Gear Review
First Trip Feedback
By Martin Peek
Ranked #386 - Daypacks - Technical
April 8, 2009
I used this pack to summit Mt. Shasta via the Casaval ridge. In general, I prefer this pack to my osprey atmos and gregory triconi packs and will continue using it. I'm glad I bought it.
The framesheet/aluminum suspension is flexible - mine got bent after cramming gear into my trunk. I bent it back into shape by hand. It is the only component that I feel is a bad compromise for weight reduction. The aluminum tube should have crossmembers or stiffners. There is a shovel/hydration pocket inside that is wide and tall. Loading the bag takes some care to prevent asymmetrical bending from the shovel head. This bag has 2 collars to close the top before the well-made lid goes on. I found that filling the pack much beyond the lower collar makes it feel unbalanced side to side. The side pockets are shorter than any other pack I have seen - the side compression straps are needed to hold nalgenes in place (could be improved). There are gear loops for skis on each side below the pockets that I used to secure snow shoes, also using the upper side compression straps. This worked great. The front ice axe/tool holders work well. You will still need something to carry your crampons in to protect the pack. The outer pocket forms a pouch between itself and the main bag, which is convenient for easy access. I loaded ~39 pounds of gear (no rope) in the pack and was very comfortable taking it to horsecamp.
I stripped the lid and framesheet to reduce weight for summit day. The framesheet is NOT easily removable, and I will never remove it in the future. I easily fit all my gear inside the pack. The pack carried well even without the framesheet. The cushioning of the shoulder straps and hipbelt is the best I have used. I liked the feel of the back cushioning better than the airspeed suspension for climbing and descending. It is also warmer. No hipbelt pockets. Didn't miss them.
After glissading down a several thousand feet, I noticed that the fabric on the bottom of the pack had started to fray in 6 small spots. There are 2 layers of fabric, but the outer layer will probably need a patch after the next trip. This fabric should be replaced with something more abrasion resistant.
I give this pack 4.5 stars because it carries weight much better than my other packs, even though I think the bottom fabric and suspension will wear out relatively quickly. I think this pack does an excellent job, and I hope it is improved.
View Details: Osprey Packs Variant 52 Backpack - 2990-3356cu in
Helpful Votes: 6 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- 420D nylon, 210D nylon
- Volume:
- (small) 49 L, (medium) 52 L, (large) 55 L
- Support/Suspension:
- HDPE frame sheet, aluminum stays
- Waist-Belt:
- yes, removable
- Hydration Compatible:
- yes
- Rain Cover:
- no
- Access Types:
- top
- Pockets:
- 1 front zip
- Ski Carry:
- yes
- Snowboard Carry:
- no
- Ice Axe Loops:
- 3
- Weight:
- (small) 1620 g, (medium) 1700 g, (large) 1790 g
- Recommended Use:
- touring, backcountry skiing, mountaineering
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.




3 Comments Last Reply: February 16, 2011 By: ChamonixInsider.com
Philip, in winter try putting your water bladder inside your jacket to keep it from freezing.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
But Jacob - they should be designed for water bottles. How are you supposed to carry water bottles in winter?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Great review, but fyi, the side pockets are not designed for water bottles, just for bamboo wands for marking trail on glacier or in snow. And the outer pocket/pouch is perfect for crampons and/or shovel blade, definitely abrasion resistant enough.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes