Osprey is perhaps the most well-known backpack brand for adventurers, but do their backpacks live up to their reputation?
In this article, we will be exploring the newest Osprey Tempest Pro 28L backpack model. The Tempest has been one of Osprey’s best selling hiking backpacks so we wanted to try out their latest model.
Given that we have a ton of hikes and outdoor adventures planned over the next few years, we decided to upgrade our hiking packs. We’re planning on doing a 16-day hike following the Camino de Portugues as well as Macchu Picchu so as you can imagine, we needed something sturdy, reliable, and comfortable which is why we decided to test out the newest backpacks of Osprey.
In this Osprey Tempest Pro review, we will be giving you all of the juicy details about this backpack model, both good and bad, so that you can decide for yourself if it’s the right fit for you.
If you are looking for a new backpack, I’m sure that you would love to do thorough research on all of your options and give each one a test run to make sure that it is the absolute perfect fit before making your decision.
Of course, most people don’t have the time to do that much research or the luxury of being able to test out all of the options. That’s why we’ve done it for you. Let’s get into it!
Osprey Tempest Pro Key Features
- Super lightweight! I was comparing this pack to other Osprey bags that were smaller in size and it was a no brainer for me. Clocking in at 1kg. I love how lightweight this bag is
- This 28L backpack perfectly fits both 13” and 16” laptops. As it doesn’t have an internal sleeve, I did buy a padded case for mine.
- Osprey’s durability and lifetime warranty is unparalleled- more on this later!
- Built for hiking! The Osprey Tempest Pro is built for hiking and has a ton of incredible features.
- If you’re looking for something a little bit smaller, the Osprey Tempest Pro also comes in a 18L size.
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Osprey Tempest Pro Review
Osprey Tempest Pro Specs:
Weight: 1kg
Maximum Dimensions (in cm): 55L / 29W / 22D
Main Fabric: Fabric 100D Robic (93% NYLON + 7% POLY) + 200D Extreema (NANOFLY)
Although we were primarily looking for the best hiking backpacks, as we travel full time, I also needed something that acts as our everyday travel bag.
Like many Osprey backpacks, this pack is meant to be super light for the amount of storage space that it provides. If you have done any amount of traveling or hiking, I’m sure that you can easily see the advantage of this. This is perhaps the biggest advantage of buying any Osprey bag.
I decided to order the Osprey Tempest Pro 28L while my partner Tom ordered and reviewed the Osprey Talon Pro 30L. We’re currently in the mountains of Slovakia so we immediately put the bags to the test.
Osprey Tempest Pro 28L Features
NanoFly fabric
The NanoFly fabric is an incredible Osprey innovation that makes the backpack super light, while also being strong and resistant against water, UV rays, and abrasion. Basically, you get the durability of thick fabric, but the lightness of a very thin fabric all in one.
I was honestly genuinely impressed at how lightweight this bag is! Even when I fill it with my everyday items (laptop, camera, and other travel essentials), the weight is so well distributed thanks to the padded hip belt and harness which I will get to later.
Airscape Suspension
One of the reasons why I chose Osprey is because of their unique Airscape Suspension system. According to Osprey, their AirScape™ backpanel with foam ridges sets a new industry standard for comfort and performance.
Its molded back panel with foam padding, makes it super comfortable on your back.
It helps you evenly distribute the weight while allowing for ample ventilation to flow!
This also allows for some breathability to cut down on the sweating that can come from having a huge bag pressed against your back for long periods of time. This is great for people who tend to get extra hot and sweaty.
Having a good back ventilation system is a pretty big game changer when hiking in hot climates!
Hip Belt and Harness
The hip belt and harness help make the backpack easier on your shoulders, while also providing easy access storage for your small valuables. This is yet another feature that makes Osprey backpacks much more comfortable than many of their alternatives.
Personally, I would never buy a hiking backpack that doesn’t have a padded hip belt harness as this massively helps distribute the load from your back. The hipbelt for the Osprey Tempest Pro is lightweight, padded, and sits very comfortably on your hips.
One of the things I love about Osprey is they create similar but unique bags, specially for men and women, knowing that backpacks fit differently.
Top Loading
The argument over whether or not top-loading backpacks are more convenient for packing is definitely a hotly debated topic in the travel community, but for those who prefer backpacks of the top-loading variety, this backpack has you covered!
Top-loading is great for those who can’t be bothered to keep their things organized, and would like a backpack that they can stuff their things into and pack them down.
While I personally prefer front loading backpacks, I do know that for hiking, top loading backpacks distribute the weight better, making it easier to carry your load. Top loading backpacks are designed for long distance hiking as it often allows more weight to go on your hips rather than on your back.
For this reason, I was okay with the Osprey Tempest Pro being a top loading backpack. I’ve used my Tempest hiking multiple times now and often, during rest stops, I don’t even remove my backpack as it’s so comfortable.
Other Attachment Features
Apart from having solid basics, this backpack also includes places to attach LED lights, as well as a bike helmet, making this backpack a great option for long-distance cyclists.
For those of us who aren’t cyclists, the backpack also includes an interior attachment for keys, meaning that you can keep your keys safe while also making them easy to access, which is a great feature for pretty much anyone!
I particularly love the outside loops meant for Icepicks which we use for our walking sticks. As someone who swears by using walking sticks for long distance hikes, this attachment is super convenient!
