What is the Futura Air Trek SL?The Futura Air Trek SL is a female-specific rucksack designed to carry heavy loads over prolonged periods of time in blissful comfort. The combination of Deuter's Aircomfort backsystem and VariSlide adjustment means it'll fit virtually any body shape with ease.
What is it made of?As you'd expect, a pack of this calibre has to be able to deal with some abuse, and the Futura certainly can! The main bulk of the pack is made from a tough yet lightweight 210D recycled polyester, while the base uses an almost bombproof 600D polyester for added abrasion-resistance. Both of these fabrics are given a DWR (durable water repellent) to withstand light rain if you get caught out. Don't worry though, there's a raincover for prolonged downpours.
Which backsystem does it use?The Futura Air Trek uses Deuter's brilliant Aircomfort backsystem, a highly breathable, adjustable and comfortable system used throughout the Futura range. It uses a layer of mesh suspended around an inch from the body of the pack, creating an air gap to constantly keep your back at a comfortable temperature. Not only does this allow air to circulate but also prevents items inside the pack jabbing you when you're on the go. This system is fully adjustable thanks to Deuter's VariSlide system and can be adapted to virtually any body shape and size. All of this is held together by an elastic steel spring frame which transfers the load of the pack through to the hipbelt for a more stable, supportive carry.
Both the hipbelt and shoulder straps feature mesh layered on comfortable foam to mould to your body shape and the hipbelt has a central slit taken out to grip securely around your hipbone. Uniquely, both the shoulder straps and the hipbelt rotate and pivot as you move. The shoulder straps move horizontally to adjust to the width and slant of your shoulders, while the hipbelt twists a bit like the hand of a clock to rise and fall with your hips as you navigate over technical terrain. This makes the pack far easier to live with over multi-day treks and means you're constantly adjusting it when you climb over a stile or bend down to tie your laces.
What are its features?Starting at the top, you've got a height-adjustable lid which rises to reveal 10 litres of extra space, making the total capacity 55 litres. The exterior of the bag features ice axe and trekking pole attachment points, along with a large stash side pocket, a spacious lid compartment, two side bottle pockets, a front stash pocket (ideal for wet clothes or a tent flysheet) and docking loops for a climbing helmet. Entry into the pack is accessed either in the traditional fashion through the lid or via a massive two-way front zip, giving you complete access to all of your kit without having to unpack half of it. Inner pockets include a stretchy inner compartment for a water bladder, a valuables pocket with a key clip and a dedicated lower compartment to separate your kit. An included raincover keeps everything dry in relentless rain and side compression straps pull the load of the pack closer to you, increasing stability.
- Aircomfort backsystem
- VariSlide adjustable system
- Elastic steel spring frame
- Pivoting shoulder straps & hipbelt
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Height adjustable lid
- Axe and pole attachment points
- SOS label
- Dedicated bottom compartment
- Hydration compatible
- Large stash side pocket
- Detachable raincover
- Inner valuables pocket
- Stretch inner compartment
- Spacious lid pocket
- Two-way front zip
- Docking loops for helmet
- Reflective print
- Two side bottle pockets
- Side compression straps
- Recycled polyester 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.