Third Companion: Deuter Futura 32

This is possibly my most favourite piece of kit. I’d never really owned a technical sack like this so it was a case of going online and flicking through catalogues to see what was out there. I did like the Osprey sacks and of course Berghaus featured heavily too. However it was the Deuter’s back system that really attracted me.

I really hate sweaty back syndrome. It feels awful when you stop and sit down for a break and you can feel the cold air sending a chill up your back because of the sweat. So having a back system that didn’t really touch you could only be of benefit.

My previous sack was an ultra cheap Blacks own make. It basically disintegrated in the rain and everything in it got ruined. I know the Deuter isn’t waterproof but it at least comes with a waterproof cover.

As well as the back system I liked all the nooks and crannies I could store stuff as well as the space for an aqua pack. I didn’t spend too much on that as I ended up with a budget £8 one from Gelert! Anyway I also added to the sack with a couple of strap on pockets which are availavble direct from Deuter. They a pretty much the same size as the side pockets already on the sack so they are useful in storing extra rations and small equipment – even camera lenses. The other extra is a Berghaus belt mounted pocket. I was always finding that I needed to get into my coat pocket which was always under the belt. This was an ideal solution.

So I paid £75 for the sack – I could have got it for £50 but the security of actually trying it out in the shop was worth it.

I’m still working on a couple of other additions. One of which is a way of strapping my DSLR to the sack and the other is seeing if there is a way of attaching a map case in a convenient way.

What is it: Rucksack
USP: Ingenious back system
When did it come into its own: Carrying mine and my wife’s stuff whilst out in the hills.
Was it worth it, really?: I actually paid £25 more than I needed too but that was security of picking something like this and trying it on in the shop.
Where did you get it? Cotswold Outdoor, Reading
Extras & Additions? Deuter Strap on pockets x2, Berghaus Belt mounted case, Aquapack
Rivals/Decision making? Osprey, Berghaus…
Rating: 10/10