What is the Futura Pro?The Futura Pro is quite possibly the most comprehensive hiking pack available; not just in our range but in existence! It has virtually every feature you could ask for and is the result of over 100 years of progress. It's ideal as a daypack during autumn/winter and could even be used as a super-minimalist multi-day pack during spring/summer.
What is it made of?The Futura Pro range is made using a mixture of two fabrics: a tough yet lightweight 210D recycled polyester and an almost bombproof 600D polyester. The 210D fabric is used for main bulk of the pack, providing good durability and weather protection whilst remaining fairly lightweight, while the 600D fabric is used in high-wear areas such as the base. The fact that the main fabric is recycled further adds to its appeal, in our opinion! Both of these fabrics are given a DWR (durable water repellent) coating to withstand light rain. Don't worry though, there's a raincover for torrential downpours.
Which backsystem does it use?It uses Deuter's Aircomfort backsystem — this system is heavily focused on breathability and comfort, making it ideal for all-year-round use; especially here in our varied climate. It uses a layer of mesh suspended around an inch away from the body of the pack — this allows air to constantly circulate, cooling you down in warmer conditions. Not only does it increase ventilation, but also prevents objects in the pack jabbing you when you're on the move. This system is held in place by a spring-steel frame; this transfers the load to the hipbelt effectively and stops the pack flopping about when not fully loaded.
Both the hipbelt and shoulder straps are made primarily of a cushioned foam with a layer of mesh over the top. The foam moulds to the shape of your body, while the mesh grips securely to clothing as you twist and turn. Although the material choice is top-tier, it's not the most impressive part of the backsystem. Deuter have designed both the shoulder straps and hipbelt to pivot when you move. When you walk, your one shoulder will dip slightly and the opposing hip will rise, essentially shortening and lengthening the pack — this results in the hipbelt moving out of position when you're climbing over stiles, tying your laces, etc. In the Futura, though, when you walk, the shoulder straps are free to pivot and move horizontally and the hipbelt can rotate to adapt to your body as you navigate over technical terrain. Clever stuff!
What are its features?We'll try and navigate the features in a logical fashion as there are a lot of them! Starting with pockets, you've got two in the lid (one outer, one inner), a bottom compartment which can be accessed via a large zip, a stretch inner compartment for a water bladder, side stretch mesh pockets for bottles, a large front stash pocket for a set of wet waterproofs, a valuables pocket for your phone, keys, etc, two zipped hipbelt pockets and a stretchy side stash pocket for other items you need to access quickly. More storage options include ice axe and trekking pole attachment points and loops to attach a helmet holder. Lastly, a detachable raincover keeps your kit dry when out in constant rain.
- Aircomfort carry system
- Spring-steel frame
- VariFlex pivoting hipbelt
- Pivoting shoulder straps
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Two lid compartments
- Bottom compartment
- Stretch inner sleeve
- Side stash pocket
- Side bottle pockets
- Front stash pocket
- Hydration compatible
- Axe and pole attachment points
- Valuables pocket
- Detachable raincover
- Loops for helmet holder
- Two hipbelt pockets
- Recycled main fabric
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.