Australian Hiker

Rating

Osprey Tempest 20 Women's Pack Review

Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing until you try something new, and in this case it was the Osprey Tempest 20 litre pack.

I have to confess I was more than a little sceptical about the size of this pack. It just seemed too small and didn’t have as many compartments as the Sirrus. What I discovered was that for day hiking, one larger compartment met my needs much better. This is partly because I carry fewer bulky items but stowing my Marmot PreCip Nano Jacket, my The North Face Women’s ThermoBall Full Zip Jacket and my Wilderness Wear PolyPro+190 Women’s Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top in one generous compartment actually works out really well.

I have still have plenty of compartments for smaller items such as snacks in the two very generous hip pockets, a smaller stretch pocket of the shoulder strap where I keep hand sanitiser, a top pocket handy for gloves and beanie, and an internal pocket inside the main compartment for valuables. But there’s more….

This pack also has two generous side stretch mesh pockets which make it easy to stow and remove bottles and other items, as well as a rear stow compartment that is also stretchy for quick stowing on-the-go.

Space-wise it also helps that the hydration pocket is external to the pack which I’ve never been a fan of given I’m a bit fussy about ‘feeling’ things on my back. However the ventilated mesh hybrid back panel, which adjusts to your torso length and ensures a customised fit (Airscape® Suspension), provides great back support and cushions you from the water bladder.

At AUD$239.90.90 RRP this is an expensive day pack so you’re really going to have to love it to justify that investment. Another potential negative is there’s no rain cover but this is a feature that can always be added on.

This pack comes in some great colours; Aluminum Grey, Stealth Black, Jasper Green as well as Violac Purple which is the colour I have (of course) – I just love deep, dark purples!

Size-wise there are two choices Extra Small/Small and Medium/Large. I have an XS/S and was pleasantly surprised by the adjustment range of the back frame via the solid velcro section – you just un-velcro, set the torso length you need and join back together; easy done. The front of this pack is pretty typical of most packs these days. The sternum strap slides up and down to allow you to get the strap in the preferred spot.

The XS/S is very light weighing in at 900 grams and is designed to carry between 5 and 8kg – it may cope with more and the main compartment will comfortably handle any excess gear.

Like most larger Osprey packs this one has a ‘Stow on-the-go’ trekking pole storage system however I’ve never mastered this technique but I’m sure it will work for you!

There is a handy helmet attachment on the rear of the pack given many will use this pack for bike riding too.

This pack represents a big investment but given the heaps of features it has and the level of comfort you get, the investment is worth it. Keep an eye out for the occasional sales.

We Like

• Two sizes, both adjustable to suit a wide range of hiker sizes
• Designed to carry 5-8kg
• For a day pack the hip belt is very comfortable and the zippered hip belt pockets are large
• Ventilated mesh hybrid back panel that adjusts to your torso length which ensures a customised fit (Airscape® Suspension)
• Dual side stretch mesh pockets which make it easy to stow and remove bottles
• External hydration reservoir sleeve if you favour using a hydration bladder
• Zippered stash pocket to store all the little bits and pieces in an easily accessible location. This replaces the Pack Brain found on larger packs
• One stretchy shoulder strap pocket which reduces the weight and is so handy to store snacks, hand sanitiser or similar
• Adjustable sternum strap with safety whistle buckle
• Abrasion resistant construction
• Ice axe attachment
• Bike helmet attachment

We Don't Like

• At AUD$239.90RRP this pack is up there on price for a day pack. Keep an eye out for sales but if you can’t wait I still think its worth purchasing
• No integrated rain cover

Best Uses

• An excellent tiny pack that is deceivingly larger than it appears

Buy One

You can purchase the Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Pack online from Wildfire Sports

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

If you have used the Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Pack or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below

Investment

AUD$239.90 RRP

Other Versions

The Tempest is the women’s version of this pack. In addition there is also a ‘male version which is the Talon.

Osprey Tempest 20 Women’s Pack. This rear view shows the external stretch pocket on the outside rear of the pack

Osprey Tempest 20 rear view on

Osprey Tempest 20 side view showing water bottle pocket

Helmet holder

Hip belt pockets

Adjustment marks on the inside back of the pack. Adjust the length of the back adjustment as required

Airscape suspension allows plenty of air flow

Stow on-the-go hiking pole system

Shoulder strap pocket. The Tempest 20 has only one of these pockets

The pocket at the top of the image is a small internal pocket for valuables. The larger pocket at the bottom is the main storage compartment

Insert water bladder goes here

Disclaimer

This review was done with product provided by the Australian distribute of Osprey Packs

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