Last year I climbed Snowdon for the first time, and I noticed a disproportionately high number of fellow walkers wearing Osprey backpacks, it felt a little like they knew a secret that I didn’t.
I have to admit to only being vaguely aware of the brand up to that point. Actually, I’d always considered their gear to be the sole domain of those going on hardcore adventure expeditions, though to be fair, in the features list for my own Osprey Tempest, it does list ‘Ice axe loops’ so I think my perception wasn’t completely unwarranted! I’m learning though that you don’t have to be going on an Arctic expedition to need or appreciate top quality gear.
I really needed to investigate Osprey a bit more closely, and since then have coveted Osprey backpacks with Gollum-like intensity.
One of my fellow outdoor bloggers, who also happens to be a dear friend, had a particularly striking bright purple backpack and although it was a relatively new purchase, she was singing it’s praises all the way to the top of the mountain. I decided that given I was often grumbling about my own backpack (sweaty back, not enough pockets etc.) that I really needed to investigate Osprey a bit more closely, and since then have coveted Osprey backpacks with Gollum-like intensity.
Fast-forward a few months, and the Osprey team randomly got in touch with me, so of course I jumped at the chance to review one of their backpacks.
What is it?
Osprey Tempest 30 backpack
It comes in a choice of 4 colours (mine as shown is Lucent Green)
£100 from Osprey.com
Technical features
- Adjustable torso length and women’s specific design
- AirScape™ mesh covered accordion foam backpanel
- Hydration access
- LED light attachment point
- Seamless lumbar to hipbelt body wrap
- Sternum strap with emergency whistle
- Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment
- Stretch front pocket
- Top lid access
- Twin ice axe loops
- Twin zippered hip belt pockets
The Verdict
I’ve used this backpack heaps since I got it a couple of months ago, but sadly not quite as much as I was hoping to just yet! A stupid injury has left me with strict instructions to stay away from the gym and to avoid walking up hills for at least 6 weeks, but after 2 weeks of rest I was bored and went out walking anyway. We then spent several days down in Cornwall and I used the backpack when we went out and about each day, and boy did we do some walking (but please don’t tell my Physio!).
When it comes to day hikes, I find that a 30ltr pack is generally the ideal size for me.
I love the size, though for some I appreciate that 30litres for an everyday walking backpack might be too large – if that sounds like you, you’re in luck as the Tempest comes in smaller 20ltr and 16ltr versions, and if you want even smaller, there’s a little 9ltr in the range too, as well as a larger 40ltr.
When it comes to day hikes, I find that a 30ltr pack is generally the ideal size for me though. As well as being able to fit my DSLR camera, case and spare lens in, I can also easily fit in my water bottle, map, guidebook, GoPro, Fleece and/or waterproof, purse, mobile phone, the cat… Well you get the picture, it’s roomy without being too big.
I found it very comfortable to wear all day long, with no pulling on the shoulders (the straps are very well padded), and no pain in my back. I felt it sat better across my back and the top of my hips than other backpacks I’ve used. You can find some great advice on how to fit your backpack here.
In some of my pictures you can see that the pack isn’t very full at all (I tend to put a lot of heavy stuff in the top zipped section instead of in the main body, which leads to it looking a little bit odd in some shots), despite me carrying around a decent amount of stuff with me.
I’m really looking forward to taking it to Scotland with me next month for my little mini-adventure, as I’m going be returning to Beinn Ghlas, and this time walking it alone. I’ve already planned the absurd amount of supplies I’ll be filling it up with, so I’ll update this post as soon as I’m back, and I’ll give you my full verdict.
Until then, I’m just going to go back to gazing at it and occasionally stroking it when no one’s looking.
Summary
- Very comfortable to wear with lots of adjustment options for the perfect fit
- Plenty of external pockets, loops and zips
- The pockets on either side of the hip belt stretched to accommodate my huge smartphone
- It looks really good
- Air-flow is good thanks to the cleverly designed foam back panel (my back was warm rather than sweaty)
- Can easily be used with hydration packs
- Plenty of room for day hike essentials (waterproofs, maps, food, drink etc.)
- All Mighty Guarantee on all Osprey products
I was going to put the price down as a con in my summary, but Osprey products are genuinely designed to last a lifetime so you’ll potentially never need to buy another backpack; I think that really puts an investment like this into perspective, making it excellent value!
Stockists
Thank you to Osprey for supplying the featured product for us to review.
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