Osprey Backpack

[annakappa]

I have a problem in that my old backpack is on it's way out! It has "fabric fatigue". The material and seams are giving up and there is no way that I can walk the Camino with it again.
Unfortunately one can't find a backpack specifically for women here in Costa Rica and my only possibility is to order one over the internet. I have spent a few weeks surfing and have come down to 2 possibilities: First, and my preference, would be an Osprey Sirrus 36 pack for Women and the second choice would be a Gregory Sage 35 for Women,
My question is, have any of you used either of these packs and what was your impression? Was it comfortable. Did it meet up to your expectations? Would you buy it again?
Here there no luxury of going to a store and trying on a range of packs until you find one to your liking. What I buy over ther internet will have to do - no returning it. Hope some of you out there can help! Thanks, Anne

 

[k-fun]

[urlhttp://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/multi-use/talon_33[/url]
Top loading technical backpack with a fixed top pocket ideal for multi-day adventures.

This bag is similar to the one you are considering. I used the Talon back back last year on the Camino. It went through as carry-on luggage, with nothing strapped to the outside. I checked-in a cheap bag with my poles, second shoes, go-lite umbrella, and sleeping mat that I later strapped on to the back while hiking. I endured 41 days of hiking without problems. My only displeasures were that the two bottom loops were not elastic, that the ties were not symmetrical, and that the shoulder straps were rough. I solved the roughness by wearing short-sleeve shirts instead of tank-tops which I started out with. While using the tank tops, I used socks to protect my skin from the straps. I see that this year's model has been redesigned...don't know what that means.

It is light weight and durable and machine-washed well. It does not come with a rain protector as other Osprey do, so consider buy at rain protector for it.

Weight: 1 lb 15 oz. (0.87 kg) Price: $129

 

[malcolmrobert]

Hi Anna

My store clerk swears by the Osprey Atmos. Owns one. He hikes in Northern Ontario. He had only the women's version in stock when I was in. Will wait for the men's 65 litre to arrive. This Atmos has been mentioned by others on the Forum as being very good. It has a webbing insert that separates your back from the body of the pack. Good ventilation. Circa 1.5 kg. Worth considering.

google search: http://www.search-results.com/web?atb=s ... D100000048

The Amazon.com site has 18 useful customer reviews.

 

[breakintheclouds]

I have a slightly larger Osprey backpack - an Exos (46 litres, I think). I'm quite an experienced long-distance walker, and am happy to say that this is the most comfortable backpack I've ever used. I would definitely recommend Ospreys now that I've tried one, and doubt you'd regret buying the one you have seen. Just be aware that some models come in different back lengths, so it will be worth checking you get the right size - there is a guide here on their website: http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

 

[annelise]

Hi Anna,
I walked last May with an Osprey Exos 46 L – and would second the opinion of 'breakintheclouds'.

I chose it primarily because of low weight at only 1.05 kg (you make out the ounces yourself :wink: ). It also comes in 43 L at 1.01 kg, and 49 L at 1.1 kg – not much difference in weight.

It worked perfectly (I packed at about 6 kg and also had my sleeping bag inside). The backpack was occasionally great for a conversation opener with other pilgrims who had also opted for the new Osprey Exos – and they were also happy with their choice.

My only (minor) problem was that when the pack was filled, there was no room for readily available water bottles in the netting on the sides – only in the backpockets. But if you are walking with a companion, this would of course not be a problem.

Also, unless you are walking with an Altus poncho or the like, you will need a separate rain cover.
Kindest, annelise

 

[jeff001]

My Osprey Atmos 50 has been on 3 caminos plus 3 trips in the Dolomites and it is still going strong. After one trip I discovered that one of the internal metal braces had broken and Osprey replaced it free. The only real drawback is the fact that it is toploading but the light weight and comfort more than offset that slight inconvenience.

 

[Andrewere]

I highly recommend the Osprey Sirrus. I've recently bought the mens version (Stratos 36l) and I'm really pleased with it. I've also got a Talon 44 and 22 but I wouldn't recommend these. In Osprey's attempt to make them lightweight some of the materials don't seem to be strong enough. The stretch side pockets and hip belt pockets have got holes in them allready and the hydration bladder pipe retainer has worn out. I also find they have no rigidity and it's like trying to put your gear into a floppy garbage bag. The stretchy front gear pocket is too baggy and I've lost things from it whilst walking and I couldn't see the point of the awkward floating top lid. I also had an Osprey Kestrel 38 and a shoulder strap fell apart. The shop I bought it from allowed me to exchange it for the Talon 44.

The Stratos, on the other hand, is a different pack entirely. It's much stronger and has extra pockets which I find really useful - 2 top lid pockets, a large zipped front pocket with a pocket on top of that for the built in rain cover (which you can use for maps too), 2 easy-to-unzip, strong, hip belt pockets, space for a water bladder and a shoulder strap pocket. It stands up when you load it and has the feel of a pack that will last some time. It's only 300gms heavier than the Talon 44 and the smaller size is not a problem - it will be fine for all my Caminos whether I'm carrying Summer or Winter gear/sleeping bag.

