Deuter Futura 23 Review

Testing the Deuter Futura 23

In July we hiked part of the Adlerweg in the Austrian Alps; nothing super remote, but plenty of elevation and enough rain to test gear properly. I brought the Futura 23 with me, and it handled everything without any issues. I had it fully loaded with a liner, warm layers, snacks, water, first aid kit, toiletries, and my rain shell. It all fit comfortably with space left for some extras.

The back panel was my favorite part of the setup. The Aircomfort mesh system keeps the pack slightly off your back, so there’s constant airflow. That sounds like a small thing, but it really matters on climbs. After taking the pack off for a break, I didn’t get the usual sweaty back or that cold-damp feeling. It stayed comfortable even after a few hours of rain: no rubbing, no chafing.

The shoulder straps are well-shaped, and they didn’t dig in even with a full pack. The hip belt sat right where I needed it and helped distribute the load well. It’s padded but not bulky, which I appreciated since I didn’t want anything getting in the way while hiking with poles. This is so unusual for a pack that’s less than 35L, as they usually just have a flimsy buckle. That’s what initially sold me on this one!

The organization is simple, but that’s what I like. The main compartment has a floating lid with a zip pocket, two side water bottle pockets, and a stretch front pocket where I kept my rain jacket for quick access. There’s also a zip pocket inside for keys or small valuables. I used a hydration bladder in the sleeve, but the pack also worked well with bottles in the side pockets.

It also has an included rain cover, which I needed more than once. It’s stored in a pocket at the bottom and is easy to pull out when the weather turns. It covered the pack well and stayed put even in the wind. That’s not always a given with included covers, but this one was great.

About the Deuter Futura 23

The Deuter Futura 23 is a ventilated daypack with the structure and comfort of a larger model. It uses Deuter’s Aircomfort back system, which reduces sweat and pressure points while keeping the load stable. The frame is flexi spring steel, which provides structure without weight.

At 23 liters, it is in the sweet spot for longer day hikes or lightweight hut tours. The pack hugs your back without feeling tight, and the balance is good even when it’s fully loaded. It’s hydration compatible, has an adjustable sternum strap, and has stretch side pockets and compression straps for stability.

The materials feel durable but not heavy. I wouldn’t drag it across rocks or load it like a 40L pack, but for its size, it’s tougher than most. If you’ve got a nice and lightweight system, you could easily use it for travel or as a minimal overnight pack.

Conclusion

The Futura 23 is one of those packs that is super comfortable the second you put it on. It’s supportive, simple, and doesn’t need adjusting every five minutes. I liked how it felt on trail, especially when the weather wasn’t great, and I’d bring it again for hut trips or long mountain days where I don’t want to carry extra weight but still want a supportive carry. If you’re looking for a pack that’s built for adventure but is small and light, this is it.