pack. So this is a big improvement. They have achieved this in the following way:
- The previous straps with buckles, which were there only to secure the flap covering the front entrance zipper, are repositioned and extended. In this way, they can accommodate a sleeping pad. I asked the Deuter and they confirmed such a purpose of the new straps.
- The previous trekking poles attachment loops were on the bottom; they are now moved above the zipper of the bottom compartment so that the poles do not interfere with the pad if you attach it below. See these changes in the pictures:
- The lumbar padding is reshaped, and the same holds for the mesh on the back. Both look better in the new model, I think this is an improvement. They have added padding sections along the sides of the tensioned mesh, I did not have any issues with the previous design, but this looks cool. See them both side by side:
- It is important to stress that this is again the trampoline-type tensioned mesh that Deuter introduced in 1984. Nowadays, many brands are introducing this system in small to medium size packs. I am convinced there is nothing better. I have been using this system since 2003 when I purchased my first Futura 38. Below you can see how this system looks, this is my own Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 pack:
- The side pockets are more angled now so that you can easier put the bottle in, this is also an improvement.
- The new version is lighter; you have 4.56 lb (2.07 kg). The previous version was 4.94 lb (2.24 kg).
Overview of features
This part is mainly for those who were not familiar with this series and with the previous version, so here are all the features of this great pack.
Three access points
The Futura Vario 50 + 10 is a pack with three access points to the main compartment: from the top under the lid, from the front, and from the bottom.
The top lid is fully adjustable and you can raise it up in order to accommodate extra load with the extended collar; hence the number +10 in the name of the pack. But the pack is also with a huge zippered entrance on the front and you can open it like a suitcase, see the picture:
The bottom access is through the sleeping bag compartment. There is a real divider here between the two compartments, it is with a zipper so it closes the space completely, unlike some other packs where you can see only some shelf with toggles. When you unzip the divider you can access the pack from this side as well, and you can use the whole space as a single compartment.
The pack is hydration compatible and you have a sleeve in the main compartment where you can store a 3-liter water bladder (not included).
The suspension system
You have already seen a bit of it, here to add a few more details. The suspension is based on a permanently elastic, break-proof inverted-U-shaped spring steel piece. This is a lightweight but ergonomic structure that i) transfers the load to the hip belt, and ii) it also creates tension in the back mesh.
This mesh keeps the pack completely separated from the back and you have the maximum possible airflow in all directions. This is their Aircomfort system – there is nothing better regarding ventilation, but there are many packs nowadays with such a system or with some variant of it. You can see it in the Gregory Zulu and Gregory Optic packs, but also in the Osprey Aether AG 60, Osprey Eja 58, and in Osprey Sirus and Stratos packs.
The pack is also with what they call the ActiveFit shoulder straps system which fits comfortably to any shoulder width through its self-acting adjustment. When the new version was announced last year and I still did not have an access to it, I asked them about it and got the answer that this includes a flexible attachment to the backpack which allows the shoulder harness to adjust in every direction, offering a wider range of fit. In other words, the shoulder straps adapt automatically to the body.
The torso length is adjustable and this is what they call Vari Slide System, see the picture below. This practically means that you can have any torso length in the range of 15 – 22 inches (38 – 56 cm), so this is not a ladder-type system with discrete positions which you have in some packs. You also have load-lifter straps in place and the sternum strap, both designed for fine-tuning and for a perfect fit.
The shoulder straps are S-shaped and ergonomic, with a great padding, and the hip belt is with its redesigned dual-density foam. This they describe as the Variflex ECL (Ergonomic Comfort Lock) design. It fits to the hips and distributes the weight comfortably due to its ergonomic profile and a gap-free transition from the back system; so this is quite different from the previous version.
Here you also have the pivoting system and this implies that the massive hip fins are fully mobile. They follow every movement so the pack reacts to what you are doing; this saves energy and allows you to pass tricky sections without losing balance.
Pockets
This pack has 9 of them. Two zippered pockets are on the hip belt and two mesh pockets are on the sides, for water bottles or for any elongated objects like a tripod; whatever you put there will be fixed in place with the straps.
