Originally Posted by RobbieIG
I have been using the Futura 42 for a little over a year. I have always been able to carry all that I wanted, but it can be tough at time. I have Lights in one side pocket, toiletries and tools in the other. I sometimes have a water bottle in one or both of the lower mesh pockets. The Top flap has an outside and inside zippered pocket, the upper carries my laptop power adapter, sunglasses, ipod, and misc items, the inside has writing tools, and a calculator. The bottom compartment has a change of clothes for the gym. Inside the main compartment I have a 15" powerbook in a timbuk2 sleeve (big), 1-2 textbooks, 3-6 notebooks, a novel, and an engineering pad.
My back still sweats, but not as bad as it would with all this stuff in a different bag. Sometimes the bag frame feels a bit small for me (6' 2"), but it is always comfy. The adjustment straps make it easy to carry weird loads and there is always room for a jacket on the outside of the bag.
I got the bag from REI, so if it ever really becomes a problem I can return it.
http://www.deuterusa.com/futura42.html
Deuter has two main "systems" as they call them for their cycling packs. One is good for carrying light loads (Aircomfort- the one you have) and the other for heavy loads (Airstripes- the one I have). As for back sweat, I agree, my back still sweats, but less than with other packs.
Here are the differences as was explained by a customer service rep from Deuter:
As for the back systems, the Aircomfort back system provides a maximum
of ventilation, since only the mesh has direct contact with the back
whereas the pack is kept in some distance. However, when the pack is
loaded heavily it is possible that the metal frame may be uncomfortable on
the hips.
The Airstripes back system with it's contoured foam stripes on the back
is more flexible and adapts better to the differnt back positions when
cycling. The pack has closer contact to the back, which may be of
advantage for balance when cycling in difficult terrain or when carrying
heavier load.