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TRAIL MAGAZINE: Review

Not everyone has the inclination, or budget, to own both a technical winter pack and an everyday hillwalking pack. If that's the case, you need a versatile product that can double up as both. The Osprey Tempest 50 women's pack (or the men's equivalent, the Talon 44 or 55) fits that bill nicely.
Compressed down, it feels petite and sleek enough to be a comfy daypack, yet the design, shape and technical expertise also make this pack capable in winter. The biggest selling point is the sheer amount of clever tech in the AirScape Suspension back system - it's like Osprey make the iPhone 12 Pro of back systems while other brands are still utilising a Nokia 3310 from 2001. The system features an injection-moulded foam backpanel and an internal metal frame, coupled with perforated shoulder straps and an excellent wraparound hipbelt. The result is a breathable,
lose-to-the-body fit that allows dynamic, flexible movement and delivers an impressive load-carrying experience. All of the other premium features you'd expect from Osprey are present - floating lid, mesh side pockets, reservoir sleeve, zippered hip pockets, ice axe attachments, bottom compartment, large mesh stuff pocket and much more - and the materials used are a lightweight, recycled and high- tenacity nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating.