Comparing backpacks within a brand is usually hard enough. But choosing between multiple models of two brands is even more challenging. Putting every feature against another is too tedious, so we have done it for you. Today we will look at Deuter and Osprey, two leading brands in creating functional hiking bags. We will scour their collection and compare their designs side by side so you can select the ultimate winner. Check out Deuter Futura Pro 36 vs Osprey Stratos 36, Aircontact vs Aether, and Atmos vs Aircontact comparisons below.
Quick Navigation
- Overview Table
- Deuter Futura Pro 36 vs Osprey Stratos 36
- Deuter Aircontact vs Osprey Aether
- Osprey Atmos vs Deuter Aircontact
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Overview Table
| Packs | Pictures | Storage | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deuter Futura Pro 36 Check Price |  | 36 L | 210D Polyamide recycled material |
| Osprey Stratos 36 Check Price |  | 33 L | 210D Nylon crosshatch |
| Osprey Aether Check Price |  | 65 L | 420HD Nylon packcloth PFC-free DWR |
| Deuter Aircontact Check Price |  | 65 + 10 L | 100D Polyamide high tenacity fabric |
| Osprey Atmos Check Price |  | 65 L | 100D x 630D Nylon dobby mix |
Deuter Futura Pro 36 vs Osprey Stratos 36
Commons
Since the bags come from varying companies, they do not share much in common. The first overlapping feature is their lid-style top closing. The top access gives you a wide opening and classic hiking-style access to the bag.
Moreover, they both feature an adjustable sternum belt with a safety whistle to fit the bag better over your torse. They also come with an adjustable hip belt to sit perfectly on your waist.
The bags have multiple loops and attachments for gear like a trekking pole, an ice axe, tools, etc. These attachments help hold these objects when you are not using them. There is also an attachment option for a helmet if you need to do so.
Plus, the bags are compatible with a 3.0-liter drinking system/bag. You won’t get the hydration reservoir when you buy the pack- you must purchase it separately. But it is a functional feature to keep you hydrated on the go.
Both bags have compression straps at varying locations to alter their sizes. Though the places are different, both serve the same purpose of altering. You can increase or decrease the bags’ sizes according to the number of items in them.
Additionally, you get rain cover fitting the bags’ sizes with them. The cover protects the inside contents from a heavy downpour, and you can keep walking even in the rain if possible.
Differences: Osprey Stratos vs Deuter Futura Pro
The Futura Pro bag has total dimensions of 61 x 32 x 24 centimeters. However, the Stratos bag measures 64 x 33 x 32 centimeters. So, the latter is bigger in dimensions by a light gap.
Similarly, their carrying capacities are also unique, though they seem the same due to their name. The Futura Pro bag can carry up to 36 liters, as stated. But the Stratos bag can only carry 33 liters.
Due to a gap in their carrying capacities, they also have varying weights. The Stratos bag is lighter, with a weight of 1440 grams. Whereas- the Futura Pro bag weighs 1580 grams. But the gap is understandable as the latter can also carry more items.
The Deuter bag has a total 6-10 kg carrying capacity. It refers to the maximum weight you can place in the bag without damaging it. For the Stratos bag, it is 7-18 kg. So even though it is inferior in carrying volume, it can carry more weight.
The body fabric for the Futura Pro bag is a 210D Polyamide recycled bluesign-certified material. For the Stratos bag, the manufacturers use 210D nylon crosshatch. Both fabrics’ denier units are the same, only the nylon and polyamide vary. Even between them, the gap is that polyamide may be either natural or synthetic while nylon is 100% synthetic and a bit more sturdy.
The Futura bag has a permanently elastic spring steel frame to support the bag better on the body. The Stratos bag has the LightWire alloy frame instead. The first one supports the load slightly better as it retains its shape, while the latter provides a better shape and fit on your body.
The VariFlex and Aircomfort Systems in the Futura bag further add to the support by providing an even better fit for the bag. It ensures that the bag wraps around the body while leaving ample gaps for ventilation.
For the same purpose, the Stratos bag features the AirSpeed Suspension Backpanel. It allows you to adjust the torso length to fit your form while having a mesh back panel to allow ample ventilation. Both systems are commendable, but the former may provide added support.
Moreover, the bags have hip belts with mesh to keep the bag snug. But the Stratos bag features a Spacer mesh seamless hip belt. It has spacer mesh on the inside to keep you cool and boasts a seamless comfy design. The Futura bag boasts pull-forward hip fins to adjust it. The Stratos bag has an additional spacer mesh harness system, which is some of the most breathable mesh.
