31.5.2021

Amazon UK website shows 2017 model. It’s so good I bought another one as spare because it is not made any more (see end paragraph).Ever since using Berghaus Scorpion / Vulcan rucksack in an expedition in 1979 I swore by the brand until the Freeflow 50 ceased production. When it became worn after 8 years of use in 2017 the hunt was on to find a suitable replacement.• Osprey made much of their “AntiGravity” harness system on the Atmos 65 so put that on trial first. Yes indeed the load is stable and comfortable but due to its slightly enclosed nature as compared to the Berghaus, the ventilation is not as free flowing. I have also tried on the Atmos 50 but not used on a hike. However,the biggest drawback to both of these are that :-o The bottom is wider than the top of the sack which was why it was always difficult to go through kissing-gates. The user always had to step on the horizontal bars of the gate to get sack over the gate or if the gate did not allow, then the sack had to be taken off.o The hip fins are too thick and the hip pockets made them even thicker. Not only was I never able to put anything into these pockets but the zip puller had to be pulled back to leave the pockets open in an effort to stop chaffing of the arms. I am keeping the Atmos 65 because it is used for camping trips to carry a large and heavy load when I may possibly use walking poles to keep them away from the hip pocket but otherwise the chaffing is a total annoyance.• Next on trial was Osprey Exos 38 (didn’t want a 48 or 58 as already kept the Atmos 65 and the Berghaus Freeflow could still be used). Must have to admit I bought the Exos out of frustration because at this stage in 2018 still could not find a pack I wanted because the design features do not meet my specifications; it does not have nearly enough compartmentalisation due to its philosophy of keeping weight down. There is a similar problem of using kissing-gates due to its shape being wider at the bottom and narrow at the top of the sack. It does not have hip pockets (hurray!) such that it does not chaff my arms. The ventilated suspension back system is far less restricted than the Atmos. The total comfort (for combined load carrying and sweat prevention) is far superior and just came out ahead of the Berghaus in comparison. Where it is not comfortable are near the arm pits because the padded section of shoulder straps are too short and the adjustment buckle could dig in.• Early 2020. On paper the Osprey Stratos 50 met my minimum specifications (just). It has top and bottom sections. Elasticated net pockets on the sides, a front “dump” pocket for wet cagoule, loops for ice axe, and pockets on topside and bottom side of the lid. Don’t think it had anchor loops for crampons on top of the lid but there are anchor loops elsewhere on the sack. Used ti three times on real hikes but had to give it up. The adjustable length of the back suspension system was a poor implementation because all that Velcro choke off nearly all ventilation.• AlpineLowe AirZone Trek 45-55. Summer 2020. Still on the hunt for a rucksack I could live with because it is used every week when I am in UK. The Exos was also an annoyance be there were not enough compartmentalisation, especially in the main body of the sack. Tried this Alpine on for comfort at home with a “summer” load (my winter load could be 5kg heavier). Not comfortable because at the bottom of the ventilation back system is a large piece of hard (closed cell?) foam. This caused a pressure point on one’s back. Sent it back.At this stage was very disappointed, enough to compile specifications I wanted in a rucksack and sent it to a few retailers. Of the few that responded, they were not hopeful saying the packs tended to fall in two design camps without a hybrid which combines all the design features I was looking for. Although I remembered the brand Deuter there were no stockist within 50 miles for me to go take a look, this forced me to study all the websites sprung out by online search to examine all their photos of Deuter packs because not even Deuter’s website describes all the pro & con features.• Deuter Futura Vario 50+10 (believe 2017 model but bought in 2021). The sack is same width top to bottom. Hurray, am able to go through kissing-gates instead of over them. Not only does it have all the compartmentalisation I searched for but it even has a zipped access to the lower portion of the top section of the sack leaving the bottom section totally undisturbed for things like a sleeping bag / duvet jacket / first aid kit. External to the lower sack section are two straps where you could hold a Karrimat. There is pocket for hydration but I never use it preferring to use hot water flasks kept in the side elastic net pockets. Above these pockets are a zipped pocket each side. Unlike the Osprey Atmos 65 (but not the Atmos50) these zipped pockets are bellowed for some expansion. Anchors for walking poles on the left side, ice axe loop on the right side. The top lid has 4 anchor loops for me to string elasticated rope for holding crampons. (Important because I have walked along glacier moraines where one had to take off and put on crampons half a dozen times even in short stretch of 5km.) Ventilation is very good but not as good as the Osprey Exos series. Load comfort is also very good but not quite as good as the Osprey Atmos series. Now comes improvements desired. The padded hop fins are thick. This made the hip pockets pointless. Occasionally it still chaffs but due to the width of the sack is as narrow at the bottom as the top, it does not get in the way as much as an Osprey design above. However, still have to pull the zip pullers as far away from the wearer’s body as possible. I wold suggest to Deuter to reduce the thickness of the hip fins and/or remove the pocket but replace them with molle accessory attachment loops instead. I have attached camera pouches to the FRONT of the hip belt but never use anything where the side hips fins are because these get in the way of the swing arms. The zip at the topside of the lid pocket exposes itself because the zip covering is not sufficient. I would prefer to have the key clip to be anchored to the underside pocket of the lid instead of the topside pocket of the lid. Finally two vertical rows of anchor loops, say outside of the front dump pocket could be useful unless you buy the option of a Deuter helmet holder. In short this is a very well designed rucksack. However, while thinking of all the above points of improvement for compiling this review so as to encourage Deuter to implement my wishes, found out that I was too late. It appears this 2017 designed is superseded by Deuter Air Trek 50+10 (different name). From the photos, gone are the anchors for the ice crampons. Gone are the zip coverings. The 2017 model I would award 96% out of 100 but the 2021 design only gets 85% - a rucksack which costs more but offers less. Nothing for it, I rushed to buy another 2017 model before they have all gone. I don’t relish spending another 4 years and wasted money to hunt for a replacement when the 2017 sack wears out.1st photo shows comparison with Exos 38 and Atmos 65. 2nd photo shows Stratos 50 in the middle (no Deuter). 3rd shows AlpineLowe 45-55. 4th photo shows other side of Deuter and crampons attached. 5th photo shows my spare Futura Vario. Get it while you can folks because 2021 replacement model is not as good as 2017.

