Gear Review
Osprey Packs Variant 28 Backpack - 1600-1800cu in
Fatally flawed pack
By James Weaver
Ranked #613 - Winter Packs
June 20, 2010
I bought this pack as a daypack/light overnighter for situations where my Baltoro 70 was overkill. Having tried the Variant 52 in store, I figured the 28 would have a similar fit and suspension. As it turns out, the 28 is basically a frameless pack. A foam backpanel provides practically no support -- unloaded, the panel will flex if I stand the pack up against a wall. Fully loaded, the backpanel becomes more supportive, but I typically remove gear as I hike; whether it be drinking the water in my hydration bladder, eating the food I brought along, or removing camera gear for scenic portions. At this point, the panel develops a V-shaped crease at mid-back, which leads to pain over long distances.
Pros: I love the toploading design, the rugged fabric and the supportive waistbelt.
From what I've seen, both the Stratos and Talon series packs have better suspensions, at the expense of "abuseability." I'll likely switch to one of these packs.
View Details: Osprey Packs Variant 28 Backpack - 1600-1800cu in
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- Nylon
- Volume:
- [S] 1600cu in (26L); [M] 1700cu in (28L); [L] 1800cu in (30L)
- Suspension:
- Foam framesheet
- Waist-belt:
- Yes
- Hydration Compatible:
- Yes
- Rain Cover:
- No
- Access Types:
- Top
- Pockets:
- [External] 1 front, 1 lid, 1 side wand; [Internal] 1 underlid
- Snowboard Carry:
- No
- Ski Carry:
- Yes, vertical
- Ice Axe Loops:
- 2
- Shovel Pocket:
- No
- Weight:
- [S] 2lb 3oz (710g); [M] 2lb 6oz (790g); [L] 2lb 9oz (880g)
- Recommended Use:
- Climbing, ice climbing, backcountry skiing
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- 1 Year
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: June 24, 2010 By: R West
Probably should have read the description before ordering it, huh? This pack is extraordinary for it's intended use: ice/alpine climbing.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes