Deuter Futura Vario Backpack

As mentioned, there are male and female versions of the pack. We'll be looking mostly at the men's version, but... fear not. We'll definitively get into some of the female features that make the Futura Vario 45 +10 so special. My hiking partner loves her Deuter—and for more than just the flower that comes with. 

Here is the front and back of the pack. You can see it better in the first picture above but the size of the pack is really nice. I find that if I have a bigger pack, I just tend to fill it up. 50 litres is a good size for a two or three day trip. The "+10" refers to the fact that you can get an extra 10 litres out of the pack if you extend the pack's top and fill up the "spindrift" collar. The clean lines of the pack are apparent as is the AirComfort System. Let's dive into some of the details next. 

Here you can see the pack's bottom compartment, which is separated and perfect for a sleeping bag. Note the flap, straps and fastex buckles that keep things protected contained and cinched. 

Here is the front flap all opened up. This is one of my fave features. It means you can easily access your stuff from the top or through the bottom. You can save time and aggravation by getting to your kit easier, and faster. Why not!

The next two snaps show off the pole attachment top and bottom, respectively. This feature is a bonus if you need to use your hands to climb a ladder, scramble to a summit, you name it. To see what the poles look like using this system, look up top to the first image in the review. 

Here's another simple feature that makes a big difference—the stretchy front pocket is perfect for stowing a puffy you want to easily access, or stinky clothes you want to keep away from the rest of your pack. At right below, you can see the spindrift collar fully extended. If used, it definitely adds another 10L to the packs. And the adjustable lid means that the contents can be packed-in tight, without swinging around. 

Hey... I just found a little video from Deuter that shows the merits of the +10 adjustable top way better than I can. Give it a watch: 

Look below to see the Air Comfort and the Vari Flex Systems. The first feature refers to the mesh that runs up the back. This is a life changer if you hike in hot climes. I warn you though, once you've sampled it there's no going back. The Vari Flex is a fancy way of saying the hip "fins" are fully mobile. I couldn't really notice this feature when hiking but I can say that the Futura Vario is one of the most comfortable packs I've experienced. 

More remarkable features here. The  Vari Slide system at left allows for tuning the size into what you need. I have a long torso and, it being a European manufacturer, I was concerned that the pack length might run a little small. With Vari Slide, it was no problema. I dialled it into a perfect fit. Look right for the perfect fitting rain cover. It even lives in its own little pouch!

As well as being slightly shorter to accomodate women, the shoulder straps are thinner to be more comfortable for females. Seems like a minor thing but this makes a big difference (according to my hiking partner).

Here are the male and female versions, side-by-each, for comparison. Other than the flower, it's tough to to tell the difference. 

• Aircomfort Futura Pro Back system
• Vari Flex hip belt
• Zippered side bellow pockets
• Bottom compartment access with internal zip divider
• Integrated, detachable rain cover
• Pull-forward closure allows the hip belt to be easily tightened
• Side compression straps on the hip belt
• Anatomically shaped 3D AirMesh shoulder straps with load adjusters
• SOS label
• Lid pocket
• Stretch large front pocket
• Stretch outer side pockets
• Internal valuables pocket under lid
• Attachment for ice axe and walking poles
• Active Comfort Fit
• Vari Flex and Vari Slide systems
• Hydration compatible
• Two hip belt zipped pockets for valuables

I haven't upgraded my backpacking pack in a long time so I am very impressed with the current feature set of the Deuter Futura Vario. I think the biggest plusses for me are the mesh back, the adjustable torso length and the stretchy outside pockets. Perhaps because they address clear issues people have had in the past—improper fits, sticky/sweaty backs, and nowhere to stash stuff on the pack's outside. It should go without saying but good gear presents solutions to people's problems—the Futura Vario does just that.

We took the men's and women's model out for multiple hikes in the East and West Kootenay—two of them we two nighters. The packs were remarkably comfortable and easily fit our supplies. Before this, I had a bigger backpack (90L) that I somehow managed to fill every time I went out. It's true, we humans fill whatever space we have at our disposal. The 50 + 10L size means the packs feel more like a part of your body and won't knock you off balance if fully loaded.

The women's version has subtle differences that make a big difference in fit and performance. Good on Deuter for including features and sizing that take into account a women's physique. This is one of the many reasons I'd recommend the brand to anyone looking for a pack. The fact that they've been making packs for more than 120 years helps too.