deuter futura pro 42

Justin,

I think the Deuter weighs more than your Kelty Redwing.

I have a Pro 42. I can get as much in it as I can get into my ULA Conduit, which is a 50L. But only if I am not using the hydration bladder. I can take it on extended trips, but the capacity is dependent on your gear, not the capacity of the pack.

The Deuter is not a light pack. Mine weighs 4lbs 2oz. I use it in really hot weather, when I need to carry a lot of water and gear. The ventilated mesh back panel really works well. If you want to use a hydration reservoir, you are pretty much going to need to buy the Deuter version. The bladder and insulated cover fit perfectly and work well. You cannot get the Deuter bladder from REI. Probably need to try Tahoe Mountain Sports. They have good service. This pack rides well and is comfortable. It comes with a built in pack cover which adds weight. I don't feel as secure with my mesh back-panel packs, compared to my ULA or Gregory, when balance in precarious conditions is critical. They just don't "hug" me. But in real hot weather, they both make a big difference keeping my back cooler.

The top lid has a front zipper and it easy to get to stuff. I like the small security pouch on the inside of the lid, for keeping stuff like my car key and wallet. The top is not removable, which would be a nice feature. The lower compression straps run on top of the side mesh pockets, which is a pain when I am not using a hydration bladder. The upper side zip pockets are even harder to get to when the pack is full and the upper compression straps are tight. The bottom of the back has a panel zip, which is convenient. The rear pocket is not very big and its vertical shape kind of limits what you can put in it. But I am used to that, as my Gregory Whitney 95 has a similar set up. Over all I like the Pro 42, but it is not easy to live out of, if you want to use all the side pockets. If you are used to keeping most of your gear in the main bag, it works out better. If you have been using the side pockes on your Redwing a lot, then you are probably not going to like the Deuter 42 over time.

I also have a REI Venturi 30 which is almost a knock-off of the Deuter 30, without a top lid. I use this in super hot weather, when most of my load is water. The REI Venturi 40 is also very similar to the Deuter Pro 42 (I would not be surprised if Deuter makes these packs for REI). Not built as well, and doesn't carry the load as stable. But it does have a couple of nice hip belt pockets. But all-in-all the Venturi 40 also is a nice pack. The Venturi 40 weighs less than 3 lbs. I think the compression straps do not cover the side mesh panels on the Venturi 40. The Venturi 40, has the same issue with capacity if you use a hydration bladder. However, suposedly you can hang a bladder between the mesh panel and the pack body. Again, this space between the mesh panel and the pack bag, is going to push the center of gravity backwards, just like the Pro 42. The reason I bring up the REI Venturi's, is that they are similar to the Deuters, but easier to live out of.

Both of these mesh panel packs are not my 'go to' pack. I like my ULA much better, and it is very light.

If you are looking specifically for mesh panels, take a good look at some of the Osprey packs… they are very nice.

If I were in the market for a new light pack (except for specific functions as mentioned above), I would look at the ULA Circuit, Ohm, or Conduit, depending on needs. These packs are sturdy and very light. You can get a Conduit with hip pockets for $124 and no sales tax, which is cheaper thean the Futura 42. Only ULA sometimes has a waiting list. I got mine two days after I ordered it, though. I have communicated with the guys at ULA by phone and email and their customer service is outstanding. As you can tell, I am a big ULA fan.

Hey Justin, I have owned the Deuter Futura Pro 42. This was actually the 2nd pack I owned and my experience with this pack was sub par. Like you, I thought the mesh backpanel was a nice feature, the idea of keeping the pack off of my back was enticing for ventilation, but I found the by-product of the mesh backpanel was less than desirable which was having the weight a little further out from my body interfering with load transfer. The belt on my Futura Pro was appropriate for my waist size but it never hugged me properly, in fact the contoured belt rubbed me raw on both sides of my hips. I also had to frequently tighten and re-tighten my waist belt on the trail, needless to say, the combination of hipbelt discomfort, tweaking and fidgeting with this pack drove me crazy. I tried many micro adjustments on the trail with that pack over a couple trips and was never 100% satisfied with how it fit. Needless to say I sold it, and purchased a lighter and simpler pack. I own a Granite Gear and an Osprey and both of those packs fit far better and comfortably than the Futura Pro fit me. Again only my experience, others may differ. Good luck in your decision making.

I often use a Deuter Futura Zero 40 SL (the ladies model). It isn't the lightest pack but it is also one of the best fitting packs I have owned over the years.

It is the only pack over the past 4 years that doesn't re-injure my lower back. Every other pack I have used leaves me with a flare of pain during trips.

It is also a well built pack as well.

I've tried them on a few times at REI, but the results are always the same. I guess the Germans don't grow very tall because the one size fits all….doesn't.

Hmmm. Thanks for the comments! I think I'm just going to stick with my kelty Redwing. I'd have a hard time parting with it anyway… Thanks again!

Sarah,

My wife has the same pack. Although she refuses to do an overnight trip, she loves this pack. Over the years, she has always tried to leave her day pack behind and get me to carry everything. Now she looks forward to taking this pack.

Lol…Jeff – my husband lived in Germany for awhile and he can tell you, that yes, many of them are not tall. Same with Ireland. He was always the tallest man around…..often a foot taller.

The Futura Vario series might suit you better… size-wise. It allows you to adjust the shoulder straps to accommodate your height. Drawback is, they are not lightweight and I doubt they still have the 40+10L in production.

the o/p was back in 2009, hopefully the dude has it sorted by now, but… you never know