User Review: Deuter Futura Pro 42

Photographers take note!

I am an amateur photographer and when I recently decided to get back into backpacking, I realized that my Lowe Pro was woefully inadequate. I spent considerable time and effort trying to figure out how I was going to carry my expensive camera gear into the mountains. The camera backpacks are a joke, as they are heavy, expensive, and in no way a professional backpack. Therefore, I needed something that would do what I wanted and that was to have the photo gear easy to access.

The DFP42 has the bottom compartment that allowed me the access to my photo gear without digging into the main compartment. However, it was just the right capacity to carry a jacket, food, and water…something that dedicated camera back failed to do.

I have to say that the other feature that I liked was the mesh ventilation, as I guarantee you that a camera backpack would make your back soaking wet in short time.

The other problem I had was being able to carry a tripod. The DFP42 also solved that problem nicely because of the two heavy straps that hold the top cover down. I simply pulled the straps over two legs of the tripod (spreading them apart first) and snapped them together, the result being that my Manfrotto tripod lay perfectly on the upper part of the pack. Trust me…not many of the other backpacks packs have this ability. I need to point out that my tripod weighs over four pounds, and hanging it off a lanyard or elastic straps would have eventually damaged the pack.

I found some sterlite food containers, called the Ultra Seal, which are virtually waterproof. One held my DSLR camera with a lens, and the other two held more lenses and a flash. They fit perfectly, although tight, into the bottom compartment.

I made a first trip with the pack and gear, and hiked up into the Colorado national forest on a moderate trail, the Big South Trail, along the Poudre River. (Stunning hike by the way) The pack was awesome, and even though the upper compartment was almost empty, it was a joy to carry. The flex waistband, and the ventilated mesh back was great, making the pack was super comfortable.

I know that with the extra space, I will be able to carry my tent and food by going light on the other gear. That said, I also plan to get a different tripod, a Benro C-068M8 Travel Angel Carbon Tripod, which is only 1.4 pounds! Sorry to go on and on….but if you carry photo gear, this is a great pack!