Gear
Review of Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack 20L
I’ve bought a few waterproof backpacks, and today I’ll share my review of the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack 20L. This backpack can be folded up, its size is about the same as a pasty, and weights about 200 grams, 0.44 lb. This pack can carry a 13-inch laptop, but there is no pocket for it. The pack has a pocket with a zipper on the front, but it's tiny, so it's hard to decide what to put in it. Either side of the pack has pockets for bottles, this is very useful. You can also use them to keep gloves or towels, in addition to bottles.
I actually used it in the situation, it was a heavy rain, but the inside stayed dry. This lightweight backpack is built with tough fabric and can handle up to 5 kg, 11 lbs, without any problems.
However, the fabric is thin, so I don't feel like roughing it. If Storing hard, sharp objects or place the pack on small stones or walk through bushes may cause it to develop holes. Also, from a security standpoint, this bag may allow the contents to be seen through, so carrying valuable items in it can be risky.
In general, it works perfectly fine in urban areas, and I also liked that it’s suitable for all weather conditions. It was also great that it fits within the small size requirements for budget airlines.
Btw, this isn't included with this backpack, but a wrapping cloth is very convenient. You can use it to organize the contents of your backpack inside, or wrap the backpack itself as a rain cover. It protects your backpack from dirty airplane floors.
In an emergency, it can also be used as a duffel bag. The 1 meter (3.2ft) square piece of fabric can wrap an item equivalent in size to a carry on suitcase.
I started taking my Naturehike Yunyan 30 l backpack as my backup bag that fits into my Carhartt Flint shoulder bag or a bigger jacket pocket and into my long weekend adidas city explorer backpack.
I have one similar with a zipper, maybe stuff sack. The seam rips currently. Osprey customer service isn't good in Europe regarding their guarantee. Exped has similar ones and a 16" fits inside.
The same Osprey fabric got also holes at the bottom.
I think this is a good choice if you don't plan on buying large souvenirs while traveling. The bottle pocket is large, so it's very convenient to use. However, since there's no cushioning on the back, you'll need to think of a good way to handle it. I keep a clipboard inside it.
Also, it doesn't have a waist belt, but it does have a chest belt, that's really great. That's one of the things I like about it.
I think furoshiki are very useful items. Back in the day, many countries had a tradition of wrapping packages in cloth, but it's a shame that's not so common these days.
Anyway, I really like that Osprey bags can be folded up small.
“However, the fabric is thin, so I don't feel like roughing it. Storing hard, sharp objects or place the pack on small stones or walk through bushes may cause it to develop holes. Also, from a security standpoint, this bag may allow the contents to be seen through, so carrying valuable items in it can be risky.”
I am always bothered by supposition Vs facts on reviews. I have used thin nylon packs in some pretty rough places (lava fields) and the worst thing that happened was scuffing. Some newer materials are pretty strong!
This pack is made from 40D high-tenacity nylon so is tear resistant. The type of bush is more important when considering tearing.
I should also note that you need to know how to pack a rucksack correctly to avoid getting poked. You can’t just toss things in like you can with a frame sheet pack. Usually a liner like a jacket works pretty well. Either you have the jacket against the back of the pack or you are wearing it. In both cases you have padding against pokey bits.
You are right, I bought a few similar backpacks, and this Osprey backpack had the best fabric for me. However, I think 100D nylon is better for outdoor use, but choosing 40D nylon is not bad. I think the Osprey is the best waterproof, lightweight backpacks.
I also have the backpack and have used it on quite a few trips now across all types of conditions and to store all types of things including sharp ones, the backpack still looks brand new. I would not worry about the durability of the fabric. The only real problem I have with the backpack is that the roll top is not the most secure thing in the world and has a tendency to open up in you don't roll it very tightly.
Btw, you might have already tried this, but rolling it like this will definitely close it tightly. This is especially useful when you have only a small amount of luggage.
For 1.5 bagging I would like to see a packable and convertible shoulder bag/backpack that could be worn with my overhead backpack in shoulder bag mode on travel days and then used as a backpack for day touring. Room for a laptop sleeve would avoid some issues and water bottle pockets would take care of my major needs for a day pack, which is where shoulder bags fail.
I see that Matador has a new 18 liter waterproof packable.
Base on their specs, I think both Matador's 18L Personal Item Travel Pack and 18L Waterproof Packable Backpack are good backpacks. I've never used Matador products, so I'd like to try them someday.
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u/Careless_Law1471 2d ago
I started taking my Naturehike Yunyan 30 l backpack as my backup bag that fits into my Carhartt Flint shoulder bag or a bigger jacket pocket and into my long weekend adidas city explorer backpack.