24.10.2018

I got this pack for doing a global circumnavigation that took me 14month to complete. I only used Mass-transit (no air-plains) so that works out to a lot of trains, bus and boats. I carried everything i needed in this bag, ideally I would keep the weight to 40 lbs but i had up to 55 lbs at times. I started my trip thinking I would need to swap out the backpack 1/2 way or 1/3 of the way through my trip, I had already arranged to have a backup bag sent to me by mail before I even left home, I never needed the backup bag, this backpack survived over 80,000km of traveling including multi day hiking trips in the New Zealand National Parks, the French Alps., and the Peruvian Andes to name a few,

4.4.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As an outdoors lover and Colorado native, I am no stranger to backpacking packs, which I most often use for camping and trekking. The Futura Vario 50 + 10 certainly does not disappoint! As a tall female with a lengthier trunk, I opted for this style for its longer torso length, which is still fully adjustable to perfectly accommodate for each individual’s size. The backpack itself is lightweight, yet the fabric appears of quality material that is strong, durable, waterproof, and easy to keep clean. I tested the backpack with varying weights/items totaling anywhere from 30-50 lbs. I found the weight distribution to be balanced,

29.3.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This backpack is very nice quality. It's large and holds a good amount of supplies. There is a specific place for a sleeping bag. It also has rain protector. The features of the backpack have compression straps,multiple pockets and it also has a emergency instructions for aircraft support. It's a lightweight backpack but it's sturdy and will hold a lot of weight. It's comfortable on the back has a strap that goes over the shoulders as well as around the waist for extra support. It's comfortable to wear with a heavy load. Does multiple clips places for flashlight easily accessible Pockets around the waist for small items like chopsticks and granola bars.

31.3.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My husband had the chance to use this pack yesterday on a long hike. He said it was extremely comfortable to wear, the back of the pack has mesh for superior ventilation, lots of padding for comfort, it is flexible and moves with his movements. Even with all the weight he was carrying he did not feel like he had a stiff bag of books on his back. Another thing he really likes is that he can easily adjust the length of the pack . This pack will be comfortable for shorter adults and even taller adults. He is 6'3" and he adjusted it to fit perfectly on his back. There are a ton of different compartments that are evenly distributed throughout the pack as well.

