Tag Archives: backpack

12/25/15

Osprey Viva 50 L Womens Backpack

osprey viva

Written By Cinimin

INTRO

The Osprey Viva is a women’s lightweight backpacking pack that will store 50 liters for a comfortable overnight or week long trip. This pack allows for a wide range of adjustability

Dimensions: 33’’ x 13’’ x 11’’

Gear Capacity: 50 Liter

Weight: 3lbs 8oz

Fits Torso: 14-19 inches

Fits Waist/hips: 26-42 inches

Materials: Ripstop nylon, polyester, mesh

 

Notable Features:

  • Hipbelt Pockets
  • Adjustable Hipbelt and Hipbelt Padding
  • Adjustable Torso
  • Hydration Pocket
  • Ice Axe Loops
  • Side Compression Straps
  • Sleeping Bag Compartment
  • Sleeping Pad Straps
  • Trekking Pole Storage
  • Stretch Mesh front and Side Pockets
  • Top Pocket

 

Personal Experience

I recently took this pack on a forty mile trek through Paria Canyon outside of Kanab, UT. I’ve been traveling with a Camp Trails pack I took from my parent’s 90’s gear shed for the past ten years of my life and found this pack to be absolutely glorious! I didn’t know a pack could fit so comfortably. Although this pack is only a 50 liter, I felt that I was able to pack all that I wanted and the group weight was distributed evenly throughout my crew. Below is an image of all our packs lined up in a row, mine is the one furthest to the left and although it may not look it, it is the smallest pack by 15 liters.

osprey packs

Likes

I like the hydration sleeve that is found on the outside of the pack that allows for quick and easy access, and the separate compartment and gromit hole found in the bottom of the compartment keeps your gear dry if your hydration pack were to have a small leak or to sweat. I also appreciate how comfortable and easy this pack is to fit, with plenty of gear loops, pockets and compression straps.

 

Dislikes

The mesh is really nice to be able to access gear on the outside of your pack but with only one or two trips out of my pack, I can already see the wear that’s occurring. If you brushed against trees or rock the fabric would be trashed in one outing. I’d really prefer more durable side and front pockets, even if it means adding more weight. Along with more durable pockets, what I really wish this pack had was a detachable top pocket that you can wear as a fanny pack for day trips. If I were to purchase another backpack I would look for something a little larger with the top pocket feature, pockets that will withstand time, and one that comes with it’s own raincover. 

Overall this is great pack on their entry level equipment that they’ve been adding.

12/10/12

Osprey Aura 65 Pack Women’s Large

This is the second women’s specific piece of gear we have reviewed at readaboutgear.com, I hope it sure is informative.  This time around Bethany took out the Osprey Aura 65 pack which has just received a facelift for 2012.  She used it well she took it on a six day trip on the San Rafel Swell in Utah.  First I’ll go over the key features of this pack and then we’ll go in to her review.

Osprey Aura 65 pic 1

Key Features

  • Airspeed Suspension
  • Torso Adjustable Interchangeable Shoulder Harness
  • Adjustable Fit on the Fly Hipbelt
  • Zippered Fabric Hipbelt Pockets
  • Side Stretch Mesh Pockets
  • Front Stretch Woven Pocket
  • Intergraded Hydration Compatibility
  • Stow-on-the-Go Trekking Pole Attachment System
  • Sleeping Bag Compartment (65 L)
  • Comes in to Volumes 65 L or 50 L

Review By Bethany Rennaker

I liked the look of the pack when I pulled it from the box. Green is totally my color. Then I stuffed it full of anything that would weigh it down to do some training for a 6-day, 50 mile trip. So, my first impression of the Osprey Aura 65 is that the “Fit on the Fly” waist belt was perfect for a large girl like me. The belt extends to fit large body types so comfortably that I felt confident that I wouldn’t experience any problems with it. And I didn’t. I really felt the benefit of the well-fitted hip belt. The weight was distributed to my hips and yet there was no discomfort in my hips. This was the first impression of the Aura 65.

On the 6-day trip I took, I found the pack proved just as impressive. The space that I needed for this trip was provided in the bag. The pockets were great and there is some stretch in the outside pocket that expanded to fit those last items I would stuff in the bag. Again, the fit was great and the weight of the bag was kept to the waist and off of the shoulders. I also felt the benefit of the sculpted, mesh backing that kept my back nice and dry.

There were two things that I would have enjoyed the Aura 65 to have included. The top of the pack is not a removable hip pack and I like that feature in other Osprey bags. Also, the side pockets were not elastic tops and that made it tough to get my water bottles in the pocket some times.

All in all, I really enjoy my Osprey Aura 65 because it fits great and provides a fantastic amount of space.

12/9/12

Gear Trader: local way to buy/sell your gear

I recently found this totally awesome site for selling/buying pre-owned outdoor gear called Geartrader.com. Wanting to learn more about the site, I emailed the website manager and voila his reply:

“Essentially we provide a platform for people to sell their outdoor gear and buy new and used outdoor gear.  It’s a marketplace for outdoor gear.

This is how it works if you want to sell some gear.
1. Take a few photos of your gear
2. Goto www.geartrade.com/sell
3. Upload the photos and complete the listing process
4. When your item sells we send you an email with shipping instructions.

Once you ship the item and enter a tracking number we mail you a check in 9 days. We handle all the customer service and payment processing so you don’t have to pay paypal fees or processing fees. We also do not charge image or listing fees like ebay. We charge a flat rate of 12% only after the item is sold.  If you don’t sell your gear, we do not charge you.”

Sounds like a good system?  Best part?  Made in the USA, that’s right Geartrader.com is operated right here in the USA so we support the local economy all while buying and selling gear.  Love that.

Click here to check them out. Geartrader.com  Best part two?  To set up an account is free.  Can’t beat that.  We love good deals and to pass them to onto you.  So we even gave them a little space on our site.  Happy Gear Trading!

Buy or sell your gear