A hugely innovative pack designed for ski mountaineers, but with plenty of details that make it suitable for use below the snowline too.
I’ve been complaining about there being a lack of innovation in the outdoors industry recently, but this has given me hope. It’s a pack that shows genuine out of the box thinking – and with excellent results.
This is made primarily as a ski mountaineering pack and, more specifically, is optimised for fast and light ‘ski-mo’ ascents. It features a dedicated snow shovel and avalanche probe compartment, a quick-access pocket for crampons and skins and, most interestingly of all, there’s a unique ski-lasso system that lets you sling your skis onto the pack without having to take it off.
How We Tested It
Our friends at Snow Magazine tested the Osprey Firn 18 in the 24-25 season in San Martino di Castrozza, in the Dolomites. I’ve personally been assessing it for its versatility – more specifically, its potential as an all-rounder that can be used for hillwalking and just day-to-day use. I’ve taken it on two hiking trips to the Lake District through autumn and on a visit to the mountains of North Wales too.
Pros: Very innovative, excellent for ski mountaineers, crosses over as a hiking pack well, durable and built to last. Cons: A little heavy, no rain cover, no laptop or bladder sleeve.
What to Expect
The Firn 18 is made from tough, recycled materials with bluesign approval. The back panel has foam ridges covered in a stretch woven fabric, a combination that prevents snow climbing to the pack while also helping to create airflow and cooling.
The harness resembles the same kind of design you’d expect to see on a trail running vest. Not only is it made to fit with the contours of your body, but it’s also able to move closely with you, especially when the blood’s pumping and your lungs are really working.
OM editor Will demonstrating the A-frame carry system for skis. Photos: Dave Macfarlane
The snow shedding back panel.
This quick access pocket at the base is ideal for skins or crampons.
How it Performed As a Ski Mountaineering Pack.
Tristan at Snow Magazine said the pack “seriously impressed” him on a solo mission in the Dolomites, noting that the running-vest style chest pockets were “super useful” and that, despite its minimal build, the thin waist belt “was absolutely fine for packing light.” He found the 18L capacity “more than enough for your average day in the backcountry,” with an interior layout that made everything easy to locate. The ski-lasso system, he admitted, “took a wee while to work out,” but once it clicked, it became “super easy to use.” Although he’s not one to chase speed on ascents, he said, “I can see myself reaching for the Firn 18 in future just for sheer convenience.” And for those who are into true ski-mo performance – especially the racing side –Tristan was unequivocal: “this would be the absolute perfect pack.”
How It Performed as an All-rounder
I’ve enjoyed using this as a daypack for hiking. For me, the 18-litre volume has managed to accommodate a waterproof jacket, warm layer, gloves, a Tesco meal deal for my lunch, a map and compass and my power pack. The skins pocket proved to be the ideal size for my 1-litre water bottle and I liked that I could keep my phone and snacks on the harness.
The ski lasso set up.
Will using the pack for a hike in the Lake District. The yellow tabs can be tucked away when not needed.
Not the right kind of skis for ski mountaineering – just used for demonstration purposes!
On the subject of the harness, I really like this. It’s easy to get a good fit and the broad form-fitting straps and stretchy harness make it fit like a glove while also helping to manage loads, keeping the pack stable and close to the back. Packs with stretchy harnesses can bounce a bit, especially when you’re descending with a heavy load. This hasn’t been an issue with the Osprey Firn 18.
Osprey packs, from my long experience with them, tend to be well-made, using tough fabrics, zips and good quality components al-round, and this is no exception. It’s a durable pack that I can see lasting a long time. You’ve also got the security of Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee too. This is a lifetime warranty that includes free repairs for any defect in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance.
The rain and snow resistance is very good, but in exceptionally prolonged wet spells the pack can eventually saturate in my experience. This means that in poor conditions you’ll want to either use a rain cover (not included) with it, or drybags.
Other details I liked? I like the oversized zipper pulls. They’re easy to use, even if you’re wearing gloves. I like the fact it has quick fix points for ice axes, and I like that the ski straps can be tucked away. There’s a hanger inside it for an Osprey water bladder. Some bladders won’t be compatible with this.
Like Tristan, I agree that the ski-lasso does take some getting used to, but once you’ve figured out the move you need to pull with it, it’s simple and very effective. It keeps skis remarkably well balanced and reliably held on the pack too.
Verdict
The Osprey Firn 18 is a cleverly-designed pack that is going to suit ski mountaineers absolutely down to a tee. I think even just your average skier will enjoy some of the things it brings to the table too. As a pack for everyday use, some might find it a little overspecced – I’d say Osprey’s Daylite would be a good fit there if you want something a bit more day-to-day. It’s great as a hiking pack though, with the right kind of volume for most three-season day hikes, that very comfortable harness system and then the other useful details you’d expect from an Osprey pack.
Osprey of course have a whole host of packs dedicated to hiking – the Talon being one of my favourites – but if you’re a ski mountaineer looking for a pack that doesn’t necessarily need to be stowed away once winter’s over, I’ve found this very nifty and would say it’s a good option to consider.
Not the right kind of skis for ski mountaineering - just used for demonstration purposes!
There's many features that all kinds of outdoor adventurers will appreciate.
Price: £140 Weight: 1kg Best for: ski mountaineering