But this pack also has the upper zippered side bellows pockets which are rare nowadays. Their design is such that when full they do not take much volume of the main compartment, they expand outwards instead. See below how it looks:
The lid is with one pocket with external access, and one pocket is underneath the lid. I have already mentioned the large stretch mesh pocket on the front.
Attachment & compression elements
The pack is with dual compression straps on the sides, the lower are with an inside-out design. You have all the necessary ice axe/trekking pole loops on the lower part on the front. There are also 4 attachment rings on the lid where you can put your solar panel or fix any other piece of equipment. I have already mentioned the bottom compression straps.
Materials & other features
They use 210D nylon as the main fabric, and PES 600D at more exposed areas. Did you know that it was Deuter company that introduced nylon as the fabric for the first time in the backpack building industry? This was in 1968, see more here. I already mentioned that the frame is steel, so more durable it cannot be.
The mentioned PES is a mixture of 35% polyester and 65% nylon, and it is with a PU coating. So you have it on the bottom and when you drop the pack in the snow the things inside the bottom compartment will not get wet.
The pack comes with the rain cover, so this is something essential for me and it adds value to this pack.
Is it heavy?
The pack looks heavy, but you know I am always suspicious when I see an ultra-lightweight pack and my first thought is always “what is missing”. So this is the point; nothing is missing and you have plenty of very useful features here. To mention just a few details which add weight here:
- The inner divider is with a zipper. But this same design makes two completely separated sections and small items cannot pass from the upper compartment to the lover, like in some (even top class) packs where you have an almost useless shelf attached to the walls with 4 toggles only. So I think I am willing to accept this extra weight.
- This pack comes with 2 extra bellows pockets on the sides. This implies extra material plus two extra zippers. But again, I totally love this design and these pockets mean a lot and keep me organized. I always keep the same things in the same pocket, so when I need them I know where they are. For example, my MSR PocketRocket 2 stove plus a gas canister, and my coffee maker (a sport version of my Bialleti pot which I also carry sometimes, see it in one photo here) are always in one of these two bellows pockets; and yes they all fit there in one single pocket.
- You have the rain cover, it adds a few grams, but I would not consider going into the Alps without it.
- Did you see the 600D fabric?
- You have a steel frame here, this will last forever. I would not change it for a lightweight plastic.
- Have you seen this massive hip belt padding? This is for comfort, so I do not mind it; I would not exchange it for a thin and lightweight mesh which you see for example in the new Osprey Exos and Eja packs.
Specifications
- Best use: trekking, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering.
- Weight: 4 lb 9 oz (4.56 lb; 2.07 kg).
- Volume: 3050 + 610 in³ (50 + 10 L).
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 30 x 13 x 13 in (76 x 33 x 33 cm).
- Adjustable torso.
- Hydration compatible.
Deuter Futura Vario 50 vs Competitors
In the table below I give this new Futura Vario 50 side by side with two new models from some other brands. There are big differences in the design but this is the point, I wish to present you a variety of different options. Now, compare the weight and then compare the features and you will realize that the weight of the Deuter pack is completely justified, it offers far more than the other two packs. On the other hand, it is far more expensive than the Kelty’s pack, but it is also far more affordable than the Stein 62 pack. Please follow the links in the table to see more.
Weight, lb (kg)
Volume, cu in (L)
Adjustable harness
Access
Hip belt pockets
Rain cover
Metal frame
Bottom compartment
Pockets
Daypack
New Deuter
Futura 50+10
4.56 (2.07)
3051+610 (50+10)
yes
top, front, bottom
2
yes
yes
yes
9
no
Osprey
Atmos AG 50
4.21 (1.91)
3051 (50)
yes
top, bottom
2
no & yes
yes
yes
7
no
Gregory
Paragon 48
3.19 (1.45)
2929 (48)
yes
top, bottom
2
yes
yes
yes
7
yes
Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons
In the conclusion of this new 2018 Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 Pack review, I think it is clear that the pack has been improved in several details. Though it looks a bit boxy and rectangular to me but this is not so important, it remains a very reliable and quality tool. I have trust in the brand behind this pack and I can fully recommend it, I have been using Deuter packs for more than 15 years already. But if you have a chance to buy the previous version with a good price tag, do not think twice, this is a great pack.