7.4.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The weather finally got warm enough for a nice hike. I was excited to try my new backpack. Looking at it, it looks a little intimidating at first with all of the straps and what not. However, all of the zippers and straps are just great extra features. I like the cushion on the back piece. It provides long lasting comfort. I like that you can pack your things not only out of the top of the bag but also the front zippers open to the same compartment. I appreciate this feature as it saves time not having to pull off your backpack and retrieve your items. I like the stretchy compartment on either side of the bottom part of the bag.

1.4.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I won’t lie. I was skeptical about trying this bag. I knew we had a lot to pack for our hiking/camping trip. It was my first trip. We went on a couples retreat. We was able to comfortably fit a tent, sleeping bag, 5 liters of water, as well as snacks and light meals to prepare. We also packed light weight change of clothes and toiletries. For all we packed it was a very comfortable fit. Good support and good weight distribution.It didn’t feel like we were caring a weekends worth of items on our back. The padding on it is very soft and feels good when put on and around you. This bag is really well made. It’s very durable and sturdy.

31.3.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This pack has it all! I love the color and material but the features are amazing. There are a lot of pockets to put all of your hiking/camping needs. The back has breathability so it doesn't make my back sweat when wearing it out in the heat while hiking and moving around. It still does get hot, of course, as it is sitting right on your back but the material makes it way more bearable than a typical backpack would be. The pack is really lightweight for all of the features it has. It fits all of our basic needs while also leaving a little bit of room just in case we want to add extras.

29.3.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Wow, this is an incredible bag! The quality is really high on this bag. So many pockets, zippers, features, etc. This pack is pretty large and holds plenty for multiple days of camping. I LOVE the mesh back for keeping your back from sweating! It can unzip from the front, so you can get to the bottom of your pack if you want. The rain fly is built in, and zips out from a small pocket on the bottom. Fabric is very tough and should last many years of abuse. This is such a well thought out bag, I'm very impressed with the level of thought and engineering that went in to it. Almost forgot to mention that it came with an additional stuff sack for garbage,

12.4.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I am so happy the weather warmed up enough to take this backpack out for a trial run for a small hiking trip! There was more than enough space to hold all my gear/food for a 2 day trip. The ample pockets made storage a breeze and allowed for great organization. The different pockets also help with equal weight distribution, I did not feel off balance at all. The straps are easily adjustable, making it a breeze to adjust it to your own body size. The pack did not make me too hot when I was wearing it, which is a great feature for those long hikes! The quality is great, the pack is easy to clean.

9.4.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have recently used the backpack for a three day journey. The backpack weighs only 4 pounds and 9 ounces with a strong internal frame and wire spring that does not dig into you at any point or time. Ventilation is more than adequate with ample pockets(11) plus the main compartment. The backpack is made of nylon and polyester. Very adjustable and easy to get on and off with no slippage noted when hiking. More than adequate padding to make for a comfortable experiance.

26.3.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Got this hiking bag and i absolutely love it! When i hike I'm hiking with no more 4 people some are kids and it's so big and lightweight i can carry all their snacks. The color of the bags are beautiful and the bag itself is so comfortable the straps have padding on them which helps so much the only downfall of this bag it doesn't come with a water pouch you will have to buy one but good note there is a spot for it when you get one!

15.6.2019

This is my favorite for summer backpacking. The Aircomfort System keeps me so cool on hot days because of its messed back support and air ventilation on the sides and top. I'm generally rough on backpacks and I'm super impressed with how durable the mess is! Also, the front access zipper is my best friend. It lets me get right to the bottom of my pack without having to dig from the top, which is a life saver if you're as unorganized as I am!

29.3.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've used the pack as a day pack on a family hike and I love the size. I'm next planning on an overnight trip and I think it will work well for that. I'm not sure If I can fit everything for a longer trip, however, I'll have to wait and see! It is very well made and everything is easy to access.

6.4.2019

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] received the Futura Vario 50 + 10 to use and review. the Futura Vario 50 + 10 is very comfortable to wear with so much storage with easy access. like that all of my gear can fit in one place. wearing it did not tired me out very comfortable.

Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 black (2020) - Reviews

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