Osprey Women's Fit

[LesBrass]

I was wondering if anyone has purchased a Woman's specific fit Osprey pack?

With my last 2 camino's I've walked with my Osprey Kestrel 48L - I dont know if this was Male, Female or Unisex fit. It worked well and I was happy with it (so maybe I should just stick with that!). But, it's big and it's reasonably heavy. I've lost almost 20kg in weight since my last camino and I'm thinking that perhaps I need to get my pack weight 2kg lower to accommodate my new size

After the first camino I decided I would buy a lighter pack and inadvertantly purchased a man's specific fit Talon 44L. I've never really been able to get it to feel right but my husband was happy to keep it.

I am again looking to purchase a smaller pack. I have been looking at the Tempest 40L but I cant find it in the shops (we even drove to Bordeaux today and had no luck). I've not been able to find a Woman's specfic fit either.

I'm choosing Osprey because that's what I know but should I be looking at others?

I'm tall-ish (1.76m) and I'm a UK size 14/16... I have broad shoulders and hips. Any ladies out there of similiar build? If so what pack are you using? Anyone have a woman's specific fit and find it better?

All comments and feedback welcome

 

[Kanga]

@LesBrass I can't help with specifics about the pack you are considering but do know that for any pack, getting the back length right is most important. I'm not terribly tall (5'6") but on being properly measured it turns out I have quite a long back. Often salespeople assume that because I'm a woman I will need the smaller pack with the shorter back length, but that is wrong.
Conversely someone with a short back (long legs?) would find a long backlength wrong.

 

[LesBrass]

@LesBrass I can't help with specifics about the pack you are considering but do know that for any pack, getting the back length right is most important. I'm not terribly tall (5'6") but on being properly measured it turns out I have quite a long back. Often salespeople assume that because I'm a woman I will need the smaller pack with the shorter back length, but that is wrong.
Conversely someone with a short back (long legs?) would find a long backlength wrong.

Good point... I should make that measurement. I did try out the osprey fit app... I think the Tempest should in theory fit... It's the narrower everything that concerns me

 

[dougfitz]

I've lost almost 20kg in weight since my last camino and I'm thinking that perhaps I need to get my pack weight 2kg lower to accommodate my new size

That's great news, but it is an interesting conclusion. I always suggest that the 10% rule of thumb or any other rule of thumb about pack weight should be based on your healthy lean weight, ie no more than BMI=25. Losing or gaining weight then isn't make any difference to your pack weight calculations. Like any rules of thumb, there aren't necessarily any hard and fast rules on this, and only you know how well you might have done in achieving your target weight.

And of course, if you can reduce your pack weight by 2kg, that would also be a fantastic outcome!

 

[gerardcarey]

If your Osprey Kestral 48L 'worked well and you liked it', why not consider the Kestral 38L.
I say this because I know 2 ladies who swear by it. They especially like the cushioning.
Regards
Gerard

 

[nidarosa]

... or the Kyte, the women's version of Kestrel? There is a 36L. I have the Tempest 30 and have used it on several caminos so far. It has the same back length as a S/M Kestrel or Talon and I find it fits just as well but is a lot lighter.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

I have the 36L Kyte and like it very much. But all the women's osprey packs come in S/M and M/L with the torso length being the main difference. It would be good to try to get to a store where you can try them on.

If you find the women's Osprey's too wide in the shoulders, try Gregory instead.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am the very happy owner of a 40l. Tempest. My first pack (2007) was also Osprey, but 34 or 36l. and would have been too small for adding a sleeping bag. Turns out it is also much heavier than my new Tempest.

This being said, it's not because it fits me well that it will fit you well. Bit asuming the fit is right it's a very good bag, with quality but light weight materials.

BTW, on a Camino del Salvador FB page, someone just posted tips on backpacks and amongst all sorts of great advice is advice on not going too small (30l. is what is mentioned) because it apparently unbalances us. This post recomends, dependingon one's build 40-50l. It also says the10% rule does not apply across theboard: tiny frame, well padded body, etc. Worth a read in my opinion.

 

[LillySpall]

I am womanand I bought an Osprey Stratos which is the men's version of the Osprey Sirrus. I tried them both on and didn't notice much difference. The woman in the shop agreed with me and said she has a men's specific pack also. I wouldn't get too worried about men's and women's packs just try some on and see how they fit. Also, if you have a store near you that already stocks Osprey packs they might order in a specific pack if you ask them.

I also took all of my Camino stuff into the store and put it into the pack to make sure it fit and to see how it felt on and I highly recommend doing this!!! Luckily I went at a quiet time so there were less people there to laugh at me and all my stuff. As it turned out I easily got all my stuff into a smaller/lighter bag than I thought I needed.

