How to Choose an Osprey Backpack

Rarely will you hit the hiking trail without spotting an Osprey pack on someone’s back, and for good reason. Osprey is one of the most reliable brands on the market and has been making premium, well-fitting backpacks for almost 50 years. Their packs are made to cater for almost any adventure, from hiking to backpacking to mountaineering, and it can seem like there are a limitless number of options to choose from. In fact, at Paddy Pallin, we stock over 100 different Osprey packs in various sizes and models. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate Osprey backpack guide to help you select the right pack for your needs, including a quick comparison matrix, the top features you need to look out for, and the best Osprey backpack for each kind of adventure.

OSPREY HIKING BACKPACKS QUICK COMPARISON

ARE OSPREY BACKPACKS WORTH IT?

They’re definitely not the cheapest on the market, but are Osprey backpacks worth it? Absolutely. Osprey is one of the most durable backpack brands on the market and every Paddy Pallin staff member will vouch for that. Sustainability is also at the core of what they do, not only because of their durability & repairs service, but also because Osprey are using more sustainable materials in their manufacturing every season. This includes bluesign-approved materials, recycled materials, and removal of PFCs from their water-repellent coatings. They use a code of conduct based on the Ethical Trading Initiative and their factories are audited via the Worldwide Ethic Alliance, ensuring that workers in their supply chain are paid and treated fairly. Paying a little bit extra for your new pack is worth it to know that your purchase isn’t coming at a cost to the environment or the people in it.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN OSPREY BACKPACK

When you choose an osprey backpack, you’ll need to consider a) the duration of your trip and b) the activity/end use. These two factors, in combination with a consideration of the below specs and features, should help you to decide (or at least narrow down) which Osprey backpack is right for you.

Volume

When choosing a volume, you ultimately need to decide how much stuff you want to take with you, and what kind of packer you are. Do you throw everything in so that you have plenty of spares and options? Or do you strictly take the bare minimum? Check out our recommended volumes for different types of activities below  to help you decide what size of Osprey backpack you will need.

• • Day Hikes – 6-25L

• • Overnight Hikes – 25-50L

• • Remote Backpacking – 50-75L

• • Weekend/Week-Long Trips – 30-45L (carry-on) +

• Extended Travel (Gap-Year Backpacking) – 55-70L

You can also check out Osprey’s guide to selecting the right volume here.

Weight

Weight will come into play particularly when considering the end use of your pack. If you are going to be carrying your pack for long distances, especially if you are also carrying a lot of kit, you might want to opt for a lighter weight option. Generally, Osprey backpacks come in at around under 1kg for small packs, 1-2.5kg for medium packs, 2-3kg for large packs, and 3kg+ for the largest packs.

Features

Features are generally a matter of personal preference and budget. As a rule of thumb, the more features the more expensive the pack will be. Some features you might want to look out for are:

Fit

Perhaps the most important feature of your backpack is fit. For your pack to be comfortable, and to avoid injury, it has to fit right. Many Osprey packs have different size options so that you can find the right fit for you. Measure your torso (from the top of your neck down the spine to your hip bone), and make sure that you read the size guide for your selected pack to ensure it aligns with your torso length. You can then fine-tune the fit with the adjustable straps that you’ll find on every Osprey pack. One of the best things about Osprey is that they cater their backpacks to the male and female anatomy. Pretty much all of their adventure packs have a women’s-specific version with shorter torso lengths, narrower harnesses and wider hip belts. Learn more on Osprey’s pack-fitting page.

Pockets & Organisation

Osprey are the masters of organisation. When you are browsing packs you will likely see pockets everywhere, including water bottle side pockets, hipbelt pockets for handy access to valuables, and front mesh shove-it pockets for your dirty or wet belongings. If you like to have a place for everything then look out for organisation features like reservoir sleeves, trekking pole attachments and sleeping bag compartments.

Weather Resistance and Raincovers

If you are embarking on an adventure where there’s a likely chance of rainfall, you will probably want some level of water-resistance on your pack. A lot of Osprey packs will have Durable Water Repellent coatings already, but you can easily make sure by checking the materials description (if it has DWR, this means it is water repellent). If you want additional protection, then you might want to opt for a backpack with a raincover. If it doesn’t include a raincover, you can always purchase one separately, and even add a pack liner for additional water resistance in super wet climates.

Backsystem

Perhaps Osprey’s defining characteristic is their legendary backsystems. There are three core backsystems, each providing a unique style of carry.

• AG AntiGravity™: Featuring suspended mesh from the shoulder blades to the lower back and through the hipbelt, AntiGravity™ is designed to balance and disperse the load evenly throughout the body. The sprung hipbelt and body-contoured design allow the most comfortable carrying experience imaginable.
• AirSpeed™ : By using a lightweight mesh panel through the body of the pack, the need for foam and heavy materials is eliminated. AirSpeed™ creates a space between the pack and your back, allowing for plenty of airflow without compromising on load carrying ability. Ideal for warmer climates.
• AirScape™: Mesh covered foam has the ability to keep the weight close and well distributed, whilst providing cushioning and ventilation. AirScape™ sets a new industry standard in a way that allows it to be used in everything from lightweight daypacks through to larger expedition backpacks.

