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As Brig delineated in his Osprey Karve Review, Osprey really is the backpack brand that other companies aspire to be. Quality, durability, thoughtful features and extreme attention to detail allow Osprey to market some of the higher end packs available. The Sirrus series, with packs available in a 24L or 36L size, is no exception.
Osprey Sirrus Packs Details
- Women’s specific pack has a specially designed hip belt, and 3 different torso lengths to ensure a proper fit
- Suspended mesh back panel allows for superior ventilation. No back sweat!
- 5 exterior pockets in addition to main compartment
- Available in 36L or 24L sizes
- MSRP: $99 for 24L, $139 for 36L
Osprey Sirrus 24 Pack Review
I was able to spend some time testing out a Sirrus 24L pack for Gear.com, and was quite impressed with all the small features that show true attention to detail. The oversized “o” shaped zipper pulls seem to really embody Osprey’s approach to pack development- what a tiny thing to focus on! However, it becomes obvious why that was a good idea when you’re fumbling to open your pack with gloves on. No problem. Worried about your gear getting wet in an unexpected downpour? Don’t worry, the Sirrus packs both come with an integrated rain cover.
Other features I enjoyed included the small stash pockets on the hip belt (great for stashing a CLIF Shot or two) and the side mesh pockets- finally, a pack whose pockets are big enough to accommodate a Nalgene! The available front pocket is just the right size for a small lunch, so you aren’t rifling through the main compartment to look for your Pb&j. Also included is a smaller pocket for stashing your keys or other valuables. The main compartment of the 24L pack is big enough to hold some essentials for a day hike- a rain jacket, maybe an extra layer or two, and a small first aid kit fit comfortably in mine. However, this is where my only complaint for the Sirrus comes in- all these incredible features almost seem to be overkill in a pack of such small size. Yes, it’s got great suspension and a mesh panel to help distribute weight, but how much distribution do you really need in a 24L pack. Unless you’re packing rocks in there, the amount of space inside of the Sirrus 24L compared to the beefy design doesn’t seem to even out.
That being said, I imagine that the 36L pack would be a great choice for quick overnights! The 36L is a top loading pack as opposed to the panel loading 24L, which always seems to offer more space (compare a panel loading 24L to a top loading 24L. In every test I’ve done, I can always fit way more in the top loader). With that being the only major difference, the 36L would offer all the awesome, beefy features of the 24L, with enough usable space to actually need them! I’ve taken my 24L on several longer day hikes and cross-country ski adventures in the Chugach up here, an it’s great. Durable material, features out the wazoo, lightweight… It just seems to feel like a large profile pack for the small amount of gear you need on a day hike. An area it really excels in is day hikes requiring technical equipment. Because the pack’s frame is quite sturdy, and because it includes a single ice axe loop, tossing a mountaineering axe onto the Sirrus 24 is a breeze, and you don’t have to worry about it flopping all over as you hike.
Bottom Line
A beefy, featured filled day pack in the 24L, or an overnight pack in the 36L.
Check it out: Osprey Sirrus Packs or the Men’s Osprey Stratos Series
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