Review Summary & Conclusion

Versatility and comfort are the two things that I look for most in backpacks. I’m an outdoor junkie and anything that keeps me in tune with nature keeps my juices up. I have a particular affection for mountain climbing, hiking, and bike riding. As a result, I look for backpacks that can accommodate all my regalia and supplies without the need for extra luggage.

Very few bags meet this threshold and one of them is the Tempest 20, which is basically a feminine version of the iconic Talon by Osprey. What makes this bag stand out from the rest is the comfort and convenience that it comes with. Featuring panel pockets, stash pockets, side pockets, a harness stash pocket, and hip belt pockets, this backpack has all the compartments for all the necessary supplies. It is also very comfy with an external hydration sleeve that facilitates proper air movements and stretchable harnesses for the perfect fit.

Overall Rating: Osprey Tempest 20

Comfort

The Osprey Tempest 20 is generally a comfortable backpack. Its back is constructed from mesh, which facilitates ventilation on the back area. The AirScape technology that utilizes the suspended mesh system keeps your back and the backpack separated. This reduces sweat build-up by allowing airflow and also keeps contents of the bag from poking on your back. The back panel is made of a flexible material, which allows for easier flexing and movement of the back muscles. The hip belt and shoulder straps are also padded for added ventilation. However, as mentioned earlier this backpack is only comfortable for smaller women. Even the larger option S/M appears to be very small for taller ladies. Furthermore, the hip belt is very small and may not work for you if you have a large lumbar area and hip region.

Weight

The Osprey Tempest 20 weighs only 26 ounces and is therefore among the lightest backpacks in the market today. This is quite impressive considering the fact that this backpack has so many features. The lightweight makes it very convenient for long distances, where you have to carry a lot of accessories and supplies. The less weight of the bag, therefore, reduces the overall weight making it both comfortable and easier to handle. Apart from being constructed from lighter material, the Tempest 20 also does not come with a rain cover and lacks a frame in its design.

Versatility

The Tempest 20 has so many features and functionalities, which makes it a very versatile backpack. The highlight of this pack is the Lidlock bike helmet. It offers an easier and quicker way of securing a bike helmet. It is as simple as pulling the plastic attachment through one of the helmets slots and letting the bungee cord hold it firmly in place.

It also includes the Stow-on-the-go feature, which is used for attaching trekking poles between the hip belt and the shoulder strap. It is a commendable attachment, although I found it quite uncomfortable for long distances. There is also the ice ax loop with bungee straps that holds the shaft.

In addition, the Tempest 20 has an array of compartments that are strategically placed for easy reach. It features a double zippered main compartment that can accommodate various gear, including a 15-inch laptop. On top of the main compartment is an internal mesh pocket with an attached key clip for various essentials. It also includes power mesh pockets on the sides that are stretchable and are fastened with side compressors.

On top of the backpack is a pouch that can be used to store easy to access accessories such as sunglasses, while on the front is a stretchable mesh pouch suitable for a rain jacket. Then, there is a small pocket on the left shoulder strap for a GPS unit and two zippered pockets on either side of the hip belt for your phone, sunscreen or any accessory you will be using frequently.

Furthermore, it has an external hydration sleeve, which allows for easier refilling of water reservoir without the need of reaching for it in the backpack. It has two pockets for two water bottles and a hydration bladder. As a safety measure, this backpack is constructed with reflective tempests that keep you visible to headlamps and torches at night or in low light conditions.

Build Quality & Durability

When it comes to durability, this backpack performs far beyond expectations. This is due to the fact that it is very light, which may trick you into believing that it is not sturdy. However, this pack was actually impressive when it came to handling all the weight I filled it with. The Tempest 20 is constructed from durable nylon material. To handle all the force of the weight, the bottom is made of nylon packcloth, which is thicker and tougher than the thin nylon constructed on the main body. In addition, the pack comes with an “All Mighty Guarantee” warranty from Osprey that will cover all repairs and replacement of defects, excluding holes.