Great for day & overnight trips!
After some heavy duty research, settled on the Futura 28 for a two week trip to Alaska. Choice was based on excellent quality, comfort, durability, style, and flexibility of design allowing me not only to shlep multiple layers of clothes but also to cary some delicate camera equipment safely and comfortably. Depending on circumstances, divided pack into lower and upper wit a sipper main compartment - which was VERY helpful in staying organized - as well as loaded side pockets with stuff I may need on a moments notice (like bear spray?!) to the everyday like water bottles and snacks. Rain cover proved helpful - it rained pretty much every day for 2 weeks - though the pack material is pretty water repellant for light drizzle. Pack also proved very comfortable - pressure points hit me just on the right spots - and I can forgo using waist belt when not needed without them dangling all around or bulking up on lower back. Now back in Los Angeles, airy mesh ventilation is a welcomed relief from hot days. Also manage to use the pack for some travel as the pockets allow for easy organization of laptop (in water sleeve), glasses, docs, electronics, layers, snacks, water, etc. Should also prove a great pack when skiing where you can use the side straps to hold poles or skis securely in place. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend Deuter's Futura 28!

a great day bag
Am hiking the Inca Trail in July and was looking for a nice day pack that provided ventilation across the back and was roomy enough for rain gear and misc extra layers. This pack fits the bill.

Excellent quality and design
just got back from a day hike and conditions were rainy and humid. The airflow system works as advertised; no sweaty back! The built-in rain cover came in handy as well. I like the separate compartment which is perfect for my SLR camera. The main compartment was plenty big for extra water and clothes. The quality is top notch. This is THE pack to get in this segment!

Well worth the price
I primarily use this backpack for commuting to work on my bike year round. Whether summer or winter. I've always worn light weight/breathable clothes but I could never escape the inevitable sweaty back when I got to work, (even in the middle of winter) so I invested in a Deuter. The pack was bigger than I expected, and also sits higher on my back than I expected, but you get used to it. Works well for carrying a full change of clothes, thermos, lunch, plus room for other stuff like a box of cereal. I often take a 20+ mile ride after work on my way home and I've yet to have a sweaty back. This pack will be good for weekend getaways, too; but if you just want a tiny pack to carry just a few items I'd recommend the Race X Air. I got this pack over Lowe Alpine's Airzone (yet both are well made)

Not my choice for cycling but a great bag.
I commute 35 miles daily on bike with this bag and while the suspended back allows optimal airflow, you cannot tighten this bag to sit tightly against your back. This is because of the plastic support that supports the airflow system. Other than that, it's a great bag for walking.