The Osprey Dyna 6 running pack is a running “vest” style of pack. Like many other brands, Osprey is now offering runners a pack that fits like a glove to shoulders and upper torso.
Features include:
- Pack-vest style fit with dual adjustable/removable sternum straps
- Main Fabric: 70D x 140D Nylon Triangle Ripstop
- Volume: 6L
- Weight: 0.3 kg
- Two Hydraulics 500ml soft flasks with extension hose and bite valve
- Front zipped pocket
- Multiple PowerMesh pockets
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
- Compatible with Hydraulics LT reservoir
- Price: £100
- Sizes for women: S/M and XS/S
- Men’s version
- See Osprey Europe
On test: Osprey Dyna 6 running pack
I have been testing the women’s specific Osprey Dyna 6. There is a men’s version, too.
I prefer the vest style of running pack, compared to a traditional rucksack with a waistbelt, because it fits more neatly.
The vest style sits higher and more snugly on the upper back and shoulders.
I have the S/M size but I think I could easily have worn the XS/S. I do not have much of a chest and the S/M has lots of extra room thanks to the two sternum straps to fit a larger person and someone with a bigger chest.
I had the straps pulled as tightly as they would go. I found the pack stayed in place but it would be better to have a it more strap so that I can tighten the pack if I am wearing only a t-shirt in the summer.
Six litres is a good size of pack for longer summer runs and shorter winter runs. The pack easily accommodates a running jacket, spare baselayer, emergency foil blanket, map, compass, food, two water flasks and spare gloves and hat.
I would choose to wear the pack for a day race, even a long-distance ultra race.
If you need to take overnight kit, you’ll need a larger pack.
If you want to cary less the Dyna 6 pack is still a good choice. It works well even when almost empty, as well as when full.
There are several useful storage area. The main zipped compartment is where I stow spare clothing.
There is another smaller zipped pocket with a couple of open top mesh pockets and a clip for keeping keys safe.
On the outside of the pack is a non-zipped open pocket for stowing items that you want easier access, too. For example, an emergency waterproof jacket or gloves. It is made of a slightly stretchy fabric so that you can fit more inside.
The front chest straps have more pockets. There is a pocket each side for 500ml water bottles and mesh pockets lower down for gels, snacks or small bits and pieces.
There is also a zipped pocket on one side for other essentials, such as keys or more snacks.
In addition, there is another zipped main pocket for adding a more traditional hydration bladder. The tube can be fed through the pack and over the shoulder.
The pockets are well placed and useful.
The back and chest straps are made of a mesh material that allows good air flow. This will be very useful in the summer.
The two sternum straps can be removed if you don’t want to use them. I like both of them to be in place because it makes the pack feel more snug on my body.
I did find the clip system a bit hit-and-miss and fiddly. You need to align the narrow clips with the fastening panel and it is not that easy to do. Perhaps it’s my poor up-close vision that makes this tricky but I would prefer more old-fashioned style clips and fasteners.
On balance, the Osprey pack clips are better than the Salomon Advanced Skin 3 Adv 5 pack that I use more regularly (the fasteners are very, very testing) but why can’t we go back to the cli[ps and fasteners that have been on packs for decades?
The Osprey Dyna 6 has plenty of option for moving the sternum straps up and down the chest straps and this will be useful if you are trying to accommodate a larger chest.
There are also small adjustable side straps for a better fit.
The Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment is basic but useful.
As usual, Osprey have tried to cover all details and more. Osprey packs are always full of good features. They are also well made and durable.
The larger style zip loops are a good example of clever details. These can be easily used when wearing gloves, as well as bare hands.
I have many Osprey packs and suitcases that have stood the test of time and a lot of use.
See Osprey.