The Futura 32L has proven itself on European multi-day treks. It focuses on airflow, but some buyers have found a major flaw when carrying heavy loads or using certain cleaning methods.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 85.68/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 457
STRENGTHS
- Aircomfort Back System: Keeps the back dry and sweat-free even during strenuous 11-day treks.
- Load Distribution: Moves weight to the hips, so carrying the pack feels much lighter. For example, 8 kg can feel almost weightless.
- Compartment Access: A separate zippered bottom compartment lets you reach the main area without unpacking everything.
- Quality: The materials, stitching, and zippers are called “top quality” and hold up well even after years of use.
LIMITATIONS
- Heavy Load Pressure: Carrying more than about 20 pounds can make the bottom padding press uncomfortably into your lower back.
- Side Pocket Tightness: The mesh side pockets are too tight for standard Sigg or large water bottles.
- External Carry: There are no bottom straps for attaching tents or sleeping mats to the pack’s exterior.
- Hydrolysis Risk: The inside polyurethane coating can become sticky and break down if cleaned with hot water.
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Contents
Futura 32 Secures 85.68 Score Despite Critical PU Coating Hydrolysis Risk
The Futura 32 has an 85.68 DVSS Score, indicating that most users are happy with its comfort. However, this high score hides some reports of serious material problems in certain situations.
Product Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 85.68/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 457
- Average Rating: 4.70
- Ideal For: Multi-day treks and Klettersteig (via ferrata) for the 8-15 lb range.
This score, based on our DVSS Methodology, shows users love the pack’s ventilation and comfort. The score drops slightly due to complaints about pressure points when carrying more than 20 pounds. Most buyers are very satisfied with the pack when using it for typical day hikes.
AirComfort Back System Eliminates Sweat and Back Pain
The Aircomfort system keeps the pack off your back, giving you much better ventilation. People who sweat a lot say they feel almost no discomfort, even after hours of hiking.
Users call this system “miraculous” because it keeps their backs dry. Many say the airflow is much better than other high-end packs that sit right against your body.
Hip Belt Transfers Load Effectively, But Fails Tall Users
The wide, padded hip belt moves weight from your shoulders to your hips, making the pack feel almost weightless. This is a big reason why it’s comfortable on long hikes, even up to 11 days.
But if you’re taller than 175 cm (5’9″), the fixed back length may not work for you. Taller users say the hip belt sits too high and doesn’t rest on their hip bones, so the load transfer doesn’t work as it should.
Load Management Creates an Uncomfortable 20lb Pressure Point.
The curved back, which helps with ventilation, can cause pressure problems when the pack is heavy. One user who tried it with 20 pounds felt an uncomfortable spot at the bottom of the pack.
This design means there’s a practical weight limit. Without enough bottom padding, the pack can press into your body. The 32L size is great for light gear, but not for very heavy or dense items.
Dual-Compartment Design Holds Gear for Two-Day Treks
Many people say the 32-liter size is “just right” for one- or two-day trips or multi-day hut-to-hut hikes. The separate spaces make it easy to pack and organize your gear.
The pack has a separate bottom compartment with a zipper, which is great for keeping wet clothes apart or storing a large Klettersteig set. You can also reach the main compartment from below without unpacking everything from the top.
Side Pockets are Tight and cannot Contain All Bottles.
Many users say the mesh side pockets are too tight and small. Several buyers found they couldn’t fit standard Sigg water bottles securely in them.
If you want quick access to large water bottles, keep this in mind. The pockets hold small gear or snacks, but not larger bottles.
Core Material is Robust Until Washed with Hot Water
The materials are strong, and the zippers work well, even after 6-7 trips and daily use over five years. Many people say the build quality sets a high standard for German-made gear.
One important report says the inside PU coating can get sticky and break down quickly if you wash it with hot water. To keep the waterproof layer intact, spot-clean the inside only or use cold water.
External Features Lack Bottom Straps for Tent or Mat
The pack features key alpine features, including a helmet holder, easy trekking pole attachments, and a built-in rain cover. It also fits a 3-liter hydration bladder.
Traditional campers note that the pack lacks bottom straps. This means you can’t attach bulky items, such as sleeping mats or tents, to the outside.
Futura 32 Exceeds Expectations for Alpine Day Hikes, But What Are the Limits?
Before buying, make sure the pack’s strengths match your needs, especially regarding load and body type. Reviews show where the ventilation system works well and where the fixed structure can cause discomfort.
Reported Dimensions & Limits
- Weight Capacity: Handles loads up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) comfortably across multi-day routes.
- Empty Weight: Reported as 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs), contributing to the light feel on the back.
- Hydration: Easily accommodates a 3-liter hydration bladder with proper tube routing.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You care more about staying sweat-free than carrying loads over 20 pounds.
- Since your torso is under 175 cm, the hip belt fits and works well.
- You need good organization for a one- or two-day hut trip or alpine hike.
✗ Skip This If You:
- You often carry heavy loads of over 20 pounds.
- You’re taller than 175 cm and need a hip belt that fits right.
- You need straps to carry bulky items like sleeping bags outside the pack.
- You want an adjustable back panel instead.
Alpine Day Hiker Seeking Superior Airflow, But Risks Heavy Load Discomfort
This user values ventilation for long, tough day hikes in hot or high places. The AirComfort system really helps keep your back dry and comfortable. The main risk is using the pack for overnight trips with heavy loads, which can be uncomfortable.
Multi-Day Trekker Who Needs Hydration and Accepts Hydrolysis Risk
The second type of user takes the Futura 32 on long routes like the Camino de Santiago, using its organization and 32L size. They use the hydration system and comfort features on long days but need to be careful not to wash the inside with hot water, as the coating will be damaged.
Futura 32 Excels for High-Aeration Short Treks
The Futura 32 is best for alpine day hikes because the ventilation system really makes the pack feel lighter. This helps reduce tiredness on long climbs.
The main limit is the pressure you feel with loads over 20 pounds. It’s ideal for hikers who want speed, light weight, and cooling.
Check price and availability for the Futura 32, and explore the Best Day Hike Backpacks (0L-34L) for other pack options.
