I wanted to replace my old (unisex) Camelback with a pack that was still versatile enough to use both for mountain biking and as a day pack for hiking. I love my Tempest 9! My first time using it was on three-day bikepacking trip and I fit a surprising amount of gear inside (two spare tubes, tools, stuffed down jacket, 3L bladder and some food. I bought my pack in Europe and only discovered later that Osprey makes an XS size for petite frames, which they don't market in Europe. Some reviews I read on the Europe site from short women complained about the pack digging in their lower backs. I'm 5'2" (157cm) and the regular size fits me fine for biking--no digging since I'm leaning over all of the time. For hiking, it hits slightly lower than it should, but it doesn't bother me. The padded waist straps are very comfortable and side pouches are really handy. The shoulder straps are shaped for a woman, unlike the unisex Camelbak, making the pack nicely snug. I had also tried some Vaud packs on for size, but quickly put them back because the top of the pack dug into my neck. All straps on the Tempest 9 are very easy to adjust. Currently, I'm following a work trip up with an adventure vacation, so I had to leave my other Osprey at home (the Flapjill pack). I was surprised to be able to fit my 12.2" laptop, two spiral notebooks (A4 size), and wallet inside the Tempest. The helmet clip and key chain hook are also handy.

Brussels Biker

Brussels, Belgium