Backpacks

Osprey Sirrus 50 Backpack | Review

Designed specifically for female adventurers, and capable of carrying all you need for a multi-day trip, the Osprey Sirrus 50 may be your new favourite pack

The Editor of the Outdoor 100, Will Renwick, recently tested out the 2017 edition of the Osprey Stratos 50 on a big trek across Wales and he was hugely impressed by it. This, the Sirrus, is the women’s version and as we’ve found out, the gender differentiation goes far beyond different names or colours.

It’s all about the back system which is ergonomically designed to provide a female-specific fit. There’s careful thought to the shape of the hipbelt, shoulder straps, and the harness as well, which has an easily adjustable yoke that allows the back to be shortened or lengthened.

“It’s their focus on these kind of details, coupled with such an innovative approach when it comes to functionality, that makes Osprey one of our favourite brands at the moment.”

The previous version of the Sirrus 50 kept the main part of the bag suspended off the back with a tight – but not too tight – meshing, and this new model takes this a bit further, bringing the meshing not only down the whole back but seamlessly around the hipbelt as well. This belt then has comfortable foam padding underneath it with numerous holes for air low. The result is an extremely ventilated, airy system that minimises sweat and spreads pressure evenly across the back.

It’s a backpack aimed at hikers, walkers and campers who are looking for an option with enough space to fit everything needed for an overnight camping adventure, including any heavy winter kit that might be necessary. It’s worth pointing out that there are also smaller versions in the form of 24, 26 and 36-litre capacities.

There's plenty of room in the Osprey Sirrus for everything you'd want for on an overnight mission. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The floating lid makes the Sirrus really versatile . Photo: Chris Johnson.

The adjustable yolk means the back length can be customised specifically to you . Photo: Chris Johnson.

The hipbelt, along with the shoulder straps and harness have been designed with the female anatomy in mind. There's no 'shrink it and pink it' here. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The storage options include a floating top lid with two zipped pockets, an expansion pocket on the front, side mesh pockets that can be accessed while the pack is worn and two sizeable zipped pockets on the hipbelt as well. There’s also a useful interior bladder pocket and a stow pocket on the base for the detachable rain cover.

The main compartment can be accessed through the top and also down one side of the pack, and a zip at the base gives access to a sealed compartment for a tent or sleeping bag.

There are some nice smaller features on this pack as well, things like the ice axe straps, the whistle integrated with the sternum strap, glove-friendly zip pulls, and stow-on-the-go pole attachments.

It’s their focus on these kind of details, coupled with such an innovative approach when it comes to functionality, that makes Osprey one of our favourite brands at the moment.