I have included this pack in my list of the best backpacking packs for men. You might want to see how this pack compares to Deuter Futura Pro, so check this comparison text.
The pack may look expensive but think about the included rain cover plus all the quality and features here. This pack is built to last for many years.
My own old Futura looks intact after 18 years of active use. But the new Futura Vario which I ordered recently is not built from the same fabric. Previously this was Cordura, now you have the same or similar material only on the bottom.
Here is my rating for this pack:
Note that they have also a version for women, the Deuter Futura Vario 45 + 10 SL; the letters SL indicate ‘slim’ design, so this is also for people with a smaller body size, in particular teenagers. This year they have launched also a new Aircontact Lite series, so check this Aircontact Lite 65 + 10 pack if you need something bigger. I have made a comparison between these two series so have a look here, my conclusion is that the Futura Vario is a better pack.
You might want to check my text Osprey Atmos AG 50 vs Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 where I compare these two great packs. It appears that the Deuter’s pack has some advantages. But see also this comparison of Deuter Futura Vario vs Osprey Aether & Ariel Plus. Tell me what you think.
If you still feel you need something different, please visit my pages with packs in the range 35 – 55 liters, and 56 liters plus, all top brands are presented there in detail, so you will find something for y0u. For example, if you want something much lighter (and with fewer features) and more affordable, check this Mountainsmith Scream 55 pack. In the case of questions and comments please use the comment box below.
Pierre Thomas says
Hello,
Do you have more feed-back about the 2018+ version regarding the load transfer to hipbelt? I read a reivew stating t his was a big issue, also few other comments stating that issue… But most of the comments are good (nevertheless I prefer to read real reviews with tests or post-use comments rather than comments made before intensive use of the backpack).
Jovo says
Hi Pierre, I do not think this pack has ever had such issues. Perhaps people were commenting about its curved back frame that separates the pack from the body and you have only the tensioned mesh that is in contact with your back. I know that because of this design some claim the center of gravity of the pack is moved avay from the body, but I strongly disagree with this. I have been using Deuter packs with this trampoline system for almost 2 decades now.
But let me know more, perhaps I can comment.
Lie says
Good review. I’m trying to decide which model is best for a Bug Out Bag. A bag you that can hold a good amount of various items for roughly 3 days. Maybe longer. Both bags seem great. Which bag do you think is better geared towards that? The Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 or the Deuter Aircontact Pro 60+15? They both seem to be pretty similar.
Jovo says
Hi Lie, the packs may look very similar from the front but their suspension is completely different. No doubt you will be sweating with any of the packs, but Deuter Futura Vario is based on a trampoline-style tensioned mesh. This system is invented by Deuter several decades ago and applied in their Futura series. I have been using it in the past 17 years. The Deuter Aircontact is what its name says, the pack is in contact with the body but it has large ventilation channels.
There is no way to say which is better. This depends on many factors, and one of them is your own body shape and personal feeling. This particular Deuter Aircontact Pro is very heavy, almost 3 kg as compared to the Futura Vario 50+10 that is a bit more than 2 kg, so still very heavy but the difference is obvious. There are more differences but in my view those mentioned are the most important.
Heather says
I have been able to narrow my needs down to two packs, either the Aircontact 40 + 10 SL or the Futura Vario 45+10 SL. The issue for me is trying to figure out which of them suits my back better. I did break several vertebrae a few years ago and have fibrotic tissue in the lower back that swells sometimes. This doesn’t normally cause me any trouble except that I find that heavier loads that are not distributed well are problematic and it this is exactly why I purchased my first Deuter and got rid of my Osprey pack. The Osprey just could not adjust to be short enough for my torso, whereas the Deuter is excellent. I am leaning toward getting the Furtura Vario, but the one thing holding me back is wondering whether the fact that the load is elevated from the back makes it less in line with the center of gravity. My Aircontact 60 is great for winter trekking and the load is close to my center of gravity. But I am looking to get the Futura Vario 45 for much longer hikes, but warmer months. Wanting to cover ground, I want to be sure I am getting the pack that distributes weight best. Normally, when the weight it closest to the body, that is when it it is easiest to carry. Do you find that the Aircontact is better at distributing weight comfortably?
