Osprey UNLTD™: The Pinnacle of Backpacking
Best known for sharing his passion for everything outdoors as @L.Holl on Instagram, we invited modern outdoor blogger Louis Hollinson to put our most innovative pack to the test.
With his sights set on putting the Anti-Gravity 64 through its paces in its destined environment, @L.Holl ventured up to Wastwater, a glacial lake located in the Western part of the UK’s Lake District National Park.
“Surrounded on all sides by mountains like Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, it was the perfect location to test out an equally impressive product.”
No Limit. No Boundaries
What happens when you give the research and design team complete creative free-rein on a product? Forget budgets, timeframes and any other constraint that a designer may face. Simply put, there was no limit in Osprey’s quest to create the ultimate backpacking experience. The result? Osprey’s latest technical feat of innovation: the Osprey UNLTD™ AirScape 68(Opens in a new window) and Anti-Gravity 64 packs.(Opens in a new window)
Osprey UNLTD™ is the first time a pack manufacturer has harnessed Carbon DLS™ 3D technology to create the Osprey UNLTD’s 3D-Printed Fitscape Lumbar - a highly breathable panel positioned on the lower back. Thanks to the 3D printing technology, it is a relatively low-waste process that delivers superior ventilation, an anti-slip surface grip and cushioned support.
Osprey’s UNLTD project is a testament to the kind of innovation that can be achieved when there are no boundaries to adhere to. Bringing together the culmination of nearly 50 years of innovation, these packs really push the envelope in terms of the technology that can be utilised to enhance performance and comfort.
Osprey’s UNLTD project is a testament to the kind of innovation that can be achieved when there are no boundaries to adhere to. Bringing together the culmination of nearly 50 years of innovation, these packs really push the envelope in terms of the technology that can be utilised to enhance performance and comfort.
“One of the best features is the structure of the bag, which directs weight into the hip belt, creating the perfect weight distribution.”
The amount of forward-thinking technology is astounding and somewhat hard to quantify until it’s all broken down into individual components.
Built with longevity in mind, Osprey’s UNLTD should be looked at like an investment piece and not another piece of disposable kit; if looked after properly, it will look after you for many years to come.
Features
Each UNLTD pack is equipped with a whole host of technical features that enrich the wearer’s experience, as well as helping to safely navigate the wearer through whatever terrain they choose, so we’ll list off some of them and explain their general function.
For added comfort, the back panel of the Anti-Gravity 64 is made using Osprey’s proprietary Anti-Gravity suspension technology - a three-tiered 3D suspended mesh system that contours the body from the shoulders to the lumbar area. In comparison, the AirScape 68 prioritises ventilation with the use of a polycarbonate vacuum-formed framesheet.
When I first put the Anti-Gravity 64 pack on, my first thought was that the Fit-on-the-Fly® hipbelt wrapped around my body perfectly - it contours to your body in such a seamless and anatomical way. One of the best features is the structure of the bag, which directs weight into the hip belt, creating the perfect weight distribution.
The frame is made using a 7075 aluminium anodised frame, blending aluminium and stainless steel for a fairly flexible, lively fit. One of the functions of the frame is that it supports a unique clamshell compression system that opens and closes like a clamshell, providing structure and ease of access. A composite frame structure may sound heavy but it is exactly the opposite to that boasting a lightweight yet hardy structure.
One of the things I noticed, only when I started walking, was how easy the little things became, such as reaching for my water bottle and adjusting the back system while walking.
Specifications
Innovation knows no bounds with the technical specifications. The main fabric is constructed from a 210D double ripstop nylon with UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) content woven into that, delivering uncompromising durability and lightness.
Storage-wise, the Anti-Gravity 64 has a 64L capacity in the main compartment with an integrated compression system that is ideal for securing bulky items like a down jacket or sleeping bag which would otherwise take up a lot of space. In addition, the top of the pack is fully removable and can function independently as a waist pack.
Removing the waist pack from the main bag was simple and would be so useful for when you've set up camp and you want to move light and fast up to a summit, for example.
In a similar fashion, the AirScape 68 (with a total capacity of 68L) features a removable top lid that converts into a multi-functional 18L day pack for transitional use.
“The amount of forward-thinking technology is astounding.”
Each pack is kitted out with a number of integrated finishing touches such as dual-zipper openings, laminated zipper panels, ski and ice pick carry loops and abrasion resistant panelling. Lastly, to shield your pack from inclement weather, Osprey includes a premium raincover.
In years to come, we can expect the proprietary technologies featured on the Osprey UNLTD to trickle down into some of Osprey’s more mainstay trekking and hiking backpacks.
Osprey UNLTD is available in four styles: Osprey UNLTD™ AirScape 68(Opens in a new window) and Anti-Gravity 64 packs(Opens in a new window) both of which come in a men’s and women’s specification.
Assisted by: @jackgorham1
Words by: @aligeorgehinkins
@l.holl