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).
Which one to buy
Oddly, the smaller women's pack is the better-equipped one. The Futura Pro 34 SL has dual hipbelt pockets; the Futura Pro 40 has none, so budget for aftermarket pouches. Otherwise these are the same pack in two fits: suspended Aircomfort mesh over spring steel, VariClick with five fixed stops, frame-anchored straps, a separate bottom compartment and lid section, a rain cover, 210D X-Grid, and a 13-22 lb rating.
The fit split is clear. The Pro 40 adjusts across 42-62 cm; the 34 SL across 35-56 cm, starting 7 cm shorter, with a back mesh that runs the full length to wrap smaller frames rather than a simple shorter cut. The SL gives up 6 L, saves $10 and weighs 3.37 lbs to the Pro 40's 3.57.
Both run to the same scale. A light summer overnight or hut tour fits; a full tent, pad and several days of food push past the suspension. Both are heavy for their volume, the cost of their ventilation and organization. In the 42-56 cm overlap where either fits, the SL's belt pockets outweigh the Pro 40's extra 6 L for most day-and-hut use.
Deuter Futura Pro 40
If your back length runs past 56 cm or you need the extra 6 L for hut tours and light overnights.
Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL
For women and shorter torsos from 35 cm, and anyone who wants hipbelt pockets without buying add-ons.
| 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 suspension gap costs usable depth, more noticeably at this volume.
- ✗$240 is close to Aircontact Lite trekking pack money for less capacity.
- ✗The rigid frame and curved back make it bulky in transit.
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.
Deuter Futura Pro 40 vs Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL: common questions
Why does the Futura Pro 34 SL have hipbelt pockets when the Pro 40 doesn't?▾
Deuter builds dual hip-fin pockets into the SL and leaves them off the Pro 40. If you snack on the move, add aftermarket belt pouches to the Pro 40.
Can either take a multi-day trip?▾
A compact summer overnight or hut tour is realistic in either. Past that, the 13-22 lb rating is the limit, and overloading a suspended-mesh pack makes it leveraged and unstable.
Should I look at the 38 L SL or 36 L standard size?▾
The 38 L SL costs $240 but has no published weight, while the 36 L standard is listed at $230 and 3.51 lbs. Size up only if your kit already strains the smaller bag.