Any hiker needs a quality daypack in their arsenal. Even if you’re only going out for a couple of hours, you need something for the essentials. In this Deuter Futura 28 review, I’ll detail an overview of the pack, important features, reviews from other users, and a buyer’s guide to help you decide if this pack is right for you!
If you’re curious about what I typically bring along as my “hiking essentials,” check out my Hiking Essentials Checklist!
Article Overview
Deuter Futura 28 Overview
Pack Capacity: 28 liters (1,708.6 cubic inches)
Pack Dimensions (in inches): 21.2 x 12.5 x 9
Base Weight: 41.6 ounces
Technical Specifications
Body Fabric: Polyester
Fabric Details: 60% Polyester, 40% Polyamide
Frame Type: External
Pack Access: Top
Deuter Futura 28 Features
This daypack offers a variety of features. For starters, the pack offers most of its stability through shoulder straps and a chest strap that allows you to adjust the load for comfort.
The pack’s side compression straps are designed to help pull the load closer to your back to regulate pack volume and where that volume sits. This is especially helpful for daypacks that are often carrying smaller loads because it allows you to cinch the load down to more closely fit your body.
The Futura 28 also boasts stretch pockets on the front and sides to store items you’ll want quick access to on the trail, such as water bottles, snacks, and maps. It also offers an internal valuables pocket, key holder, and a total of five pockets, in addition to the main compartment.
Hikers that enjoy trails with a spot to swim at the end will love this pack for its designated wet laundry compartment. Deuter has also crafted this pack to be compatible with the correctly-sized hydration sleeve and the pack’s detachable rain cover will keep your phone, keys, and other valuable items dry if you’re caught in an afternoon thunderstorm.
Consumer Opinions On The Deuter Futura 28
Some of the best information about a pack can be found by reviewing what others have liked or disliked about that specific product. So I’ve sorted through a number of reviews to provide a succinct compilation of opinions on the Deuter Futura 28 Daypack. As I like to hear bad news before the good, I’ve decided to offer the cons before the pros.
Cons of the Deuter Futura 28
One feature that users felt this pack could use is a smaller pocket near the top for things like keys, wallets, and other small items. Another user suggested that they were unable to fit all their items inside this pack.
This suggests it might not be large enough for every type of hiker. This user essentially said this pack forces you to travel light, which can be positive or negative depending on the type of day hiking you’re doing.
Pros of the Deuter Futura 28
Many users have said that this daypack offers a comfortable fit and easy organization at a reasonable price. Other pros of this Deuter daypack appear to be the number of compartments, the lightweight design, and the included rain cover.
It also boasts built-in ventilation that keeps your back cool on the hottest days on the trail. Many users were also thrilled with this pack’s suspension system, saying it significantly improves fit and comfort.
Deuter Futura 28 Buyer’s Guide
Dealing with an uncomfortable pack is one of the most common complaints amongst hikers of all experience and fitness levels. Determining whether this pack is right for you can depend on a number of factors, but today we will focus on these three: the type of hiking you plan on, how much you like to bring on a typical day hike, and your price range.
Let’s dive a little deeper into each!
Type of Hiking
All told, this pack is designed for anything from an hour stroll up the neighborhood hill to a full, 8-hour day hike. The pack’s simple design allows for easy access to all your hiking supplies without requiring you to completely unpack every time. This pack’s ventilation system also makes it a great option for day hikes in hotter areas, or for your next day-long journey through the desert.
How Much You Pack
For reference, 28-liters or 1,708.6 cubic inches is equivalent to about 45 Starbucks Venti-sized coffees. While I hope you don’t need nearly that amount of caffeine to get through your next day hike, this is designed to give you a better idea of how much space that looks like.
Most day hikers will benefit from limiting their supply list to only the essentials, and if you’re trying to use this pack for longer trips, you may want to consider a larger alternative.
Price Range
Ultimately, your choice comes down to price. Daypacks are available in a wide range of prices, anywhere from less than $40 to well above $200. I always encourage trying to find a pack that falls in the middle while still offering the features you’re looking for. This pack from Deuter typically retails around $150.
About The Backpack Guide
At The Backpack Guide, I’m always looking for new trails and wildernesses to explore. And I’m always on the lookout for new products to test! If you have feedback on this pack, or any other I’ve reviewed, I’d love to hear from you! Also, let me know if you’d like to write your own review!
Drop me a line here or find me on social media @thebackpackguide on Instagram and Facebook. Tag me in your photos with your newest pack or from your most recent adventure!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips and I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments section below. I’ll be quick to reply to any questions, comments, or concerns you feel like sharing!
Happy Trails!
The Backpack Guide
Deuter Futura 28SL
$150
Pros
- Built-in Ventilation
- Multiple Compartments for Easy Organization
- Comes with Rain Cover
Cons
- Lacks Small Top Pocket
- Forces You to Travel Light
Comments
I do a lot of hiking around mountain trail in my local area, as well as when I travel and like to explore. For me one of the most important features of a pack is whether it’s comfortable to wear on your back for hours at a time, and this one looks like it definitely is.
It looks like the Deuter Futura 28 Daypack has plenty of cool features, but comfort is the most important one for me by far, and this pack delivers.