Tempest Pro 28L Size Guide
This backpack comes in two sizes: XS/S and M/L. The sizing is based on the length of your torso, so you will need to measure from the top of your back to the bottom. If the total length is 17 inches or less, you should go with XS/S. If the total length is 18 inches or greater, you should go with the S.
If you have an Android phone, Osprey even has a packsizer app which allows you to virtually measure your torso to make sure you order the right backpack size.
I’m 5.4” and ended up ordering the WM/L size. I highly suggest you take the time to figure out your size if you’re ordering online.
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Osprey Tempest Pro Warranty
One of the best things about buying an Osprey bag is that all of their bags come with a lifetime warranty. This means that if at any time your backpack is damaged, Osprey will either repair it or replace it free of charge. Osprey calls this their “all mighty guarantee.” But don’t take our word for it! The Osprey website boasts:
“Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge–whether it was produced in 1974 or yesterday.”
They can also assist you in repairing your backpack when needed which is another reason why I love them. While investing in a high quality pack like Osprey seems like a large investment, you get what you pay for.
Osprey Tempest Pro and Hydration Pack
While the Osprey Tempest Pro Doesn’t come with a water reservoir itself, the backpack can be paired with one of Osprey’s many water reservoirs itself to create an excellent hydration pack.
Using this combination can be great for a long hike, as it provides the easy water access of a hydration pack without sacrificing space. It’s a win-win!
Although I personally don’t love the fact that it doesn’t come with a hydration pack, I do love that the hydration slot isn’t inside the backpack itself. Because I am a fan of everything Osprey, I ordered their 1.5 hydration bladder which I am thoroughly impressed with.
Having used multiple bladder packs over the years, this one is just well made. It is easy to use and has no leaks whatsoever. I also LOVE the magnetic clip on the chest strap which makes your hydration pack so accessible when hiking.
Who is the Osprey Tempest Pro Backpack For?
This backpack is great for day hikers. It includes enough space for anything that you might need to get through the day, without being too big. This bag would also work as a personal item when traveling on a plane.
As stated before, this bag would also be a great option for long-distance cyclists, especially considering the fact that Osprey specifically built features into this backpack for cyclists. In fact, there are very few backpacks that specifically have cycling in mind when designing their features, so I think that this backpack is a no-brainer for those of you who are serious bike lovers.
As mentioned, I plan on using this backpack on our Camino de Portugues (15 day hike). I plan on taking very minimal sets of clothing and will be washing as I go.
Who is the Osprey Tempest Pro Backpack NOT For?
For those of you who are planning on doing multi-day adventurers, this pack might not be for you. At 28L, this backpack has a decent storage capacity, but definitely not the capacity that would be needed for more multi-day adventures, especially if you need to carry a lot of gear.
If you have your heart set on this bag, however, don’t fret! Osprey has a Tempest 40L that would be more suitable for those longer adventures. Although having said this, if you’re looking for something along these lines, our bag of choice is still the Osprey Farpoint 40L. You can click the article to read the full review.
Of course, even with the larger size, I would still consider this backpack to be more of a camping/outdoor adventure bag than a vacation/travel bag.
I would also not consider this to be an ideal bag for those who are digital nomads or traveling photographers, regardless of backpack size, as the features of this backpack are much more geared towards those traveling with outdoor equipment rather than those traveling with electronics.
As we’re traveling very minimally, I have to use the Osprey as both my hiking backpack AND my travel backpack which means on travel days, I have my laptop and camera inside it.
What I Love about the Osprey Tempest Pro
Of course, we aren’t giving this review blindly. Not only did we do some thorough research on this backpack, but we’ve actually been testing it out on a few long distance hikes.
First of all, there is a ton of storage space. I can easily fit a rain jacket, rain pants, merino wool hoodie, hiking snacks, a spare shirt and more when going on day hikes. I did a test pack for our Camino hike and packed 3 shirts, 3 shorts / hiking pants, 3 underwear and 1 pair of hiking sandals and it still had room for other items.
I love how lightweight it is and how well it packs! I keep on discovering so many little details which I love.
What I Don’t Love about the Tempest Pro
Of course, no bag is perfect, and we did have a few critiques of this backpack. As mentioned earlier, for the price point, I would have loved to have a hydration pack as well as a rain cover come with it.
Although this isn’t a huge pain point as rain covers are pretty affordable, I would have loved this to be included.
However, with that being said, I know that good quality bags are built to last! My partner Tom’s Osprey Farpoint was his trusty travel companion for years on the road.
Personally, as I am also using this as my travel bag, I would have also liked more compartments to help me keep my stuff organized, however, from a hiking pack point of view it has everything you need.
wearing my Ibex 24 hour scoopneck tshirt and Osprey Tempest Pro
Other Osprey Tempest Sizing Options
While the Tempest Pro is their newest bag, there are older models of the Tempest which are all highly rated! If you’re looking for something smaller, or larger, here are a few other options.
Overall Opinion on the Osprey Tempest 28L
So what did we think? After thorough research, trial, and testing, we decided that overall…this bag is a keeper! It is one of the BEST hiking backpacks out there, especially if you’re looking for a good everyday adventure backpack.
It is an ideal backpack for day hikes and 1-2 day adventures. Overall, I am impressed by this backpack and highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their gear.
Happy trails!
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