Futura Pro 40

The Deuter Futura Pro 40 is a ventilated hiking pack sized for one or two nights out, or a long day with everything. Its Aircomfort mesh runs the full length of the back, the shoulder straps anchor straight to the frame, and VariClick lets you click the back length to one of five settings. It is built in recycled polyamide with a classic lid and drawcord top.

Who it's for

Hikers stepping up from a daypack to overnighters and hut walks, and day walkers who carry a full kit. Deuter rate it five out of five for hiking and three for trekking. It suits a night at Mt Barney's camp zones, the Wilsons Promontory southern circuit, a two-day section of the Bibbulmun or a long alpine day in the Snowy Mountains with 6-10 kg on board.

Capacity, and what actually fits

40 litres takes a summer sleeping bag in the separate bottom compartment, a light tent or a hut kit, a stove, dinner and breakfast, a warm layer and a shell. Two lid pockets, one outside and one inside, split maps from keys, a mesh front pocket holds a wet jacket and a wet compartment inside keeps damp gear apart. A 3 L hydration bladder fits in its sleeve. The pack measures 70 x 32 x 24 cm.

How it carries

The flexi spring steel frame tensions soft mesh down the whole back for airflow, and because the shoulder straps are anchored directly to that frame, the load moves into it cleanly rather than hanging off your shoulders. ActiveFit straps pivot with your arms, breathable padded hip fins with Pull-Forward adjustment wrap the hips, and stabiliser straps and a one-handed sternum buckle finish the fit.

Fitting it

VariClick has five back length settings: S 42-46 cm, S/M 44.5-48.5 cm, M 47-51 cm, M/L 49.5-53.5 cm and L 52-56 cm. Deuter match the pack to walkers around 170-205 cm tall. Load it, tighten the hip fins first, then shoulders, then stabilisers.

Access and organisation

• Top-loader with drawcord and lid; zip-out divider to a separate bottom compartment
• Lid pockets outside and inside
• Mesh front pocket
• Quick-release pole holder on the shoulder straps, plus a side ice axe and pole loop
• Hydration compatible, up to 3 L; rain cover included
• Mesh helmet holder sold separately

Weight

1620 g empty. That buys a full-length ventilated back, an adjustable harness and a frame-anchored strap system, which is what lets a 9 kg overnight load ride comfortably in warm weather.

Looking after it

The fabric is made without intentionally added PFAS and the pack is a bluepass product. Deuter back it with a 2-year warranty.