Jovo says
Hi Heather, it is a bit difficult to answer because of what you said yourself, “which of them suits my back better”. So this depends on body shape and posture and we are all different. I know that I would go for Futura Vario, but I might be biased as I have been using Futura packs for almost 20 years.
If adjusting the torso was the problem with Osprey pack (it would be great to know which model this was), then Futura Vario should be better because you have a continuous system here, so any length is possible. This is perhaps not so with Aircontact packs that have a ladder-type system with discrete positions for the harness, but you can always do some small adjustment with shoulder straps. This is why it is surprising that you could not adjust it properly with Osprey pack.
As for the pack being separated from the body and possible issues with balance, I have not had issues of this type with Futura. The back is curved but this is far less than what you can see in some packs from Osprey, in fact Deuter invented this system and it was first even used in their Futura packs. Note that Aircontact has a very thick padding on the back instead, so this again makes the load farther from the body. So I do not expect that the balance would be different in these two packs.
Sasho says
The hip belt and lumbar support are very poorly engineered. This backpack is not capable to transfer the load properly and even if you tighten the hip belt very strong, the pack still stays lower than it should and it’s not comfortable at all. Otherwise it’s great backpack but it’s pretty useless until they fix the problem.
Jovo says
Hi Sasho, thank you for sharing your experience with this pack. I am a bit surprised that it does not fit you, Deuter’s packs are highly appreciated by users. It would be good to ask them about the issue. My guess is that this could be mainly due to the lumbar area, it is completely different from the previous version where the lumbar padding was huge. This may also be the matter of the body shape, packs are designed for some “average” user while the reality is that we are all differently built.
Nicolas Della Maddalena says
HI! In this backpack, can I put on the bottom of the outside, my tent hanging?
Jovo says
Hi, you have seen compression straps over the bottom compartment, they are for this purpose. An alternative is also to put it under the lid which is height adjustable so you can firmly fix it in place. There are attachment loops also on the lid where you can attach it with a cord.
alex says
Good day. There is new version of this model. Is it possible for You to review it?
Thank You.
Jovo says
Hi Alex, yes I know they have built it, but I have not had the pack in hands yet. Even on Deuter’s site, they added it only today or yesterday, and it is also not available on Amazon. I shall write a review hopefully very soon.
Zam says
Hi Jovo, I knew that I’m a bit late here in this site. Seeing that I’m still new in this backpacking, now in the middle of dilemma in choosing the good backpack for heavy load. If you are given three options, which one you would rather buy between these 3 models: Osprey Atmos AG, Osprey Aether AG or Deuter Futura Vario? I thank you in advance for your opinions & answers.
Jovo says
Hi Zam. This is a hard choice, just today I was watching the two Osprey packs side by side and can tell you it would be hard to decide. Perhaps you have seen my comparison of the two packs. They are neck and neck pretty much. I would go for Aether because of the DayLid daypack.
As for the Deuter’s pack, it seems that the biggest in the Deuter Futura Vario series has been discontinued, although it is still available on Amazon. But you might want to know that there are new 2018 version of the Deuter Futura Vario 50+10. I have not had it in hands yet and cannot say much, and it is still not available on Amazon. Though the 60 + 10 liters version is most likely missing in this new series.
But if this is only about heavy load, you might consider also Osprey Xena packs and Gregory Baltoro, those are for really heavy loads. See them in my packs page here.
Mike says
how many nights would you do with the 50+10 vs. the 60+10? I personally pack light but not ultralight.
Jovo says
Hi Mike, it is difficult to say because of at least the following reasons:
a) Your equipment. Some expensive items pack to incredibly small size, but those less expensive may be very bulky.
b) Season & elevation. This determines how much warm stuff you need. An insulated pad is always more bulky than uninsulated. The same about bags, warmer bags may be heavier, but perhaps not if they are expensive.
c) Food and accommodation. Is this hut to hut, with meals there, or you carry your food and camp outside. If you carry the food, is it freeze dried or not.
