Review: Osprey Backpacks
We have used Osprey Backpacks for the past ten years. They offer a wide range of packs from long distance packs, to ultra lightweight, to daypacks, including custom fit packs. They feature a unique ventilation system to help air circulation, keeping you cool.
Their hipbelts (patent pending) are a revolutionary advance in the area of custom fit hipbelts. All feature ErgoPull closure that draws tension along the top and the bottom of the belt with split support wings. Their superb hip pad design offers a fit that is comfortable right off the shelf. With the additional benefits of in-store heat molding they bring you the best fitting hipbelts you've ever worn.
Ozone Duplex 60 W’s Travel Pack Buoyant Blue
The Ozone Duplex 60 Women’s Travel Pack is ideal for the traveler who wants to take as much as possible in her carry on. Osprey did not sacrifice quality for convenience. The day pack has a very comfortable harness, back support, padded waistband and two deep water bottle pockets. We found the day pack fits under the seat and I loved to organizer packets, especially the zippered pocket behind the harness for security with passports, tickets and wallets. It even has a padded computer sleeve. Because the bags are soft sided, we were able to pack more into them, having no problem using only this combination for a five-day trip.
The cargo bag easily attaches to the daypack yet comes with a padded handle and a shoulder strap for flexibility getting through the airport. It even has a zipped pocket for all your liquids for easy access when going through security. We love how the U-zip opening and the mesh compartment helps make it so easy to find items quickly. The pack is designed to fit 14-19” torsos and built with a women’s specific fit.
Ozone Duplex 65 Men’s Travel Pack
This pack has all the details the women’s pack has, but specifically designed for men. We like how the packs are a different color from the women’s. John has a very long torso and this is one of the few packs that fits him.
Raptor
This hydration pack is more than just a hands-free water solution- it has all the comfort and features of a backpack while featuring a hydraulics system making it perfect for mountain biking and trail running.
The last thing you want in a hydration pack is for it to slide, slip, or rub while doing vigorous activity. This pack has many features to make sure that it snuggly, yet comfortably, fits it's personal user. It has side compression straps and a fully elastic sternum strap to contour it to the body, and a ridge molded foam to create a lightweight, yet supportive ventilates backpanel. The hipbelt is mesh covered and perforated for breathability.
Above and beyond being super comfortable and stable, this pack has multiple storage pockets both in the main pack and on the exterior, as well as a hip pocket, to allow for organization and easy access.
I put this pack to the test trail running quite vigorously and was more than pleased at the performance and stability and I loved the fact that it had enough room to pack a light lunch and rain jacket!
Flap Jill Courier
This courier bag is a perfect all around town carrier or travel bag. Carrying your laptop safely in a padded pocket this is perfect for travel of any kind. There are several organizer pockets within three pockets, including security safety pockets.
Stylishly designed this bag also has adjustment features to fit perfectly the individual as well as the weight load you are carrying.
I used this while travelling in Europe and found that I not only used it as a travel bag but as my everyday piece.
Quasar
This backpack is perfect for whatever your purpose may be, whether hitting the trail for the day, urban use, or hitting the beach. With many organizer pockets there is plenty of room to carry whatever the day demands, including a padded laptop pocket. There is a side mp3 pocket for easy access and a blinker light attachment ideal for biking.
There is a bungee system for secure travel. It also features a spacer mesh harness with an AirScape backpanel for breathability and comfort.
I tend to use this as my go to everyday bag for whatever the adventure!
Airporter LZ
This bag was developed to keep your pack safe while traveling. Simply drop your pack into the Airporter LZ, and zip shut with the lockable zippers. Your pack’s webbing and buckles will be protected during transit. When you arrive at your destination, pull the pack out and stash the Airporter into its built-in pocket.
We found another great idea for this bag. For those who are traveling, it seems that there is always more coming home and no place to pack it. This bag is so small, it takes up hardly any space but is a full size bag. This could be the perfect add-on travel gear.
Stow-on-the-Go™ Digital Device or Optics Holder
This case became our favorite accessory on our backpacks and daypacks. Unlike many cases we have tried, it zips down so we found it much easier to get not only our camera, but also our maps. The Velcro strap on the back finally makes it easy to attach to the hip belts, and it also can be used by itself with the long detachable strap. It is so lightweight, we don’t have to worry about adding weight for convenience.
Talon 44
This is the perfect pack for someone who wants an active, multiuse, lightweight pack with a comfortable fit because of a unique melding of the adjustable torso. Our tester loved using this for day-hiking and overnight backpacking trips. When she went to Denmark, she used it for shopping, since everyone bikes or walks. It was so light, but had the support of a full backpack. The pack is not only practical, but stylish. You can cinch it down for day hikes, or use the bottom straps for attaching more equipment. We love how easy it is to slip a jacket under the rainflap. The only trouble our tester found was with her hiking friends who had smaller packs that weighed more, so they would suggest she take some of their stuff. No Way!
Exos 46
If you are looking for a superlight, ventilated suspension pack built for comfort, this is a highly specialized pack for daylong to extended hikes for the minimalist adventurer. Our tester found it just right for overnight, and loved the suspension, but found, at 2600 cubic inches, 43 liters, it was too small for her 7 day trip. She loved the fact that the pack only weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces, but had all the bells and whistles of packs weighing much more. That means she can bring more food! Yum.
On the long day hikes of overnight, our tester would cinch everything down so it felt like a day pack. Then, for the weekend, she could even strap a few things on the outside if she needed a little more room. We are so glad that the Osprey is devoted to the concept that the over fifties market does not want to start out with a pack weighing 7 pounds!
Ariel 65 Backpack
Finally, the backpacking industry has realized that not all long distant backpackers are 6’3”, 20 year old males! The pack can be custom molded, and can be purchased specifically for a male or female. Our tester is over 60 and 5’3” and it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with this pack. Versatility, lightweight and the creative design has made this a favorite for backpackers of all abilities and activities. Although our tester is an experienced backpacker who carries a total of 20 pounds dry weight, she felt this would not only fit her backpacking needs, but for the beginner as well. There is nothing to replace a great fitting, versatile pack!
...Fiftysense Product Review Panel