As far as hiking goes, I was for a long time an avid user of Osprey backpacks + Osprey hydration bladders.

I have however come to realise that I now have come prefer the UL-style packs with the two large side pockets in which I can place water bottles. It was using the LiteAF 46lt full suspension pack that has driven this transition.

So much so that I am now thinking of getting a smaller pack around 30lt for multi-day hikes where stoves, tents and sleeping bags are not required.

This is also leading to the point where I am considering selling off some of my Osprey packs. (I still a big fan of Osprey though and will continue to use some of their other products).

I do like looking into UL packs where I can order customised as much as possible. This is not a cheap option, but neither are Osprey packs. If I'm going to spend money like that, it surely is better to have something that is customised to me.

The one thing that niggles is that using a UL-style pack does not really work for the occasional snow hike. Bottles on the outside will freeze. UL packs are not really meant for carrying skis and snowshoes.

#whatsinyourpack #hiking #backpacking #ospreypacks #liteaf

I just dropped a new guide on how to choose the right backpack for your next trip.
I’ve tested REI, Gregory & Osprey packs—and trust me, fit matters more than features.
by Cap Puckhaber 👇
🔗 https://thehikingadventures.com/hiking-blog/f/how-to-choose-the-right-backpacking-backpack

#Backpacking #HikingGear #OspreyPacks #GregoryPacks #REI #HikingTips #CapPuckhaber #outdoors #hiking #nature

How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack

By Cap Puckhaber | TheHikingAdventures.com

Cap Puckhaber | Hiking & Camping Blog

The 2lt version of the Hydraulics bladder is 27g lighter than the 3lt, which brings it to 170g.

In the same vein, if I do 2x 1lt Platypus Soft Bottles it all comes to 83g. That is a 71g saving.

P.S. Osprey does have LT versions of their bladders, but in my experience they don't last that long, especially being pushed in and pulled out of hydration sleeves on a backpack. I always prefer the standard bladder versions.

(7/8)

#Ospreypacks #whatsinyourpack #hiking #hydration #platypus

To add further context, the Osprey Hydraulics bladder weighs 197g. This includes the pipe section up to the connector.

The adaptor I made weighs 35g. So if I had to carry the same amount of water with the Platypus soft bottles that will be 35 + 3x24 = 107g, so there is a small win here in terms of weight.

With a full Nalgene solution it is 35 + 16 + 3x180 = 591g (Extra 16g is the additional wide-mouth adaptor).

For a day hike it will matter little which solution I take, but on a multi-day, it will definitely be a much bigger decision.

(6/8)

#hydration #hiking #whatsinyourpack #Ospreypacks

Group ride with the BIKES Club of Snohomish County following the Cascade Trail from Sedro to Concrete. Beautiful scenery the whole way. Lunch at 5b's Bakery in Concrete. Hot day. I carried 2.5 liters in a bladder pack (Osprey Katari 7) plus my water bottle. Drank it all but 0.75L. Riding my 1995 Gary Fisher Tassajara. Early dinner at the Train Wreck Bar & Grill in Burlington. All around great day. #PNW #bicycling #cycling #biking #SkagitCounty #SkagitValley #OspreyPacks https://ridewithgps.com/trips/199233280
2024-07-06 BIKES Sedro-Concrete

BIKES Club ride - 47.4 mi, +534 ft. Bike ride in Skagit County, WA

Loading up the Osprey Transporter Duffel roller with the bulky equipment before flying out.

That roller bag contains two Osprey backpacks, hydration bladders, trekking poles, one umbrella, a collection of drybags, eating/drinking utensils, water filters, tent, quilt, and some other minor items.

I have used this duffel roller on various airline trips to skiing & hiking destinations. It hauls gear through airports without resistance and is stable on the two wheels.

https://www.osprey.com/gb/osprey-rolling-transporter-120-2021#color=Venturi%2520Blue

#frc2024 #Drakensberg #Ospreypacks #travel #hiking

This is inspired by @freeder23. As I am preparing for a trip to hike the Fish River Canyon in Namibia in May of this year, why not post a series about #whatsinyourpack about I am packing personally and some things that will be shared in our group.

The FRC is desert-style hiking, with the biggest challenges being water-management & temperature extremes.

Starting off, I am taking my Osprey LT Atmos 65 as the pack itself. This is non an ultralight - it weighs 1300g. However it is pretty resistant to abuse, and has multiple packing options. It is not as versatile as the Kestrel series from Osprey, but it is lighter.

Depending on the weather forecast closer to the time, I might forego taking the built-in rain cover.

As usual, I'll try to fit everything inside, but I might carry a mug and some soluble energy tablets on one of the stretch side pockets.

https://www.osprey.com/gb/osprey-atmos-ag-lt-65-s23#color=Night%2520Shift%252FScoria%2520Blue

#ospreypacks #namibia #frc2024

Atmos AG LT 65

The Atmos AG LT 65 proves that less really is more. Delivering the supremely comfortable AntiGravity suspension in a capable, lightweight and more streamlined silhouette, it's ready to tackle the biggest of backpacking trips with inspiring finesse.

What is the difference between the Osprey LT an standard Hydraulic offerings?

The LT (red) is suppose to be lighter than the equivalent standard model (blue). It comes in 1.5lt size whereas the standard comes in 2lt & 3lt offerings.

My recommendation is to buy the standard model 99% of the time. Only get the LT if the pack has a dedicated zip-open sleeve to properly protect the bladder. The LT is not as durable as the standard model and should really only used along with the Raven/Raptor bags (and some other hydration models from Osprey).

The standard model has an additional back plate which simplifies sliding into most packs with a hydration space.

#Ospreypacks #hydration
#hiking

This Argon 85 was one of the first two Osprey packs I ever bought over 14 yrs ago- the other being a Kestrel 38. This set me on a road of buying many more Osprey packs.

This one has now found a new home, but still going strong.

#Ospreypacks #rucksacks