This pack has many attachment options, so you can put lots of stuff. But you will probably not be able to find the 60-liter version in any case, so no need to think about it. I feel I could do any tour with the 50-liter pack.
Mike says
Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, I understand, many variables. But it’s helpful to see that you didn’t simply say something like, “I never use it for more than two nights.” Thanks again.
Jim Camper says
I just purchased a Deuter Futura Vario 50/10. How do I attach a sleeping pad? No straps below sleeping bag compartment. Appears only option is to strap pad vertically rigging with tool attachment points. What am I missing here???
Jovo says
Hi Jim, this about straps is clearly pointed out in the Cons, it is the only item there. I wonder if you have read my text before the purchase. It will depend on the size of the pad, you might fix it under the lid I have used it that way, or use the attachment loops on the lid and fix it there, or see if you can squeeze it under the side compression straps.
PM says
Hello Jovo,
Thanks for the very fast response.
“I sent a request to Marmot”
Marmot is entirely different US company, Creon Crest is made by Switzerland based “Mammut”.
Regarding Deuter Futura Vario
Yes 50 10 Futura Vario is available everywhere,
but I was talking about the bigger and higher denier fabric Futura Vario 60-10
That is the one Futura Vario I like most and it is restricted by Deuter to be sold only within USA and the one one comparable in size to Osprey Atmos AG 65 as well as to Mammut Creon Crest.
I find these best for USA only USA terrible – similar to Osprey selling much better versions of their respective bags only within USA.
Have a nice weekend
Cheers Peter
Jovo says
This was a typo but only here, sorry, it was sent to Mammut of course, I did it through their own contact form and with the pack in front of me, I know the brand. When you are in the Alps you rarely see anything but Deuter and Mammut. Yes you are right about Vario 60, not available, only 50 liters version is around.
As for Osprey, it is true, the latest case with the Aether AG describes it well; there is no DayLid daypack in EU shops.
PM says
Здраво
I just ordered the 60-10 version, (last piece from USA shop backcountry.com) before Deuter discontinue this larger version completely – I know well that with the parcel forwardng fees, shipping to Europe, VAT, duty etc. it will cost my at least twice of the USD 160 i paid to the shop, but I have to agree with you, this pack has no peers I know, and I used the smaller version for years and years and it still is faultless!
Funny, the only way to buy German back in Germany is to import it from USA and pay twice as much as Americans!
Jovo says
It just makes no sense really; yes it will cost a lot. But this pack is for the lifetime, I have no doubts about it.
Recently in the Alps, I missed the moment to make an interesting photo. I was preparing for a tour on a parking, it was in Vent, Austria, and a group was forming nearby to set off. So at one moment, they all were in front of me so that I could see their packs. Seven people in the group, women and men, and all with Deuter packs, various models.
Should I add, my own pack was Deuter as well. So this is the reality, and now see what you have to do to get one! Totally unacceptable.
PM says
Besides the difficulty of obtaining the 60+10 version in Europe my one and only only problem with Futura Vario always was that for me to make it really comfortable I needed the load closer to my center of gravity. To achieve that I took out and modified its spring steel frame (and it is very very difficult to bent that spring steel), so that the space between the bag and the airmesh becomes thinner I do not care much about ventilation (I rarely sweat even in tropics) but to carry the load comfortably I feel much less stress on my shoulders and most weight held by hips only when the space between the load and my own back is very thin and the curvature of the backpack frame is closely copying the curvature of my spine.
How do you feel about the load being further or closer to you back and does that not bother you at all? And if it does what is your own solution to airmash bags having load away from your center of gravity
Cheers Petr
Jovo says
Hi Peter, I do sweat all the time unless it is really cold, and this is why I am always skeptical about “ventilation channels” and this is why I appreciate the tensioned mesh system and Deuter were the first to use it. Nowadays many brands are introducing it, you have surely noticed it. I have seen some speaking against this system for the reasons you describe, though such comments were about some other packs where the back of the pack is more curved than in Deuter, there are some models of Osprey with such a more curved design. This is all true, the curved system moves the center of gravity away from the body and it also takes some space from the main compartment.
