Deuter Futura 42 AC Backpack Review (Part 1of2)

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• published: 11 Aug 2009
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The Deuter Futura 42 gives a list of well-thought out features in a sturdy pack at a fraction of the cost of comparable packs from other companies. But don't think for a second that quality has been compromised by the low price. I've literally kicked my Futura around the UK (England,Wales), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam), and up and down the east coast of Australia with nary a problem or any sign of damage. The Futura features: - Sturdy top-loading design with adjustable waist belt - Hydration compatible - AirComfort System to prevent "sweaty back syndrome" - 2550 cubic inches (42 liters) of space in the main compartment with a zip divider to separate it into upper and lower compartments - expandable side pockets on either side (for an extra 5 liters/300 cubic inches of storage) with compression straps - mesh pockets on either side with compression straps - 2 top flap pockets - front stash pocket - bottom outer pocket - bottom access to the lower half of the pack's main compartment - small zip pouch on the waist belt - integrated rain cover - Materials: Microrip Nylon & Polytex - weighs 3lbs. 14 oz. (1.75 kg.) - measures 28"x14"x10" (71 x 35.5 x 25.4 cm) - Fits torso lengths 17-21" (43-53 cm) - Retails for approx. US$140 However there were a few small details that I wish I could change - The air comfort system, while nice in summer, is superfluous in cooler months. The extra volume taken up by the system makes the pack a little too large to be taken as a carry-on in planes. It would be nice to have the option of getting the pack without the AirComfort. - The interior of the pack is black (making it harder to find items in low-light conditions) while the exterior is bright yellow (which attracts unwanted attention that I'm a tourist). They should switch the color schemes between the interior and exterior. - People with longer torsos have complained that the 42 is just too short for them. Despite these little nit-picks, the Futura 42 is an incredible value for the price ($130 when I purchased it), especially when compared to more expensive backpacks that offer less features. Highly recommended. p.s. There is a new model of the 42 that is only in red. Though still a bright color, it's certainly a step up from bright yellow. p.p.s. Deuter also offers the Vario 50 and AirContact trekking series which offer many of the same features as the Futura but in a larger size pack. People with larger torsos may want to look into this. This video was shot with an Olympus 770SW.