At this price, the Deuter Futura Pro 34SL should be brilliant, says tester Lara Dunn. It doesn’t disappoint.
Costing a fair bit more than most packs of this size, it’s safe to say that expectations of the Futura Pro 34SL were high. It didn’t disappoint.
Lara Dunn recommends
The clue is in the name ‘pro’ – this is a reliable and durable investment pack for even the most demanding users.- super rugged and durable
- fully featured
- very comfortable
- expensive
- quite heavy
| Quick specs |
|---|
| RRP: $190 / £180 (available from Millets) Weight: 1572g Capacity: 34 litres Materials: 600D polyester with PU coating and 210D 50% recycled polyamide Back system: Deuter Air Comfort back system Pockets: front and side mesh pockets, zipped hipbelt pockets, interior and exterior zipped lid pockets (with emergency guidelines) Features: trekking pole/ice axe loops, dual compression straps, internal hydration sleeve, sunglasses loop, detachable raincover Sizes: regular and plus size Men’s version? One; Unisex, non-SL: Futura Pro 34 www.deuter.com |
This is a superbly made daypack with a wealth of features and rugged no-compromise design and construction. From its female-friendly fit to its tough fabric, this is a top-spec daypack designed for whatever is thrown at it, from summer day walks right up to winter climbs.
The pack is supremely comfortable thanks to its super-padded supportive hipbelt, designed to contour around the hips and move with the wearer. The padded fins are much larger than is common on a daysack, providing excellent stability to go with that sumptuous comfort. It also means the pockets on the hip belt are a decent size too!
The highly ventilated back system and well-shaped harness straps work well with that hip belt to maximise wear comfort for long days on the hill. The quality of construction is matched with all the bells and whistles – the only thing actually missing IS a whistle – in terms of features.
There are plenty of internal and external pockets, including zipped lid pockets and a large mesh front stash pocket. The trekking pole and axe attachments are easy to use even with gloves on and the side mesh drinks bottle pouches are roomy and deep. A hydration bladder is catered for as well. The interior of the lid even has guidance on what to do in an emergency.
It’s well-suited to lightweight overnighters too, with excellent useable volume for its relative size, and zipped access at the bottom as well as the main access at the top. The clue is in the name ‘pro’ – this is a reliable and durable investment pack for even the most demanding users.
Testing conditions
Lara used the packs through winter and spring on a variety of walks and hikes in the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. She is 5’5” tall with a relatively short back length in relation to her height.
This review was first published in the August 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with other daypacks in our guide to the best hiking backpacks.
