Follow Amelia from the Taunton Store as she takes Osprey’s innovative pack for a spin and gives her thoughts.
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Over the past few months, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to test out the new Osprey Tempest 30. I am a big fan of Osprey bags and have used lots of different osprey packs in the past, from a Talon 22 to an Aura 65 and everything in between, so I was really looking forward to using and reviewing the Tempest 30 to see what Osprey have done differently to set it apart from the previous models and other bags on the market.
One of the changes to this bag that I was most excited about is that it now comes in a choice of back lengths, S/M and M/L, and the back panel is adjustable so it can be altered to fit your back length. As I am quite tall with a long back this was great as I normally I have to use men’s bags for the length, but these do not have the other features of a women’s specific bag which means it can still a be bit uncomfortable.
Features
The super-comfortable Tempest 30 features Osprey’s Airscape™ HDPE injection moulded back panel with EVA die-cut foam padding which allows the bag to move and contour your back as you move and prevents any bulging or discomfort when you are carrying something bulky inside or a hydration reservoir in the external sleeve. The injection moulding also helps to reduce waste during the manufacturing process. It also has a bio stretch shoulder harness and a continuous wrapped hip belt with two spacious hip belt pockets, which provide the bag with a stable and comfortable fit.
The bag is made from high-quality Bluesign® approved recycled high-tenacity robic nylon, making it durable and reducing its impact on the environment throughout the production process. It also has a PFC-free DWR coating to help shed light rain or snow, which is good as the bag does not come with a waterproof cover.
The shoulder straps have adjustable load lifters to help secure and stabilise heavier loads to your back improving comfort, as well as an adjustable sternum strap. It also has an expandable stretch mesh pocket on the left shoulder, which I managed to fit my iPhone 8 into, and to my surprise, it even stayed in when I shook the bag upside down!
The Tempest 30 is a top-loading backpack with a fixed lid, which has an internal zipped pocket with a key clip and an external pocket on top which is great for storing bits you want quick and easy access to, such as snacks! The main body of the bag opens with a simple drawcord on the side of the opening and is very spacious making this bag a very versatile option.
The bag also features Osprey’s insideout™ compression system, and the new Tempest 30 has 2 more compression straps (1 on each side) at the top of the bag. The compression straps at the bottom of the bag can be placed either inside or outside the bottle pockets allowing for the bag to be compressed whilst still having easy access to the bottle pockets. The bottle pockets themselves are made up of stretch mesh with a reinforced bottom which is great if you are carrying something pointy like tent poles in there to help prevent damaging the mesh and therefore prolonging the life of the bag.
The front of the bag has a large stretch mesh pocket with a reinforced bottom and a drain hole, which is great for storing wet items without getting the inside of your bag wet, or for other items you may need quick access to, such as an extra layer for when you take a break to admire the view. The bag features 2 stowable ice axe loops and attachment points as well as Ospreys Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachments on the left-hand side, making it easy to store and access your trekking poles without needing to take your bag off or ask someone else to help. There is also an external hydration reservoir sleeve which allows you to fill up your reservoir without having to empty your bag to get to it.
Overall I think that this bag is the perfect option if you are looking for a comfortable bag which can be used for a wide range of activities – the redesigned pack comes with lots of new features, and the 30 litre size means it can be used for both day trips and lightweight overnight hikes too.
The Tempest is also available in a men’s version called Talon and is available in different volumes and back lengths.
Shop for the OSPREY TEMPEST 30 HERE
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This review was written by Amelia from the Taunton store. Amelia is a keen hiker and outdoors enthusiast. She has taken part in both D of E and Ten Tors and is also a volunteer with the Scouts.
