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Review: Osprey Mutant 38 rucksack

Written by Fiona

August 21 2018

The 5th generation of the Osprey Mutant pack is here – and I asked my climbing obsessed husband to test the 38 litre version.

Osprey say: “The Osprey Mutant is a reliable, intelligently-featured climbing pack for year-round ascents. Designed for fast summer ascents through to winter summit pushes, the Mutant series will never be off your back when you climb.”

Features include:

  • Snow shedding fabric back panel
  • Dual ToolLock for ice ace
  • Underlid rope carry system
  • Removable HDPE frame sheet with aluminium stay
  • Internal hydration sleeve
  • Dual front daisy chains for flexible attachment options
  • Removable lid
  • FlapJacket top cover for use without lid
  • Glove friendly buckles
  • Integrate gear loops on hip belt
  • Ski/climbing helmet storage
  • Key attachment clip
  • Top load compression strap
  • Reinforced three-point haul system
  • Abrasion resistant PU texture to front panel
  • Reinforced base
  • Side ski carry
  • Sternum strap plus whistle
  • Sizes: 22, 38 and 52; S/M and M/L; unisex (use the Osprey digital sizer to make sure you buy the right pack.)
  • Price: Mutant 38 is £130.

 

Gordie uses the Osprey Mutant for climbing and walking.

On test: Osprey Mutant 38 rucksack

Gordie has owned a previous version of the Osprey Mutant 38 and so he has compared the new generation with that, as well as assessing he pack in its own right.

He writes:

This pack feels lighter than the one before and I recall that I was impressed by the weight of the first one I owned. It feels more comfortable on the back and somehow more supportive.

I like the new foam straps and hipbelt. The hipbelt also has useful gear loops and I like that the sternum strap has an emergency whistle.

I also like the pared-down design. Although I am a big fan of Osprey packs they can sometimes be over complicated; too many straps and pockets. But this Mutant is simpler and I prefer it.

Axe attachment.

For example, there is just a single compression strap rather than a side one as well. This is sufficient in my opinion and ideal for adjustments to the volume of the pack.

The fabric also feels more durable. My only complaint about the last model was that I ended up with tears in the fabric. I like that this pack seems generally more durable.

The removable back is still an option but I prefer comfort over lightweight so I have left it there.”

“The top of the pack can be removed and it’s simple and easy to do so. I tend to put on the lid when I need it rather than taking it off when I don’t. I prefer a simple pack.

Ideal way to carry a rope.

The helmet carrier is great and I like the clip for safe storage of keys.

One negative, however, is that the pocket in the lid, which was a feature of the last pack, has disappeared. I really liked that pocket.

Overall, this is now my back pack of preference for all mountain hill or climbing day trips unless I’m looking for a highly waterproof pack for an extremely poor weather day.

In conclusion, this is a versatile pack that is a good size for all kinds of days in the mountains. It’s comfortable, lightweight and has a simple design but with some clever features.

See Osprey.

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