Futura 24 SL

The Deuter Futura 24 SL is a ventilated day pack cut for women, for long walks where the heat and humidity are part of the day. Climb out of the Blue Mountains valleys on a January morning and the mesh back keeps a gap of moving air between you and your load.

Who it's for

Women and shorter-backed walkers on big day hikes and the odd hut-based overnighter. Deuter rate it five out of five for hiking, and the 4-8 kg recommended load covers water, lunch, a shell, a warm layer and a first aid kit.

Capacity, and what actually fits

24 litres in a 60 x 28 x 20 cm pack takes a 3 L hydration bladder, a rain jacket and fleece, lunch and a first aid kit, with the two lid pockets holding snacks, sunscreen and keys. Stretch side pockets carry bottles and the front stretch pocket swallows a wet shell.

How it carries

A flexi spring steel frame tensions the back mesh away from you, and the mesh runs down into the lumbar area for airflow and a softer, wrapping fit. Pivoting ActiveFit shoulder straps follow your stride, and padded hip fins with Pull-Forward adjustment draw the load onto your hips. The hip fins and shoulder straps share one continuous piece of padding, so there is no seam to rub.

Fitting it

SL is Deuter's women's fit: a shorter back and a harness shaped for the female body. The Futura 24 SL is one size for back lengths of 38-48 cm, matched to walkers around 158-178 cm tall.

Access and organisation

Load it from the top under a drawcord and lid, or open the U-shaped front zip to reach the bottom of the pack without unpacking it.

• Top-loading with drawcord and lid, plus U-shaped front zip
• Two lid pockets, outside and inside
• Stretch side pockets, two hip fin pockets and a front stretch pocket
• Internal wet compartment; hydration compatible up to 3 L
• Ice axe and pole attachment on one side; glasses stow; key clip
• Rain cover included

Weight

1255 g empty. The steel frame and suspended mesh add weight over a frameless daypack, and they are why a full day's kit sits steady and your shirt stays drier. For hot-weather walking, the Futura is the one we'd reach for.

Looking after it

The body is 210D recycled polyamide X-Grid, made without intentionally added PFAS, and the pack is bluepass and Green Button certified. Deuter back it with a 2-year warranty.