 

[domigee]

Have you tried an Osprey Exos? It is not gender specific but it is very light and (for me) comfortable. Comes in S, M and L. Definitely go and get measured as it makes all the difference. You can't tell from your height, it is your torso length that matters.

 

[LesBrass]

Many thanks for all the suggestions folks. I will have a look at all of these... We're going down to Toulouse in a few weeks so I'm hoping I'll find a bigger supplier there... I would really love to try them first. But I appreciate all the ideas

 

[Giselleontour]

I have the same size as you. I love my backpack very much. Here it is- and maybe it is great for you too.

ACT Lite 35 + 10 SL
http://www.deuter.com/DE/de/trekkingrucksaecke/act-lite-35-plus-10-sl-3340015.html

It is from Deuter. I hope you get it in the US too. It is a woman specific Rucksack.

 

[GreatDane]

I also took all of my Camino stuff into the store and put it into the pack to make sure it fit and to see how it felt on and I highly recommend doing this!!!

I totally agree! I have the luxury of owning 2 Osprey packs and a Mammut. For my first camino REI was great about letting me load up my personal kit into the two different Ospreys pre-purchase. Ended up using the Mammut for both caminos though because I prefer the full trampoline back to Osprey's padding, with my camino kit it was the most comfortable option for me. YMMV!!

 

[AcrossTheWater3008]

I have an Osprey Exos 48L S/M - its lightweight and has a trampoline back... not padded at all. I think it is a wonderful pack and really light. I will be using on my July 2016 Camino.

 

[ava sky]

Hi! I'm currently on Camino day 27 using Osprey Sirrus 36. I have plenty of room! I used bottom area for my sleeping bag (no longer have with me) and now it's great sandal compartment. I'm very petite and osprey'a air flow only pack that fits my back (even my 65L feels great). Like the other ladies mentioned, size it for weight gain and loss. My waist strap cinched as tight as it will go and now still too big. Fortunately osprey (and I'm sure other quality bags) have great micro adjustments in other areas so I'm getting by.

Buen Camino!

I was wondering if anyone has purchased a Woman's specific fit Osprey pack?

With my last 2 camino's I've walked with my Osprey Kestrel 48L - I dont know if this was Male, Female or Unisex fit. It worked well and I was happy with it (so maybe I should just stick with that!). But, it's big and it's reasonably heavy. I've lost almost 20kg in weight since my last camino and I'm thinking that perhaps I need to get my pack weight 2kg lower to accommodate my new size

After the first camino I decided I would buy a lighter pack and inadvertantly purchased a man's specific fit Talon 44L. I've never really been able to get it to feel right but my husband was happy to keep it.

I am again looking to purchase a smaller pack. I have been looking at the Tempest 40L but I cant find it in the shops (we even drove to Bordeaux today and had no luck). I've not been able to find a Woman's specfic fit either.

I'm choosing Osprey because that's what I know but should I be looking at others?

I'm tall-ish (1.76m) and I'm a UK size 14/16... I have broad shoulders and hips. Any ladies out there of similiar build? If so what pack are you using? Anyone have a woman's specific fit and find it better?

All comments and feedback welcome

 

[MegH]

... or the Kyte, the women's version of Kestrel? There is a 36L. I have the Tempest 30 and have used it on several caminos so far. It has the same back length as a S/M Kestrel or Talon and I find it fits just as well but is a lot lighter.

Whoa! So 30litres can be big enough? I am walking from mid September to end Oct from SJPDP to Santiago and an struggling to know if I am thinking of the right gear. I am 63 and not used to long hikes or backpacking but am spirited and getting fit. I am thinking 2 pairs light walking trousers (one converts to shorts) 2 t shirts, 1 long sleeved top, walking shoes/mid boots, and sandals, silk sleeping bag liner, waterproof poncho, 3 pants and 3 pairs socks, light simple toiletries, ?waterproof trousers, light fleece, 2 walking poles. John Brierly book. Does that sound ok?
Thanks in advance. Meg

 

[nidarosa]

@MegH Oh yes, 30L is enough if you pack right. I would bring a sleeping bag in Sept/Oct though, especially if you are staying in albergues, as you'll be getting to Galicia late Oct. Other than that your list looks good - essentials only. Bring a hat, a warm one for chilly mornings and blowy mountains, and a pair of gloves if you use poles because that means your hands will be exposed at all times even in cold rain. I have used my Tempest 30L for several walks now, most of them shorter but that doesn't matter as the minimum is the minimum. I take Brierley's maps only guide book, that full fat book is really heavy ... Buen camino!