New For 2013 - Osprey Packs

[wayno]

Another in our series of reports from the recent OutDoor trade show in Germany and this time, a quick look at what's new from Osprey, including some serious rejigs of existing models, the odd new pack and a redesign of the brand's hydration reservoir.
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/outdoors-n ... /9931.html

[Kinsayder]

I've often wondered about Osprey (and Arcteryx). Are they any good?

[wayno]

yeah, pretty good on the whole ,
osprey , good prices. just have to choose your design carefully, i had a day pack not made for wet environments, the top of the bladder sleeve was open and outside the main compartment, in the rain water could get into it... that was the talon 22.
but they have other designs suited to wet conditions as well... do a lot of lightweight pack but also have more mainstream designs, i've used their aether, good midweight pack good for week long hikes.
arcteryx are very well made and designed, expensive though, made in canada. they are going down the path of a few pack companies that are now using a hipbelt that pivots , so less restrictive ,

[Strider]

[quote="wayno" i had a day pack not made for wet environments, the top of the bladder sleeve was open and outside the main compartment, in the rain water could get into it... that was the talon 22.
[/quote]
Bought one today - it has a drain hole at the bottom of the hydration sleeve. But if its so wet that the drain hole can't keep up, surely the rest of the pack is going to be soaked through anyway?

[wayno]

the fact that the bladder sleeve is open to the top and thers not even a coating of any sort on the nylon between the bladder sleeve and the main compartment does nothing to reduce the speed of water getting in. made for a dry environment ,

[Strider]

the fact that the bladder sleeve is open to the top and thers not even a coating of any sort on the nylon between the bladder sleeve and the main compartment does nothing to reduce the speed of water getting in. made for a dry environment ,

But whats the issue if it can drain straight back out again?

*EDIT*

Got you now. I don't tend to daywalk in the pouring rain anyway. And if I do, everything goes in a dry bag.

[wayno]

why did they bother using coated nylon for water resistance if they werent concerned about water getting in the pack? the design is hypocritical.... be interesting if the drain hole is blocked in the rain.... because of the coating on the nylon water can build up inside in the wet

[nq111]

I've often wondered about Osprey (and Arcteryx). Are they any good?

I find osprey to have very refined fits and carry. A tad fussy in design and materials are a fraction lightweight would be the disadvantages.

[wayno]

arcteryx get good reviews, a better harness system, a hip belt that pivots on a central pivot. accomodating pelvis movement better.
alround good quality build, materials and desig detail. and you will pay for it.....

[blacksheep]

Only the welded arcteryx pack is made in Canada. All the rest are made in the phillipines. ( we use same factory)

[stuey69]

the fact that the bladder sleeve is open to the top and thers not even a coating of any sort on the nylon between the bladder sleeve and the main compartment does nothing to reduce the speed of water getting in. made for a dry environment ,

Essentially this is correct.
I have several Osprey packs, including the Talon 22, which is a great size for a summer walk.
What I've also got are several STS pack covers (the heavier duty ones), which stay permanently with the packs.
For the Talon 22 the XS size is fine and takes care of that bladder sleeve issue.