All About Osprey

[Swift3]

You can get aftermarket shoulder strap plastic clips for attaching a chest pack.
For example, here: https://zpacks.com/products/multi-pack

 

[capun]

There are 2 Brands of packs that I like a lot. Osprey and Gregory. I gave my older Atmos to my youngest son and he has used it extensively during his world travels. My Osprey is the Talon 22 for day trips and for traveling around. I bought my Talon at a REI garage sale for less than 1/2 price, the only thing wrong was a loose stitching in one of the seams. Since Osprey has a Lifetime Warranty, I was going to send it to be repaired, but it has been going on lots of trips for the last 5 or so years with the loose stitching
Since I was (Ahem) growing around the middle and the pack is the Small/Medium size, I contacted Osprey and they sent me a custom made extension belt, customized to the size I wanted. First belt did not fit, it was a bit too wide, but they corrected the problem right away and the new one fits fine.
This is excellent customer support and I highly recommend the brand to people looking for packs.

 

[capun]

There is a counterpoint. A friend walked the Camino around two years ago jusing an Osprey pack. I forget the model. She was in agony as she found the strapping like a cheese grater( her words) and she still suffers from the scarring and the pain. I have heard of at least one similar case but I think they threw the pack away early on. I trust they have had some feedback and addressed this problem. Given the lifetime guarantee I'm going to tell my friend to return her pack, ask them for her money back and also that they pay for postage presuming she hasn't consigned it to the tip. Otherwise I would seriously recommend that anyone contemplating a new pack, including some of the mega expensive ones, try to "test drive" it first rather than rely on what seems to have been a concerted advertising campaign on this site.

De Colores

Bogong

Like boots, you need to try the packs with a full load to see how it works with your body and not just on a flat terrain. You need to see how it works over different terrains like the types you are going to find on your Trip.

Here at REI, they will fit a pack to your body, and the last time around I don't think they even asked me if I bought it there (I did)

 

[JillGat]

There is a counterpoint. A friend walked the Camino around two years ago jusing an Osprey pack. I forget the model. She was in agony as she found the strapping like a cheese grater( her words) and she still suffers from the scarring and the pain. I have heard of at least one similar case but I think they threw the pack away early on. I trust they have had some feedback and addressed this problem. Given the lifetime guarantee I'm going to tell my friend to return her pack, ask them for her money back and also that they pay for postage presuming she hasn't consigned it to the tip. Otherwise I would seriously recommend that anyone contemplating a new pack, including some of the mega expensive ones, try to "test drive" it first rather than rely on what seems to have been a concerted advertising campaign on this site.

De Colores

Bogong

I am not advertising Osprey packs. Obviously, I have a personal connection and - having seen a lot of Osprey packs on the trail - I figured others might be interested. I absolutely agree that you should never decide on a pack based just on others' recommendations or even the features that you like. Just like with shoes/boots, all that matters is how it fits you. Be sure your pack is properly sized and fitted for you and only listen to how it feels on YOUR back. There are a number of good backpack brands and models on the market and you should check out all of them before you buy.

And, at least with Osprey, you should absolutely return the pack with feedback if something doesn't work for you. They will honor their lifetime warranty.

 

[JillGat]

I would love to send my Osprey Back pack back and have the waist strap pockets made larger, they are made too small.

The waist strap pockets on my Osprey pack are useless too, I agree.

 

[Former member 49149]

That is EXACTLY what I just pitched to Mike: Ultreia and Suseia. Onward and upward! I listed the features recommended so far on this thread, so keep the ideas coming. I love the reflective tape/hi-vis color options. And this pack should be fully featured but on the small side: 36-48 L (since most pilgrims don't carry tents, stoves, camping gear).

I briefly described the many pilgrimages around the world that are gaining popularity like crazy. I also mentioned that 2021 will be a Holy Year, which would be an excellent time to introduce such a pack (though that's probably too short a turn-around time)

Without reading to the end, let the dimensions fit the smallest of the cheapo airlines...for carryon luggage.

 

[henrythedog]

The waist strap pockets on my Osprey pack are useless too, I agree.

OK they’re not massive. It took me a while to get used to mine, but now that I have they’re quite sufficient - in my opinion - for a few easy-access essentials.

 

[henrythedog]

Since I was (Ahem) growing around the middle
[/QUOTE]

I think you’ll find that the waist-belt shrinks. More so if you’re male than female for some reason.

Same thing with trousers. What used to be a 32 is described as a 38 nowadays. Shocking.

Via con dios.

D

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I would love to send my Osprey Back pack back and have the waist strap pockets made larger, they are made too small.

Perhaps an aftermarket solution might work?

Hipbelt Pocket

The world's best zippered hipbelt pocket! The Hipbelt Pocket is designed to give you what you need, a place to keep your small important items within easy reach while wearing your pack. Made to hold anything from a tiny light or pocket knife to a lightweight rain jacket. This groovy accessory...

www.gossamergear.com

 

[VNwalking]

Perhaps an aftermarket solution might work?

This looks fantastic! Thanks, Dave.
I too, find those mingy hipbelt pockets hard to access and too small to be of much use. I use my Salomon front pack for stuff I want to easily access. I love it...but (of course) they do not make it anymore.

 

[MEO]

Hi Jill: My wife and I are great fans of Osprey packs, but there are some other Ospreys that are cheaper and lighter than those you mention. The Lumina / Levity 45 that you refer to is indeed under 2 pounds, but it is very expensive — retails for $250. The smallest Exos pack (38 liters) weighs 2.5 lbs, and costs $180 retail. However, Osprey offers several other packs in the 30 liter range (which is all you need on the Camino) that are cheaper and lighter. These include the Skarab 30 (1.5 lbs / $130); the Skimmer 28 (women’s only - 1.7 lbs. / $130); Hikelite 32 (1.75 lbs. / $55 - $110); Talon 33 (1.9 lbs. / $140; and the Tempest 30 (for women only — 1.8 lbs. / $130).

I carry the Talon 33 and my wife carries the Skimmer 28, and we are both happy with these.

I'm a guy using a Skarab 30 for my first Camino Frances next week. I won't be using the H2O bladder that came with it. The size is forcing me to take only essentials. My pack weight will be under 14 lbs before water. I wanted light weight as well a bag that is carry-on size for any airline leaving the U.S. The 30L capacity is questionable as my Osprey Porter 30 holds much more.