What is the Futura 32?The Futura 32 is a versatile daypack featuring one of the most comfortable backsystems available, a 50% recycled main fabric, pivoting shoulder straps and much, much more. It's the perfect size for year-round walking/hiking and wouldn't look too out of place while travelling.
What is it made of?The main bulk of the Futura is made using a 50% recycled 210D polyester, while areas prone to heavy abuse feature a 600D polyester. Not only is the main fabric heavily recycled but also uses Bluesign approved materials, resulting in a more sustainable product.
Which backsystem does it use?This is where all the clever stuff happens! Deuter use their brilliant AirComfort Sensic backsystem throughout the Futura range — this system is heavily focused on breathability and comfort, resulting in a bag that can be worn and forgotten about throughout the day. It uses a suspended layer of mesh around an inch away from the pack to create an air channel, keeping your back at a comfortable temperature. Not only does it increase ventilation, but prevents items inside the bag jabbing you in the back. This breathable mesh is held in place by a lightweight spring steel frame; this gives the pack structure and stops it flopping about when not fully packed. The shoulder straps feature a similar mesh with a light amount of padding to provide comfort next to skin or over clothing. Unlike traditional packs where the shoulder straps are stitched into a fixed position, the Futura's straps pivot as you move, making the pack feel less restrictive. The hipbelt features additional padding and a small slit cut out of each side to securely and comfortably mould around your hips.
What are its features?This pack is pretty loaded with features, so get ready for a long paragraph! Two stretchy side pockets store bottles, or if you'd prefer to carry more water, there's a sleeve for a hydration system inside. A detachable raincover provides full waterproof protection from the rain and features a bright colour scheme to stand out in adverse weather. Both trekking poles and a climbing helmet can be fastened to the outer of the pack via a series of loops and a front stash pocket provides the perfect place to pop a wet jacket or overtrousers. Inside the main compartment, there's just a simple valuables pocket which is large enough for your keys, phone, wallet, etc. The main compartment is actually separated into two sections — a large main section which is accessed via a traditional lid and a lower section accessible by a lower zip. Finally, a spacious lid pocket and two hipbelt pockets act as great places to store stuff you need to get to quickly.
- Pivoting shoulder straps
- Elastic spring-steel frame
- Two stretch side pockets
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Hydration compatible
- Detachable raincover
- Internal valuables pocket
- Trekking pole attachment points
- Stretch inner compartment
- Docking loops for helmet holder
- Front stash pocket
- Bottom compartment
- Padded hipbelt
- Two hipbelt pockets
- Spacious lid compartment
- SOS label
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.