The Osprey Sirrus rucksack has been updated for 2017. I have been testing the women’s version. (The Stratos rucksack has had a similar update.)
Inspired by Osprey’s AntiGravity technology, the Sirrus rucksack offers a fully adjustable AirSpeed ventilated back system that “combines single piece construction of the back panel and hip belt with highly breathable suspended mesh”.
The Sirrus back system offers a female-specific fit, with an ergonomically shaped back panel, hip belt, harness and yoke.
Other features include:
- Adjustable torso length
- External hydration access
- Top lid access
- Integrated and detachable rain cover
- Internal key attachment clip
- Side compression straps
- Single ice axe loop
- Sternum strap with emergency whistle
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
- Hip belt pockets with zips
- Under lid zipped mesh pocket
- Vertical centred zippered pocket
- Four sizes: 24l, 26l, 36l and 50l
- Price: £95 to £130
- See Osprey
On test: Osprey Sirrus 26-litre rucksack
I confess I do love Osprey packs. They fit so well and are designed with lots of features to suit a specific task. Sometimes they are over designed in my opinion, with to many pockets and features, but in this case the rucksack is pretty much perfect.
The 26-litre size is the right size for a summer’s day hike. The fit of the pack is immediately comfortable and I really like the well-padded shoulder straps and hip belt. I always look for a hip belt with lots of padding and support. To adjust the hip belt, once clipped together in the front centre, you pull the straps towards the centre, rather than the more traditional pull to the outside. This is very easy to do and offers a lovely snug fit
The zipped pockets on the hip belt are a great addition because you can put things like a mobile phone and snacks in these pockets for easy access, without take off the pack.
The mesh back – the AirSpeed ventilated back system – is supportive and comfortable. The arched mesh system fits neatly against the back while keeping the bulk of the actual pack away from the body. This allows for excellent ventilation, which is much needed while walking in the summer.
Straps at the top of the shoulder straps allow you to pull the pack towards you body or loosen it off depending on how heavy the pack is on the day. This also allows for some torso height adjustment.
There is one main compartment in the pack. This is accessible from the top, under the lid. The lid is large and durable, with two pockets, one on the outside and a meshed pocket inside.
There is useful outer pocket that is almost the full length and width of the pack and accessible via a vertical zip. It is a great place to stow a map or items that you want to have easy access to, such as a buff or spare gloves.
The side mesh pockets are useful for carrying small items such as gloves, a hat or snacks. They are also the right size for a water bottle.
However, there is a useful hook at the back of the pack, between the pack and the mesh back for hanging a hydration bladder. I am more likely to use this than a separate water bottle.
The Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment and the pack-way rain cover are excellent extras. I also like that you can compress or expand the pack with side straps.
In conclusion, this is yet another Osprey rucksack to recommend. It’s well designed and a joy to use. I can’t think of any negatives except perhaps the price. I think Osprey are a bit pricey but you do get what you pay for and they last a very long time if used with care.