Deuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL vs Gregory Amber 68
Quick take: The Deuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL costs $5 less; the Gregory Amber 68 carries more (68 vs 55 liters); the Gregory Amber 68 is lighter (3.6 vs 4.41 lbs).
| Spec | Deuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL | Gregory Amber 68 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $255 | $260 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 45+10 L | 68 L |
| Weight | 4.41 lbs | 3.6 lbs |
| Max Load | 18-33 lbs (8-15 kg) | Not specified by Gregory |
| Torso Fit | VariSlide, 35-56 cm (13.8-22 in) | One size adjustable torso, plus sizes available |
| Material | 210D recycled PA with 600D PES | Post-consumer recycled nylon |
| Back Panel | Aircomfort suspended mesh over spring steel frame | Ventilated panel with adjustable torso |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | Yes | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | Yes |
| Warranty | Deuter lifetime repair policy | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Deuter Futura Air Trek 45+10 SL
- ✓The suspended Aircomfort mesh is the most ventilated back panel Deuter makes and the direct answer to sweaty-back complaints about the Aircontact line.
- ✓VariSlide gives infinite adjustment across 35-56 cm rather than fixed stops, so the fit can be dialled precisely.
- ✓A rain cover is included at $255, which the pricier Aircontact Core does not offer.
- ✓Front zip access avoids digging through a top-loader on a pack of this depth.
- ✓The 210D recycled face fabric keeps it to 2,000 g despite the frame and suspension hardware.
- ✓The SL fit is a genuine women's construction rather than a shortened unisex pack.
- ✓A 55+10 at $275 extends the same suspension to longer trips.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy applies as across the range.
- ✗8-15 kg is the lowest load rating of any Deuter trekking pack, so it is the wrong choice for heavy carries.
- ✗A suspended mesh panel forces the load centre away from the back, which makes heavy loads feel more leveraged than the Aircontact design does.
- ✗At 2,000 g it is heavier than the Aircontact Lite while carrying less weight comfortably.
- ✗The gap behind the mesh consumes depth, so packed volume feels tighter than the badge implies.
- ✗The lid is height-adjustable but is not stated to be removable, unlike the Aircontact packs.
- ✗Only the SL fit had a US price confirmed at time of research; men's pricing was not published.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are not listed in the specification.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated by Deuter.
Gregory Amber 68
- ✓Confirmed to fit a bear canister both vertically and horizontally, which very few packs here state explicitly.
- ✓68 L for $260 is the best capacity-per-dollar of any women's pack in the catalog.
- ✓3.6 lb for 68 L is a 0.85 oz/L ratio, better than the much pricier Deva.
- ✓Four volumes from 34 to 68 L, a deeper ladder than most premium lines offer.
- ✓Plus sizes are offered, which is rare and not just a marketing claim.
- ✓Post-consumer recycled nylon throughout.
- ✓Measured volume came in at 60 L against 68 advertised, a smaller gap than most packs here.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty applies at the budget end too.
- ✗Gregory publishes no maximum load figure for the line.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗The 34, 44 and 54 L sizes have no published prices or weights.
- ✗One-size adjustable construction is less precise than the Deva's three frame sizes.
- ✗Recycled nylon is specified without a denier, so durability is hard to judge.
- ✗The suspension is simpler than the Response A3 used higher in the range.
- ✗Gregory's site blocks automated access, so pricing rests on a single gear-media source.
- ✗68 L is more pack than most trips need, and underfilled large packs carry poorly.