I admit it. I am in love with Osprey products. Why? They are lightweight, full of smart features, and downright comfortable. Everytime I need a new pack for a specific purpose, I look to Osprey to fill my needs and they do, every time. I have packs for backpacking, hut-to -hut traverses, day hiking, skit touring, and climbing/mountaineering. My oldest pack is 11 years old and still going strong! Here is why I love Osprey:
Osprey Talon 33- The smallest and lightest pack in my collection is the Talon 33. This pack has been my 'go-to' summer day hiking pack for the past 4 years. Hip pockets, GPS pocket, and hydration pouch are my favourite features. The lightweight fabric is thinner than my other packs but it has shown no wear or letting up so far. Just shy of 2 pounds in the small/medium size, it's a great pack to put inside a larger backpack if hiking in to set up a basecamp for day assaults. My only complaint about this pack is the mesh netting on the hip pockets has ripped. The Tempest 30 is actually the women's version but wasn't available when I purchased mine.
Osprey Talon 33- The smallest and lightest pack in my collection is the Talon 33. This pack has been my 'go-to' summer day hiking pack for the past 4 years. Hip pockets, GPS pocket, and hydration pouch are my favourite features. The lightweight fabric is thinner than my other packs but it has shown no wear or letting up so far. Just shy of 2 pounds in the small/medium size, it's a great pack to put inside a larger backpack if hiking in to set up a basecamp for day assaults. My only complaint about this pack is the mesh netting on the hip pockets has ripped. The Tempest 30 is actually the women's version but wasn't available when I purchased mine.
Osprey Mutant 38- The Mutant joined my fleet a couple of years ago to be my rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering pack. At just 35 litres for the small/medium, this pack always surprises me at how much space I always have to fill. This pack has seen some hard use in the abrasive granite of the Bugaboos but still shows little signs of wear. My favourite features of the Mutant are the tool carry, rope strap, and removable top lid. The latest versions of the this pack are incredible-my eyes are always envious when my husband is wearing his! Not a women's specific pack but in the small/medium size, I have no problem with the fit.
Osprey Kode 42- Hands down the most comfortable of all my packs, the Osprey Kode has risen to be one of my favourites. It has become my winter day hiking pack, my ski touring pack, and my yurt trip pack. At 3lbs, 10oz it's not the lightest pack, but for some reason it feels as light as my Talon when fully loaded. My favourite features of this pack is the top lid helmet carry feature, goggle pocket, hip pockets, and outside pocket for avalanche gear. All the buckles can be easy opened with mitts or gloves on. Note: I read a review that said that a G3 340cm probe could fit in this pocket but that's not the case in the small/medium size. The durability and quality of this pack is outstanding. Osprey has also made the Kode now with the ABS avalanche airbag protection system integrated into it. This pack is bomber.
Osprey Kestrel 58- The Kestrel is a unisex multi-use pack that I bought for a week long hut-to-hut ski touring trip but I've also used it as an overnight/weekend backpacking pack. In the small/medium size, I enjoy the front stretch pocket to stow skins, the hip pockets and the Airscape backpanel. If I were to upgrade, I my eyes have been fixated on the lighter Exos 58 pack, but for now the Kestrel is doing a fantastic job.
Osprey Ariel 75- The Ariel is a recent addition into the quiver. The size and weight of camping gear has reduced my volume needs and the Ariel is my new backpacking pack for week-long missions. It's a women's specific pack that has hip pockets, ice-axe loops, and hiking pole loops. The moldable hip belt is super comfortable and the waist belt cinching system works flawlessly. The dual access side pockets fit a Nalgene bottle perfectly. At 4lbs 14oz for the small size, the pack is lightweight and in the Deep Sea Blue colour, won't clash with any outfit!
Osprey Luna 90- The Luna was my first Osprey pack and it sold me on comfort and women's specific features. After 11 years, it's still going strong and shows little signs of wear. Used for backpacking expeditions and international travelling, this pack has been all over the world. The detachable 10L backpack has been VERY useful when travelling abroad, and is a great place to store gear that you want easy access to while backpacking. The Luna has been the workhorse of my collection and even though it doesn't get used as much anymore, I will still keep it for that time you need the extra volume.
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