Deuter Futura Pro 40 vs Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL
Quick take: The Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL costs $10 less; the Deuter Futura Pro 40 carries more (40 vs 34 liters); the Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL is lighter (3.37 vs 3.57 lbs).
| Spec | Deuter Futura Pro 40 | Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 | $230 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 40 L | 34 L |
| Weight | 3.57 lbs | 3.37 lbs |
| Max Load | 13-22 lbs (6-10 kg) | 13-22 lbs (6-10 kg) |
| Torso Fit | VariClick 5-stage, 42-62 cm (16.5-24.5 in) | VariClick 5-stage, 35-56 cm (13.8-22 in) |
| Material | 210D recycled PA X-Grid | 210D recycled PA X-Grid |
| Back Panel | Aircomfort suspended mesh over flexi spring steel frame | Aircomfort suspended mesh over flexi spring steel frame |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | Yes | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Deuter lifetime repair policy | Deuter lifetime repair policy |
Pros & cons
Deuter Futura Pro 40
- ✓40 L with a suspended mesh back is a rare combination: most packs this size use a contact back panel.
- ✓VariClick gives five positive stops across 42-62 cm, so the fit is repeatable rather than drifting under load.
- ✓Shoulder straps anchor directly to the frame, which transfers load better than strap-to-fabric attachment.
- ✓Separate bottom compartment and lid section give real organisation at a volume where many packs are a single tube.
- ✓Rain cover included, consistent with the rest of the Futura line.
- ✓6-10 kg load rating is double the standard Futura's, making it a genuine overnight option.
- ✓210D recycled X-Grid is the more tear-resistant fabric in Deuter's day range.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy.
- ✗1,620 g is heavier than several full 50 L trekking packs, including Deuter's own Aircontact Ultra at 1,270 g for 55 L.
- ✗6-10 kg is well short of what 40 L can physically hold, so the pack can be overloaded past its suspension.
- ✗The 36 L size has no published US price.
- ✗The suspension gap costs usable depth, more noticeably at this volume.
- ✗$240 is close to Aircontact Lite trekking pack money for less capacity.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are not listed for this size, though the SL version has them.
- ✗The rigid frame and curved back make it bulky in transit.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated by Deuter.
Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL
- ✓Dual hip fin pockets are confirmed on this model, unlike most of the Deuter line where the spec is silent.
- ✓The 35-56 cm VariClick range starts 7 cm shorter than the standard Futura Pro's 42-62 cm.
- ✓Full-length back mesh is specified as wrapping smaller frames rather than simply being cut shorter.
- ✓6-10 kg rating makes it a real overnight pack, not just a large day pack.
- ✓90 g lighter than the standard Futura Pro 40 while giving up 6 L.
- ✓Rain cover included and 3 L hydration compatible.
- ✓Shoulder straps anchored directly to the frame for better load transfer.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy.
- ✗1,530 g for 34 L is heavy; ultralight 40 L packs weigh less than half this.
- ✗The 38 L size has a price but no published weight.
- ✗6-10 kg ceiling limits it well below what the volume can hold.
- ✗$230 approaches trekking-pack pricing for day-pack capacity.
- ✗The suspension gap reduces usable packed depth.
- ✗Only two SL sizes in the Pro line.
- ✗Rigid curved frame is awkward to pack for travel.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated by Deuter.