Normally this is compensated by leaning forward a bit more and also (if possible) by placing heavier objects in the main compartment closer to the frame of the pack, so better higher than farther from the body, and by properly positioning the waist belt and load lifters. I do not have problems with it at all.
Rafael says
Nice review! Do you think this backpack is better than aircontact pro 60 + 15?
Jovo says
Hi Rafael. This is definitely my number one and the same holds for the larger version of 60+10 liters. I do not think any other pack can be compared with this Futura Vario series. These packs have received my highest rating and what I write in the text is what I truly think. In the first place this is due to the best possible ventilation achieved with the tensioned mesh. I have a pack with the same mesh. There are other good systems, including the one that you have in Aircontact series, but this trampoline style is without match. On the other hand just see all other features, this pack is so complete, just all you need is there.
PM says
” I do not think any other pack can be compared with this Futura Vario series.”
Have you tried similar and more recent Swiss made “Mammut Creon Crest”.
Mammut is actually company older than Deuter, started in 1862 and their Creon Crest seems very comparable to Deuter Futura Vario. What is your opinion?
Thanks
Jovo says
Hi, thank you for this. I did not have a chance to put my hand on it yet. But this is a great pack indeed. It is without the bottom compartment but it has a large front access instead. I prefer a separate compartment, but this is fine, there are other packs on the market with a similar design.
Checked on Amazon and do not see it in the US store, but it is available on the UK store for 219 pounds. This seems OK for a quality pack and this is the one. This is a great suspension system and the pack is with several unique features. Going to ask Mammut to send it to me for testing.
PM says
Please do a review after you test it. I tried it in a shop and it felt fine when full. Material seems not as tough and durable as Deuter Futura Vario but sturdier than Osprey Atmos AG. My single problem so far is the black color only option (I travel in tropical climate a lot and sun will cook everything inside).
I prefer it over Atmos AG 65 Ag since it has front access that I find absolute must for larger packs.
I love the Deuter Futura Vario 60-10 as much as you, but 60-10 size has never been available in EU and buying it from US is difficult and very costly for all non-US buyers, because Deuter is restricting all US shops to sell and ship overseas (Costly parcel forwarding services has to be used and high European custom duty and taxes are another cost burden). So German Deuter Futura Vario 60-10 becomes ultimately higher priced in EU than comparable Swiss Mammut Creon Crest .
What would be your choice if Osprey Atmos AG65, Deuter Futura Vario 60-10 and Mammut Creon Crest cost exactly same?
Thanks and cheers from Europe
Jovo says
Just to add for other readers, this is a part of our conversation about Mammut Creon Crest, which started through email.
I would always go for Deuter, see what I wrote in the summary here. But all those three are truly great packs.
I sent a request to Marmot, I hope they will reply.
Checked for Deuter Vario, the 50+10 pack is available on both FR and UK Amazon stores, just to know.
Rashaad says
Very good review. Love the site idea you have created and I will be coming back again soon to see your progress!
This seems like a cool piece of equipment that would be essential to any hiker. The header image you have is very cool. The review is informative but simple and easy to read and understand. Great job here 🙂
Jovo says
Thank you Rashaad, I am happy if you find this information useful. This particular pack Deuter Futura Vario is my favorite. The best of what Deuter has produced.
Henry says
Greetings Jovo,
Very thorough review for a superior-quality item!
I also like your website & its overall practical approach. No chit-chat, straight to the point kind of stuff.
You’re bringing a lot to the table & providing so much knowledge.
It’s always great to meet someone who’s expert in the field, makes me want to stop by & take a look into it too.
A lot of quality everywhere I look.
Very well done!
Sincerely,
Henry
Jovo says
Thank you Henry, so kind words form you. Mountain climbing is my passion and I only hope this may be seen within my site.
yann.p says
love this website , well informative and very helpful , really gave me insights to consider. Great informative tips. website clear and concise. Clear and simple ,thorough and fresh , picture content easy on the eye and attractive . great pictures and relevant. how long has this site been live?
Jovo says
Thank you. It appears you were not interested in anything in particular. Just in passing? This site is one year now.