Similarly, the Futura bag has some unique features, like its bottom compartment with a zip-on base. You could use the separate compartment to store your sleeping bag or other items if needed. It also has an added elasticated inner compartment, where you can keep wet clothes or other items. It would prevent the moisture from seeping into the other clothes in the bag.
Finally, the bag boasts an SOS label to instruct you what to do in an emergency. Even if you are an experienced hiker, having such information on hand is incredibly helpful.
Surprisingly, the Futura Pro bag is cheaper than the Stratos bag currently. Even though it is more feature-laden and more spacious, it retails for lower.
Also Read: Deuter Futura vs Futura Pro
Deuter Aircontact vs Osprey Aether
Commons
Both bags have some overlapping features that are present in almost every hiking pack. The first one would be an adjustable sternum belt (with a safety whistle) to fit the bags better on your form. The bags also include hip belts with pockets to add more support. And they can help you store quick-access items like your lip balm or candy.
They have multiple compression straps to adjust the size of the bag to its contents. By adjusting the size- you can ensure that the bag does not weigh down on your shoulder and stays supported.
Both bags are also hydration-reservoir compatible. They have a dedicated hydration sleeve in the bag to store the same. But you would have to buy the reservoir separately if you wish to use it with them.
They have ice-axe attachments and pole attachments to hook the gear when not in use. They differ slightly in design due to being varying brands. But they do the same work- so they can get considered as a common feature.
Additionally, they have necessary details like load adjustment straps. They help bring the bag’s top closer or farther from your torso to keep the bag centered, and comfortable.
Both bags have large & stretchy side pockets where you can store your water bottle or other items.
Finally, both bags include a rain cover to protect them from heavy rains. Their water-resistant material may be efficient in light showers, but you need the rain cover when it is pouring.
Differences: Osprey Aether vs Deuter Aircontact
Firstly, the bags differ in shape and size. The Aircontact bag boasts dimensions of 84 x 32 x 26 centimeters. On the other hand, the Aether bag measures 80 x 40 x 28 centimeters. The gap in both is very minute- which makes sense as their carrying capacities are also close.
The Aircontact bag can carry up to 65 + 10 liters. The Aether bag has a slightly lower carrying capacity of only 65 liters. However, both are still big enough to carry multiple days’ worth of trekking essentials.
Moreover, the Aether pack weighs 2231 grams, which is surprising. The Aircontact bag weighs only 1990 grams even though it has a better overall carrying capacity.
But the weight makes sense in their weight-carrying capacities because the Aether bag can bear up to 14-27 kgs. However, the Aircontact pack can only carry a weight of up to 14-22 kg. So even though the former can’t hold much stuff, it can take much heavier stuff instead.
As for the body fabric of these bags, Aircontact features 100D Polyamide high tenacity. However, the Aether bag has 420HD nylon packcloth PFC-free DWR bluesign-approved fabric. As you can see, the latter is much stronger, water resistant, and environmentally friendly at the same time.
The Aircontact bag utilizes an X-frame to support the bag’s structure. Bigger bags need such a frame to keep them upright and not strain your back. It gets paired with the VariQuick and Aircontact system that lets you adjust the torse length according to your height. It is very inclusive and ensures a snug fit over your form.
For the same purpose- the Aether bag boasts an Airscape Backpanel and suspension system. The system supports the weight of the pack while still leaving ample space for ventilation in between. It is light yet soft and comfortable to carry.
Both bags have the top lid design, but the Aether bag has additional front zip access into the main compartment. Similarly, you can remove the Aircontact bag’s lid into a daypack. Since they are so unique, you must see which flexibility you prefer and choose between these features.
The Aether bag’s lid might not convert into a daypack, but it is compatible with an Osprey Daylite daypack. The bag has anchor loops which you can use to attach the daypack to it.
Both bags have shoulder straps and zippered hip belts. But the Aether bag features a unique Fit-on-the-fly system for both of these. It comes with the signature spacer mesh and fits snugly on your form like it was custom-made.
It has a separate inner compartment where you can store wet clothes or shoes. They will keep the bag’s contents separate and avoid the moisture from spreading.
The Aircontact bag, like most other Deuter bags, comes with an SOS label inside. The label has crucial information regarding emergencies which could be lifesaving in some situations.
The bag also has a separate bottom compartment with a removable bottom. Though not the same, the Aether pack has a similar bottom sleeping bag compartment. It also has a removable divider and can store your sleeping bag while walking.
The Aether bag has the StraightJacket compression system in its compression straps, which is absent in Aircontact’s compression straps. It is a better-planned system placed in crucial locations to perform the identical function.
Among the two, the Aether bag costs more than the Aircontact. It is not surprising as Aether is a bit more advanced than the Aircontact pack.
