Being a petite backpacker (5’1”), I’ve always had trouble finding the “perfect pack.” I love that some brands feature packs made just for women, and Osprey has never let me down. I hike long mileage at high altitude often with plenty of elevation gain in the Pacific Northwest every weekend, carrying my nutrient-dense food supply, 2+ liters of water, extra layers and the 10 essentials. The Osprey Tempest 30 pack easily handles all of my gear; the fit is absolutely perfect with impressive comfort. I’m a big fan of features that make sense, and this pack is not only thoughtfully made, but has features galore! It’s the perfect size for a full day hike, a quick pack-up-and-go hike or even an overnight up in the mountains. It’s name, The Tempest, is appropriate not only because the pack can hold up in a storm but also because it will truly “temp” you.
Pack Stability:
The Tempest has excellent pack stability. In general, most women tend to sway at the hips when walking, so the Tempest’s body-hugging design – made possible by the fully-adjustable BioStretch™ shoulder straps and hipbelt – helps with keeping the load close to your body and the weight on your hips.
Ventilation:
Osprey’s AirScape™ back panel is the best pack ventilation system I’ve come across yet, keeping you as sweat-free as possible. This technology includes molded foam ridges with air channels and a vertical mesh “air chimney.” Bonus: It’s very comfortable.
Functionality:
The harness has an adjustment system that is very unique and quite rare in a daypack. It allows you to lengthen or shorten the way the pack fits. I love this option, being that I’m 5’1”. In addition, the load straps are very easy to adjust while trekking.
Each side of the hip belt has a stretchy pocket that comes in handy. It works well to hold your phone, nutrition bar, gloves or hat. This convenient “shove-it” pocket was my favorite feature and seemed quite durable since I pulled, stretched, poked and prodded it throughout every hike. If you like to carry your smartphone in pockets like these, my only comment is that they’re a bit too small for today’s smartphones.
The same stretch woven fabric is used for the front pocket and the side water bottle pockets. I was very impressed, as the front pocket was able to accommodate larger items, such as my rain jacket or a mid-layer, holding them securely. The side water bottle pockets are convenient and my water bottles slid in and out of them easily even when wearing the pack.
Bottom Line:
The Tempest 30 fits everything I need for my weekly day hikes up into the mountains or for a lighter overnight. The wealth of high performing and convenient features on this pack make it a true pack-up-and-go backpack every woman needs for her next adventure. Other than the waist-belt pockets being a little larger, there is nothing I even remotely dislike about this pack. It’s hands down, the best pack in its class.
Tech Specs:
Size WXS/WS:
1709 cu in
28 liter
1 lb. 12 oz. (,80 kg)
Size WS/WM:
1831 cu in
30 liter
1 lb. 14 oz. (.85 kg)
Dimensions:
Size WXS/WS
IN: 24 x 11 x 10
CM: 61 x 28 x 25
Size WS/WM
IN: 26 x 11 x 20
CM: 66 x 28 x 25
Guarantee: Osprey offers a lifetime guarantee on all of their packs.
MSRP: $129.95
Available Colors: Stormcloud Grey, Mystic Magenta, Tourmaline Green
Osprey Tempest 30
$129.95
Pros
- Women's specific Airscape™ back panel
- Convenient side stretch pockets
- Extremely easy to adjust load straps
- Removable top pocket
Cons
- Two zippered pockets at waist-belt could be a little larger
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