Ease of Use

We all need flexibility for moving up and down tricky terrains. The Tempest 20 does all that and more as it features a continuous-wrap harness and hip belt for security, plus the injection-molded AirScape™ back panel for ease of movement. The pack panel also combines EVA foam padding for extra comfort.

The Tempest 20 has lots of great features that make it super easy to use. For example, keeping hydrated is easy with external hydration access, or you could also keep water bottles in the stretch mesh side pockets. The internal key attachment clip also makes keeping your keys from falling to the bottom of your pack a breeze.

Although slightly expensive for a light day pack, the Tempest 20 presents serious value for money with the amount it can do. Admittedly it’s not big enough to hold weekends camping equipment; however, it has ample room to store a full-sized laptop and your bike helmet on the back. It can easily be used for day-hiking, cycling, or commuting.

Technical Features

However, this Osprey pack does have some superb technical features for weekend adventuring. There are other attachments for your trekking poles, ice axes, and a blinky light. Despite all these features, the versatile Tempest 20 is still an incredibly lightweight yet technical pack.

The other outstanding features include the front stretch mesh pocket, which, although slightly small, is super helpful for storing light jackets, maps, and other somewhat bulky items. Additional functional pockets include one main zippered compartment, an internal zip net pocket, two side pockets, and one small zip compartment.

I never buy a back without hip belt pockets, so I like the Tempest 20 has these. They are perfect for holding any of your quick-access items, such as phones, compass, snacks, or gloves. The big zip toggles are also super convenient for opening with gloves on. What’s worse than having to take your gloves off in icy and wet weather?

Comfort

You can’t have comfort without a good fit. Osprey knows this is essential, evident in the adjustable fit you’ll usually find with their packs. The Tempest 20 maintains a good fit with the Velcro-adjustable torso length. It also comes in small and large, making it easy for their customers to find a snug fit. The wearer should also get a comfy and easy fit with side compression straps that adjust from the outside.

One of the features that stand out as providing superior comfort comes from the EVA-constructed foam back panel. You’ll also find your back can breathe with the ribbed back panel, with a design focussed on allowing the airflow to travel through the channels meant to help keep your back cool.

Extra comfort also comes with a lightweight design based on flexible movement without sacrificing stability. In addition, the injection-molded, die-cut foam AirScape™ back panel allows for a genuinely breathable, close-to-body fit.

There is plenty more comfort to be had with the flexible BioStretch harness and hip belt and a continuous lumbar-to-hip belt wrap. There is nothing worse than a stiff pack that doesn’t move when you do. Even packed to the max, this pack is super comfortable and easy to use.

Materials

Osprey knows what they’re doing when it comes to materials, and I think that shows with the combination of light yet sturdy 70-Denier and 100-Denier Mini Shadow Brick nylon. However, even with the adding 420HD nylon packcloth bottom, the pack still only weighs in at 31 ounces.

Osprey also demonstrates their eco-conscious ethos using sustainable materials, featuring a high-quality bluesign®-approved recycled high-tenacity nylon. I always prefer to buy from a brand that cares about the environment.

Durability

Osprey demonstrates their expertise in hiking packs with apparent, impressive durability. You would expect this pack to be durable, as I’ll admit it’s not the cheapest I have ever used. However, quality materials do come at a quality price.

I expected uncompromising durability with this pack, and I wasn’t disappointed as it stood up tremendously against rain showers, snow and constant use through heavy terrain.

There was a couple of hair moments when I worried the bag had split, brushing past bushes, and getting caught in branches, but alas, there was no damage at all. The hardy and robust fabric make for a hard-wearing pack.

The Tempest 20 has everything you need for day hikes, commuting, biking and day sightseeing, that’s for sure. However, it probably doesn’t have everything you need for weekend city sightseeing trips, backpacking or camping trips due to its limited space and potential weight capacity.

If you need a bit more room or scope for longer day hikes, you could try out the Osprey Tempest 30. The features are all very similar to the smaller Tempest 20, but with a top loader and ten more liters to play with, it just gives a little more wiggle room.

This not enough for you? Luckily, Osprey has a wide range of packs to suit anyone’s needs. The Osprey Tempest 40 again has all the standard versatile features you’ll find in the Tempest 20, but again with twenty more liters.

Not enough? If you need something massive for mountaineering, why not check out the Osprey Aether Pro 70 rucksack. This is built for all-day hiking, mountaineering or backpacking adventures. Packing and organising all you need is easy with the vast 70-liter capacity and supreme features, again that come as standard with Osprey packs.

I’m yet to find an Osprey pack that’s not superb value for money. Yes, they run at a slightly higher price, but you are paying for quality, versatility and comfort, no matter which range you buy.

Whether I’ve been hiking, sightseeing, or just making my way to work, the Tempest 20 has stood up against the competition as one of the more comfortable and dynamic packs I’ve used. Moving as you move is an excellent and unique feature.

With breathability not compromised by superb durability, this Osprey range is an all-around hiker that should suit anyone looking for a day hiker.