Osprey-Specific Features

As backpack pioneers, Osprey have created a LOT of their own features, including the Fit-on-the-Fly™ adjustable padding system, the FlapJacket™ pack cover and the Stow-on-the-Go™ poles feature. If you come across a feature that you are unsure of, check out Osprey’s dedicated features page.

THE BEST OSPREY BACKPACKS: TOP PICKS FOR EVERY KIND OF TRAVEL

Now that you know how to choose an Osprey backpack, check out our recommendations for each kind of adventure below to help make your decision even easier.

Best Osprey Backpack for Day Hikes – M Stratos  / W Sirrus 24L

Why we love it: The Stratos/Sirrus series has been a staple of the Osprey range for years, and it’s clear to see why this reliable pack is such a firm favourite. With 5 different sizes to choose from, the 24L version is the smallest in the range but is nothing less than mighty. The perfect compact backpack for short and sharp hikes or long hot days on the trail, you can wave goodbye to sweaty back problems with the signature AirSpeed ventilated backsystem. With plenty of room for your belongings, this pack has a number of handy pockets for organising your essentials, including a zippered stash pocket, dual zippered hipbelt pockets, mesh side bottle pockets, an internal hydration sleeve, and two zippered pockets on the top of the pack. Keep in mind that this is not the biggest pack in the world and though it’s perfect for summer day trips, you might want to opt for the Stratos/Sirrus 34L version if you’re planning winter adventures where you’ll need to carry more kit. The 24L version easily transitions to a compact daypack for exploring the city, making it a super versatile pack for days spent outdoors.

Weight: 1.2-1.3kg

Materials: Main: 210D recycled honeycomb nylon with PFC-free DWR | Accent & Bottom: Bluesign® approved 420D recycled nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR

Top Features:

• AirSpeed® ventilated suspension system with tailored adjustment for extended fit range
• Included raincover
• Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment

Best Osprey Backpack for Overnight Hikes – M Talon 36L / W Tempest 34L

Why we love it: The Talon/Tempest 36/34 is the perfect mid-size pack for one night in the wilderness. It’s relatively lighter than many similar-sized Osprey packs but is still incredibly durable and comfortable. An AirScape backsystem and BioStretch harness help the pack to move with you, which is crucial when loading a pack with (relatively heavier) overnight gear, and two torso sizing options means that you can find the perfect fit. It doesn’t hold back on features either. It has a large front mesh pocket to stow any damp or dirty belongings after your first day of hiking, whilst an external hydration sleeve frees up space inside the pack to give you plenty of room for your overnight essentials. The bucket-lid opening is extremely convenient for both packing up and grabbing things on the go. This pack will hold the bare essentials for overnight hikes, but if you have bulkier gear or want to pack anything extra, you might want to opt for the 44L/40L version. It doesn’t include a raincover, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you’re planning overnight hikes in all conditions. And if you want something a bit more rugged with a raincover included, albeit heavier in weight, try out the Kestrel/Kyte series. 

Weight: 1.0-1.2kg

Materials: Main: bluesign®-approved recycled 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon, PFC-free DWR | Accent & Bottom: bluesign®-approved recycled 420HD nylon packcloth, PFC-free DWR

Top Features:

• AirScape suspension backsystem with BioStretch harness and hipbelt
• Very lightweight
• Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment

Best Osprey Backpack for Multi-Day Hikes – M Atmos AG / W Aura AG 65L

Why we love it: The multi-award-winning Atmos/Aura series is arguably the most comfortable backpacking pack on the market. It uses revolutionary Anti-Gravity suspension that makes you forget about the weight of the load you’re carrying. The harness and Fit-on-the-Fly adjustable hipbelt seamlessly wraps around the body to distribute weight evenly, making it ideal for long days on the trail when carrying lots of kit. There are plenty of signature Osprey pockets for organisation, but with additional features to make life easier when setting up camp, including a separate zippered sleeping bag compartment and removable sleeping bag straps. It’s super durable too, constructed with heavy duty nylon on the base to help it hold up when you shrug it off for lunch and toilet breaks. If you’re really scaling back your kit then you can opt for the 50L version, and if you’re counting every gram, try the Atmos/Aura LT model (1.74-1.82kg). This range is definitely on the upper end of the Osprey price scale, so check out the Rook/Renn series for a more pared-back yet purse-friendly pack option. And if you need some more space to carry your kit, check out the Aether/Ariel series which has more volume options and is specifically designed to carry heavier loads over long distances.

Weight: 2.02-2.18kg

Materials: Main & Accent: bluesign® approved recycled 210D honey comb nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR | Bottom: bluesign® approved recycled 500D high tenacity nylon, PFC/PFAS-free DWR

Top Features:

• Anti-Gravity suspension with Fit-on-the-Fly harness and hipbelt
• Integrated raincover
• Curved side zip access into main compartment on both sides and zippered sleeping bag compartment

Best Osprey Backpack for Gap Year Backpacking – M Farpoint / W Fairview Travel 70L

Why we love it: Planes, trains, ferries, trails, hostel-hopping – does it sound familiar? The Farpoint/Fairview 70 has you covered. Essentially a 2-in-1 solution, this backpack comes with a detachable daypack with room to fit all of your everyday essentials and valuables, as well as additional buckles that attach to the front of the main pack for convenient front carry. The backpanel, harness and hipbelt easily stow away to make bag check-in seamless. A large duffel-style opening is super convenient for hostel-hopping when you don’t have the space or time to unpack everything, or when you need to grab something at a moment’s notice. Osprey have truly considered everything with this backpack that’s designed to stay by your side for months on end.

Weight: 2.04-2.455kg

Materials: bluesign® approved 450D recycled twist dobby polyester, PFAS-free DWR

Top Features:

• Detachable daypack
• Stowaway backpanel, harness and hipbelt
• Duffel-style opening

Best Osprey Backpack for Global Travel – Sojourn 80L Wheeled Travel Pack

Why we love it: Wheels like a suitcase, carries like a backpack, opens like a duffel. This brand new wheeled backpack is an ideal companion for all of your vacation needs. The durably constructed chassis means it will smoothly roll over the rough surfaces you’ll encounter outside of the terminal. Osprey’s signature StraightJacket system compresses items to make the most of your luggage capacity, and the wide duffel-style opening makes it easy to access anything at a moment’s notice. It’s relatively heavy and expensive compared to other Osprey packs, but we’d argue that it’s worth it for the capacity and the convenience.

Weight: 4.0kg

Materials: bluesign® approved, 100% recycled 460D high-tenacity nylon w/ ripstop, DWR treatment made without PFAS

Top Features:

• Stowable AirScape backpanel, harness, and hipbelt
• StraightJacket compression straps
• TSID luggage registration

Best Osprey Backpack for Carry-On – Transporter Global Carry-On Bag 36L

Why we love it: Packing for carry-on has never been easier with the Transporter Global 36L. It’s designed specifically to fit as much as possible within global airline carry-on standards – and boy does it fit more than you could ever dream of fitting in that overhead locker. It has countless pockets to organise your belongings, including a direct access laptop compartment and an easy-access liquids pocket to help you breeze through security, whilst the clamshell-style makes it easy to open if they do select your bag for a random check. It doesn’t have any wheels, but the harness and hipbelt make for comfortable and convenient carry which also stows away, keeping your bag organised in the overhead compartment. If wheels are a non-negotiable for you, check out the Ozone 2-Wheeled Carry On.

Weight: 1.2kg

Materials: main: Bluesign® approved 450D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated  | accent: Bluesign® approved 600D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU Coated

Top Features:

• Padded laptop compartment with direct zip access
• Zip away harness and hipbelt
• Clamshell opening

Best Osprey Backpack for Everyday – Daylite Tote Pack 20L

Why we love it: If you’re looking for your next everyday bag, the Daylite Tote has got you covered. It’s so versatile you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it – throw it on your back like a regular pack for the daily commute, and then stuff the backpack straps away and carry it like a tote for a wander around the market. You’ll never feel disorganised again with seven pockets in total for stashing your essentials. This bag is the perfect choice for everyday life and short trail walks, but you might want to opt for something a bit more robust if you’re embarking on full-day, high-intensity adventures.

Weight: 0.53kg

Materials: bluesign® approved 300D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR

Top Features:

• Tote or backpack-style carry
• Front and back shove-it pocket
• Water bottle pockets & laptop sleeve

Best Osprey Backpack for Commuting – Osprey Arcane Large Daypack 20L

Why we love it: Minimalistic yet functional, the Arcane Large Day has everything you’d need for the peak hour train journey and beyond. Organise your commuting essentials easily with five useful pockets, including a sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches, a shoulder strap sleeve for transport cards, and a side pocket for your water bottle.The quick release aluminium security hook makes it easy to hook onto table legs for added security in busy city locations. At 20 litres, it has room for your lunch, a book, and any groceries you end up grabbing on your way home. 

Weight: 0.64kg

Materials: bluesign® approved 500D recycled polyester packcloth, PFC-free DWR

Top Features:

• 16” laptop sleeve
• Quick-release aluminium security hook on harness
• Stretch power mesh shoulder strap sleeve

And there you have it! Now you know how to choose an Osprey backpack, and which Osprey backpack we’d recommend for your next adventure. If you want to browse more Osprey packs and accessories, check out our full range here.