Also Read: Osprey Atmos vs Aether
Osprey Atmos vs Deuter Aircontact
Commons
The Atmos and Aircontact bags have almost the same number of overlapping aspects as others. The first common feature is their floating top lid. The design is classic in most packs due to its comfortable access in the main compartment.
You can remove the lids of both bags and keep them aside if you wish to do so. The top part in both these bags is fully detachable to give you more carrying choices.
The bags can carry the same weight range of 14-22 kg. If you exceed this weight with your contents, you may damage their quality, so you must keep it within the limit.
Both bags are hydration reservoir compatible and have a dedicated sleeve. You can fit up to a 3-liter reservoir inside. It can help you stay hydrated on the go without making too many stops in between.
They have multiple attachments to keep your trekking pole, ice axe, helmet, etc. These attachments may look slightly different for each model- but serve the same purpose.
They also include side stretch mesh pockets, where you can store a water bottle. Alternatively, you could use them to store other small objects to access them quickly.
Moreover, they have sternum straps, with safety whistles and hip belts to provide excess support to your form. Both features make the bag fit closer to your body and move with it effortlessly.
To further improve the bag’s fit and match it to your center of gravity- both bags include load adjustment straps. The straps can pull or push the bag towards your shoulder or away from it.
They have compression straps, though in slightly varying locations. The straps help increase or decrease the bag to the desired size. So, the bag won’t weigh you down if the lesser content sinks to the bottom due to the backpack being too big.
Both bags come with a rain cover to protect the contents. Though their material is highly resistant to rain, the rain cover can provide nearly 100% protection from the water.
Differences: Deuter Aircontact vs Osprey Atmos
The Atmos pack measures 87 x 39 x 41 centimeters. Whereas, the dimensions of the Aircontact bag are 84 x 32 x 26 centimeters. As you can see, the latter is slightly smaller in size technically.
It is surprising that the Aircontact bag can carry 65 + 10 liters in total. Since the total capacity of the Atmos bag is only 65 liters.
But the Atmos bag weighs around 2190 grams. It is much heavier than the Aircontact bag, which weighs only 1990 grams, even though it can carry more items.
The main fabric for the Atmos bag is a 100D x 630D nylon dobby mix. However, the Aircontact bag features 100D polyamide high-tenacity material. Though both are efficient, the former is relatively sturdier due to its higher denier.
The Atmos bag has an Anti-Gravity suspension, which makes you feel like the pack is lighter than it is. It utilizes a full peripheral frame to give such an effect. In continuation- it also has an anti-gravity back panel and mesh harness systems. These also support the system and create a snug but breathable fit of the bag on the user.
For suspension, the Aircontact bag boasts an X-frame to support the pack. Combined with the VariQuick System, it makes for a bag that is both snug and relaxed enough to be comfy and breathable. It has the Aircontact system and spacer mesh on the harness and straps to improve airflow.
Both bags have a separate bottom compartment- but are slightly different in design. The Aircontact bag’s compartment is the one where you can remove its base. But the Atmos bag has a sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider and sleeping pad straps instead.
As we mentioned above, the bags have removable lids, but the Atmos bag has an integrated FlapJacket to cover and protect your content in the absence of the lid.
The Aircontact bag also boasts some unique features to it like an elasticated inner compartment. The region is particularly meant to store objects like wet clothes and avoid their moisture from going into your other contents.
The Deuter bag also boasts an SOS label to help you in emergencies. The label shows solutions to multiple issues in such situations and may save you from danger in a dire situation.
The Aircontact bag is cheap even though it has a better carrying capacity. It may be due to the better attributes of the Atmos bag and improved technology for the same functions.
Also Read: Osprey Daylite vs Hikelite
Conclusion
Both brands mentioned above have many other popular designs than these. But the three comparisons we saw say a lot about their crucial design features. You can certainly say which bag wins in which category.
For example, Deuter is the more affordable choice by a fair distance. However, the weight-carrying capacity and feature efficiency of Osprey bags are generally better. Ultimately, it comes down to what you prefer most in your hiking backpack.
FAQs
Are Deuter Backpacks Waterproof?
Deuter backpacks aren’t waterproof per se, but they are highly water-resistant. No bag is truly waterproof since the fabric has to be durable and light. But they have a water-resistant coating to prevent water as much as possible. They also come with rain covers to protect your bag further.
Are Osprey Backpacks Machine Washable?
No, you must not machine wash Osprey bags as they may get damaged. Since the bags have many sensitive components, you must always hand wash them. And if you can manage by using a damp cloth, it is even better.
Which Is Better Deuter Or Osprey?
Both brands offer many helpful features relevant to their hiking backpacks. While choosing one from the two is not objective, but subjective. Your preference for a hiking bag may differ from someone else’s, so your choice is better for you.
