First Trip Feedback

By Martin Peek Ranked #33 - Winter Packs 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 - 3000-3400cu in

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 0 No