I use my packs a lot and I've realised that the pay-off for trendy light backpacks is not worth it for me.

Having said all this all of these packs are very comfortble - never a problem with any of them in that respect.

The Sirrus/Stratos doesn't have an adjustable back length unlike many of the Osprey packs which would overcome some of your doubt about ordering online. However, I bought mine without being able to try it on (my local shop special-ordered it from Osprey as they don't stock it) and the fit (L) was what I expected it to be.

With all these backpack zips I've found a handy tip is to lubricate them with a silicon lubricant. It makes them easy to open and close (especially with those fabric zip covers that get in the way and snag) and they last longer.

Andrew.

 

[Wolfmoms]

I love the Osprey packs and will be using the Talon 33 for my first Camino. Does the Osprey Atmos 50 go on flights as carry-on????

 

[annakappa]

Thanks you all for you input to my question! One of the main reasons why I chose this model, is because of the air flow system at the back, so that the pack is not diectly resting on your own back. I also like the idea of these small zippered pockets on the waist bands and the possiblity to front load. I just hope that my old sleeping bag will fit inside at the bottom.

To wolfmoms: you should check out the dimentions of this model and ten check out the dimentions permitted by the airline you will be flying with (the Sirrus model, which I hope to buy will only just come within the maximum dimentions allowed by Iberia). I wonder if a 50 litre pack is not too big? Anne

 

[dougfitz]

I love the Osprey packs and will be using the Talon 33 for my first Camino. Does the Osprey Atmos 50 go on flights as carry-on????

Unlikely. The stated dimensions for this pack are 74cmx42cmx36cm. At least two and possibly all three exceed the common limits for 105cm, 115cm and 126cm linear dimension cabin bags. Depending on the airline, the weight limit could be as low as 5kg, although 7kg and 10kg cabin bag limits also apply on different airlines.

The largest pack that I have that I can carry on is an old 35li Kathmandu Canetoad. The 115cm linear dimension limit works out at 46li, but this has to include the harness etc, and the internal volume of the pack will clearly have to be smaller than that.

Its worth checking the airline you will fly with, as they do not apply a standard limit to either linear dimensions or weight.

Regards,

 

[breakintheclouds]

I looked into this yesterday and agree with dougfitz that you're unlikely to get a Camino rucksack on as handluggage. For example, from http://gospain.about.com/od/flightstospain/tp/hand_luggage.htm there is this quote:

The IATA (International Air Transport Association) standard hand baggage allowance (followed by easyJet and British Airways, among others) is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22" x 17.7" x 9.8"). The only airlines I am aware of that do not follow this allowance are Ryanair and Wizz Air.

(In case you're wondering, those latter two have meaner size limits, not more generous ones!)

My Osprey Exis 46 is over 70 cm tall and so immediately falls foul. Sure, on a quiet flight you might be lucky and get waved on, but I'm not going to rely on that and will, reluctantly, check my rucksack in for my flight and cross all my fingers it arrives when I do!

 

[Pyotr_Miley]

I have a venerable Osprey Xenith Pro that I'm basing my packing around. It's a little on the heavy side compared to their new stuff but I've been traveling with it since it was new in 2000 and it still looks like it did when I picked it up at the Mountain Shop in Fort Collins. It's like an old friend that I wouldn't want to leave at home. This'll be the longest 'on-foot' trek that I'll probably ever make with it but it's been a great pack and it expands and compresses so well and customizes so easily. For instance, the entire top unbuckles and can be used as a day pack. It's flown into Los Angeles and Baltimore, packed off-road in Maryland and Colorado and gone cross-country by train. And after all these years, it still fits like a glove. As a six-footer with scoliosis, I'm willing to trade a few ounces for fit and comfort, especially as it also fits me like a back brace. I can travel bare bones with it and still have room to pick up the things I may need later.

If you're looking for just a 'thumbs-up' for Osprey, if not a pack in particular, you've got mine. Their work is solid.

This is my first post, by the way. I'm probably six months to a year away from my camino as I'm just beginning the recovery process from a serious hip and back injury but I anticipate being here often while I wait. The camino is my inspiration to make a full recovery. It's nice to meet you all. See you in Santiago di Compostela, God willing.

"Anima Christi, sanctifica me. Corpus Christi, salva me. Sanguis Christi, inebria me."

 

[jeff001]

I have carried on my Atmos 50 on all outbound flights. No problem

 

[dougfitz]

I have carried on my Atmos 50 on all outbound flights. No problem

You have been lucky. The new version of the pack exceeds the 'allowable' dimensions for most airlines. I have had a smaller pack rejected as cabin baggage on Singapore Airlines, who I find are normally quite relaxed about these things. The same pack had been accepted before on QANTAS, and was accepted after this experience by Malaysian and Air Asia-X.

Seems to be a bit of a lottery here, and while there are a variety of different experiences, if one is close to or over the limits, one risks being asked to check luggage that one had hoped to get on as a cabin bag.

Regards,

 

[annakappa]

I just looked back at my original posting of 25th February. Thanks all you folks who gave their opinion and in-put. We ordered our packs from REI mid-March and they were delivered to this, somewhat bogus shipping company on 19th March. We were then informed that we had just missed a boat, but no to worry, they would be shipped on a boat due to leave midApril, to arrive here in Costa Rica, mid-May. By the end of May, Adriaan called the office, to be told that the packs were still in the warehouse in Ft. lauderdale. Great! No apologies. Nothing. The packs would, they assured us be put on their boat leaving midJune, to arrive here in C.R. Mid July. We received a call last Saturday advising us that the packs were now here. On Monday morning, we hurried over to the "office" (which turned out to be on the pavement - not even 4 walls)! We got our packs :lol:
Why I'm writing this is to say how envious I often am when I see a post where it is mentioned that one can go to this or that sports outfitters and try on various packs, boots, pants, etc. To date, I haven't been able to find a ladies pack here in C.R. And it's only in the last few years (2009) that ladies hiking boots are a available here.
Anyway, I am now the proud owner of an Osprey Sirrus 36 and Adriaan got a Deuter Act lite 40+10. All we need to do now is try them out! Anne

 

[vagabondette]

Anne, I feel you on the challenge of getting equipment. There is one shop in my town that sells backpacks and they're a *minimum* 2-3 times as expensive as the same pack in the US. Good quality shoes are very difficult and also very expensive to find. Shipping to my town is also a nightmare so I generally have things shipped to friends in the city where things are a bit better than the town where I live. I buy 99% of my gear while I'm visiting the US because it's easier and cheaper and faster. Even with the cost of a flight it'd still be cheaper in the long run to fly to the US, buy my gear and return. It's a price you pay but on balance, I prefer living to Mexico so I'm willing to have a bit of inconvenience.

 

[Piccata]

Annakappa congratulations on finally receiving your backpack! I'm replying on this thread because you mentioned your other choice was the Gregory Sage 35 and that is the pack I'm taking on my Camino Frances attempt in the fall. I'm not doing this to cause you to second guess your choice, but to add to the info on this site--if I'd seen this post earlier I would have replied earlier. None of the ventilated packs I was able to try (and I tried many) were comfortable for me. Something about moving the weight away from my body I suppose, which is surprising because I'm only bringing 14 pounds of stuff and with food/water should remain under 17 total. I ended up finding the Gregory Sage to be the most comfortable for me, and it has the added benefit of meeting Vueling's carry on size restrictions if packed carefully. For my flights I will transfer a few of my belongings to my small day/evening bag (a 3 oz cross body purse by Chicobag which is basically a reusable shopping bag with a long strap instead of handles). I have taken the Sage on a few fully loaded training walks and am very pleased--no rubbing on my shoulders and almost complete weight transfer to my hips. I hope the Osprey is the perfect bag for you but if it doesn't work out for you or anyone else looking for a pack, you could try the Sage.

 

[brenfinds]

Piccata, Which Chicobag did you buy?

 

[Piccata]

This one brenfinds:

http://www.rei.com/product/832426/chico ... bag-womens

But let me be entirely clear--I haven't done a Camino yet and it's just my guess that I'll be happier with it than a small day pack. Two of the advantages I can think of are that I can carry it and my backpack both at the same time if necessary, and it's way less geeky than a bumbag.

 

[sriyantra]

I just looked back at my original posting of 25th February. Thanks all you folks who gave their opinion and in-put. We ordered our packs from REI mid-March and they were delivered to this, somewhat bogus shipping company on 19th March. We were then informed that we had just missed a boat, but no to worry, they would be shipped on a boat due to leave midApril, to arrive here in Costa Rica, mid-May. By the end of May, Adriaan called the office, to be told that the packs were still in the warehouse in Ft. lauderdale. Great! No apologies. Nothing. The packs would, they assured us be put on their boat leaving midJune, to arrive here in C.R. Mid July. We received a call last Saturday advising us that the packs were now here. On Monday morning, we hurried over to the "office" (which turned out to be on the pavement - not even 4 walls)! We got our packs :lol:
Why I'm writing this is to say how envious I often am when I see a post where it is mentioned that one can go to this or that sports outfitters and try on various packs, boots, pants, etc. To date, I haven't been able to find a ladies pack here in C.R. And it's only in the last few years (2009) that ladies hiking boots are a available here.
Anyway, I am now the proud owner of an Osprey Sirrus 36 and Adriaan got a Deuter Act lite 40+10. All we need to do now is try them out! Anne

Anne,
Which backpack did you take? I am in the same position as you - a 350km drive to try to buy a backpack. If I have to I will but am interested in your advice. Thanks Sriyantra