Deuter Futura 30 / Futura 28SL

£115 ■ Capacity 30 litres (men’s Futura 30) / 28 litres (women’s Futura 28SL) ■ Back size adjustable one size (Futura 30); one size (Futura 28SL) ■ Weight 1507g (Futura 30) IT'S GOOD This is a new 2018 version of the popular Futura range but now with a whole new Aircomfort Sensic back system that allows more ventilation and a closer, more comfortable fit – particularly around the hips. There is still lots of support in the back system, so it’s ideal for heavier loads. The body has a main compartment with a zip-out divider so you can create a base compartment with an external zipped entry. You also get side wand pockets with quick-release compression straps, a stretch front stash pocket and a fixed-buckle lid with external and internal pockets. The materials feel a little more robust than some lighter packs. HOWEVER It’s heavy compared to others although it does include a removable 73g raincover. It has no back length adjustment and only comes in one size, while others have more size options. There is no snow lock extension to the main compartment either, which is fine if you close the lid properly and don’t overfill the bag, but if you are more lax in your packing, like me, then you may miss that feature. Finally, the price tag is high compared to other packs that may even offer more capacity or additional back length options. VERDICT The 2018 version of the Futura is comfortable, strong and stable, but it’s also heavy, pricy and lacks an extended snow lock closure and back length options.