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Three Things To Know:
- Fit That Feels Like a Hug – Designed specifically for women, the Tempest contours to your body, keeping the pack snug and stable no matter how bouncy the trail gets
- Potentially too Fiddly for Some - While there are a lot of pockets, some of them are too small or difficult to access
- Lightweight & Nimble – The pack feels barely there on your back, making it perfect for fast hikes, scrambles, or long days when every ounce counts
Our rating:
Design and Portability
Comfort and Support
Durability and Materials
Capacity and Organisation
Check availability at Osprey.
Backpacks are a bit like boots – you don’t necessarily notice a just how good a great one is, but you definitely notice a bad one. I'm constantly on the search for the best hiking backpacks - I’ve had packs that dug into my shoulders, bounced around as I walked, and ones that seemed to swallow everything I put inside, never to be found again. So when I picked up the Osprey Tempest, I was curious: could it finally be the pack that kept up with me rather than slowed me down?
Designed specifically for women and built with a close, body-hugging fit, it promises comfort, clever storage, and versatility for everything from quick hikes to full-on mountain days.
I’ve used it on walks in Snowdonia, commuting, and city breaks to see how it held up.
Design and Portability
I recognise that Osprey make great backpacks, I love my Renn 65, but I’m not a huge fan of too many fiddly tassels on a backpack. I find them overly complicated and a faff to use, and I usually prefer climbing brands for their no frills simplicity.
While the Osprey Tempest is generally sleek and well-organised, as you’d expect from Osprey, I did find a few drawbacks. The side pockets sit too high, making it impossible to grab a water bottle on the move – you have to remove the pack entirely to access them. Similarly, the main strap clips are tucked inside the front pocket, which makes them awkward to reach. On top of that, the straps are relatively short, so if the pack isn’t fully loaded, the top sits loosely, which can unevenly distribute weight and reduce the overall sense of security.
The dual hip belt pockets are useful for snacks, and the large stretch mesh front pocket is almost easier to access than the side pockets, and the pack also accommodates a hydration reservoir and includes attachments for trekking poles and bike helmets, making it adaptable for various activities, however, there is no in built rain cover.
Comfort and Support
Despite some drawbacks with the design, the Tempest is a comfy backpack. The AirScape™ back panel keeps my back cool even on steep, sunny climbs, and the BioStretch™ harness and hip belt wrap snugly around my torso and hips, distributing weight evenly so I rarely felt strain. On a recent walk in the Glyderau, I carried water, snacks, and extra layers, and the pack stayed stable without shifting, even on rocky sections. The hip belt pockets were useful for keeping energy bars within easy reach, and the overall support meant I could go further with less fatigue than with many other packs I’ve used.
Build Quality and Materials
Each Tempest pack features a Bluesign® APPROVED construction, ensuring that the materials used meet stringent environmental and safety standards. The main body is crafted from 100% recycled 100D high-tenacity nylon with a dobby check ripstop pattern, offering durability and resistance to abrasions. The bottom panel utilizes 100% recycled 420D nylon, providing additional strength in high-wear areas. These materials are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that is made without PFAS, aligning with Osprey's commitment to reducing harmful chemicals in their products.
Carrying it on several hikes, it’s clear that this pack isn’t just tough – it’s built to last, and I feel good knowing it’s made with eco-conscious choices.
Capacity and Organisation
As I mentioned, I’m not a fan of a few design features on the Tempest – but it is a useful size. The main compartment fits my jacket and snacks, and the stretch mesh front pocket is handy for quick-access items. However, the side pockets are essentially inaccessible while wearing the pack – you have to take it off to reach water, which I found irritating. The dual-zippered hip belt pockets are good for snacks or keys, but even my old iPhone 8 only just fits, making it tricky for larger modern phones. I also found that unless the main straps are fully tightened with a full load, the top hood pocket tends to flop over – if open, it can easily spill its contents. Overall, it’s practical – but these quirks can be frustrating in use.
Value For Money
Excellent build quality and durability for the price but some of the accessories make it less practical.
Sustainability
Uses Bluesign®-approved materials and PFAS-free DWR coating and 100% recycled nylon fabrics, and the durable construction extends lifespan.
Should You Buy It?
The Tempest is a durable and high quality backpack but with some faults.
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Why not take a look at our guide to the best hiking backpacks.
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