Futura 21 SL

The Deuter Futura 21 SL is the compact women's version of Deuter's ventilated Futura daypack. SL means a shorter back length and a harness shaped for the female body, so the hip fins land on your hips and the shoulder straps clear your chest.

Who it's for

Women walking half days and full days who want a pack that actually fits: the Kondalilla Falls circuit on a sticky morning, the Blue Mountains' National Pass, the climb up Mount Wellington from the Springs. Deuter rate it five out of five for hiking. The recommended 3-6 kg covers water, layers, lunch and a first aid kit.

Capacity, and what actually fits

21 litres takes a 3 L bladder, a rain jacket, a fleece, lunch and snacks, a head torch and first aid. The large stretch front pocket swallows a wet shell or a map, and the pack measures 50 x 28 x 18 cm.

How it carries

A flexi spring steel frame tensions the mesh back so it arcs away from you, and the mesh runs down into the lumbar area for airflow and a soft, wrapping fit. Pivoting ActiveFit shoulder straps follow your stride, and padded hip fins with Pull-Forward adjustment draw weight onto the hips. The shoulder straps and hip fins share one continuous piece of padding, so there are no pressure points. Stabiliser straps and a one-handed sternum buckle finish the harness.

Fitting it

The Futura 21 SL fits back lengths of 38-48 cm, which Deuter match to walkers about 158-178 cm tall. If you are a woman in that range, or a shorter man, the SL will sit better than a standard-length pack.

Access and organisation

The main compartment loads from the top under a zip, with a zipped top pocket for keys and snacks. Two large stretch side pockets hold bottles, the two hip fin pockets keep your phone in reach, and a wet compartment inside separates a damp layer from dry gear.

• Zipped top-loading main compartment and top pocket
• Large stretch mesh front pocket and two stretch side pockets
• Two hip fin pockets
• Hydration compatible, up to 3 L
• Rain cover included
• Ice axe and pole attachment on one side, glasses stow, key clip

Weight

1150 g empty. The steel frame and suspended back add weight over a frameless daypack and keep a warm-day load stable and your back drier.

Looking after it

The pack is made from 600D recycled polyester and 210D recycled polyamide, with a DWR finish made without intentionally added PFAS, and is bluepass and Green Button certified. Deuter cover it with a 2-year warranty.