Osprey  Skarab 30 Hydration Pack - Men's

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When you're in it for the summit, having a versatile and comfortable hiking pack is key. The men's Osprey Skarab 30 hydration pack has the storage and practical touches for all-day hikes.

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Features

  • Wide-mouth, bucket-style main compartment
  • Front shove-it pocket; heat-embossed, scratch-free zippered slash pocket
  • Dual, zippered large side panel pockets; dual, zippered hipbelt pockets
  • Dedicated hydration compartment with an included Hydraulics LT 2.5L reservoir
  • Adjustable sternum strap with magnetic bite-valve attachment
  • Dual upper side compression straps with trekking pole carrying ability; dual lower compression straps
  • Front panel daisy-chain attachment points; dual lower trekking pole attachment loops; ice axe loops

Imported.

View the Osprey Skarab Product LineView all Osprey Daypacks

Technical Specs

Best Use

Hiking

Frame Type

Internal Frame

Gear Capacity (L)

30 liters

Gear Capacity (cu. in.)

1,831 cubic inches

Reservoir Compatible

Yes

Reservoir Included

Yes

Bottle(s) Included

None

Liquid Capacity (L)

2.5 liters

Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.)

84.5 fluid ounces

Weight

1 lb. 8.6 oz.

Fits Torso Length (in.)

17 - 22 inches

Fits Waist/Hips

25 - 50 inches

Material(s)

210-denier double diamond ripstop nylon/420 high-denier nylon packcloth

BPA Free

Yes

Frame Material

AirScape EVA foam over an Atilon framesheet

Pack Access

Top

Number of Exterior Pockets

5 + main compartment

Hipbelt

Yes

Bite Valve Shut-off Switch

Yes

Dimensions

21 x 13 x 11 inches

Gender

Men's

Buying Advice

Reviews
49 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

26 out of 31 (84%) reviewers recommend this product

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Average Customer Ratings

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite osprey pack
Ivehikedb4
6 years ago
Don’t listen to “nothappy,” his one star review is laughable as there is nothing wrong with the bladder or the hook. Now for the pack.. I love it! If you’re not a fan of osprey packs that have a ventilation system that separates you from the pack (not saying these are bad, but packs like the Manta/Stratos create a much bigger footprint for not much more space) than this is the pack for you. Personally I was looking for a hiking bag that could be discrete in times where I need it to be a day pack for Disney/ etc., and this is perfect. A ton of space, great design, and the pockets easily fit a 20oz coffee style hydro flask. If you have a bigger one and are worried about not being able to ditch the bladder for a day, just loop one of the hooks into the handle and you’ll be able to secure it ( or grab a carabiner and loop it to many of the loops). If you’re incredibly worried about sweating from your back get the Manta as that would provide the best ventilation, but it will be a much bigger pack (comparing the 34L version to this one).
Ivehikedb4
CA
17 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 2.0 out of 5 stars
Good Osprey quality, but poor design
Sarvis
3 years ago
A little background- I have 4 Osprey packs, 3 hiking packs of various sizes and a luggage bag. The Skarab is the only one I can’t recommend. I’ve been using this pack for longer day hikes and above tree-line hiking. The amount of room is fine for my needs and the quality of the pack is no less than I would normally expect from Osprey. My issue is with the design of the pack. If you have anything in the small interior pouch, it makes the opening to the main compartment much smaller and thus less easy to pack or retrieve items, especially larger things like a jacket. So, I have to take everything out of the interior pocket or try to squeeze my gear through the smaller opening. One other thing- I would also prefer mesh pockets on the sides instead of zippered pockets that require me to take the pack off to access.
Sarvis
NH, USA
5 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

Skyy
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars

Major Engineering Flaw

3 years ago

As a Mechanical Engineer, we always test and put ourselves in the customers' shoes when designing a product. However, this Backpack overall have a ok design; the zipper on both side of the bottle pocket holder is sew in the wrong direction. Whenever, I put the bottle on the side pocket, the front side of the bottle is wide open exposed to potential gravitational pull, thus increase the chances of the bottle falling to the ground while hiking. When people hiking, they induce uneven motion to their body including the backpack. The flaw design of such bottle pocket holder is making me going into the store once again to return the product.

Age:25–34
Height:5'11"
No, I do not recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Ivehikedb4
California
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

My favorite osprey pack

6 years ago

Don’t listen to “nothappy,” his one star review is laughable as there is nothing wrong with the bladder or the hook. Now for the pack.. I love it! If you’re not a fan of osprey packs that have a ventilation system that separates you from the pack (not saying these are bad, but packs like the Manta/Stratos create a much bigger footprint for not much more space) than this is the pack for you. Personally I was looking for a hiking bag that could be discrete in times where I need it to be a day pack for Disney/ etc., and this is perfect. A ton of space, great design, and the pockets easily fit a 20oz coffee style hydro flask. If you have a bigger one and are worried about not being able to ditch the bladder for a day, just loop one of the hooks into the handle and you’ll be able to secure it ( or grab a carabiner and loop it to many of the loops). If you’re incredibly worried about sweating from your back get the Manta as that would provide the best ventilation, but it will be a much bigger pack (comparing the 34L version to this one).

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Colin
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great pack for 4 season day hikes!

4 years ago

Been using this for winter hiking, so I haven't used the hydration pack. I will say the hydration pack seems much heavier than platypus/camelback equivalents. Personally would swap it out. The pack itself is very nice for winter day hikes or long summer day hikes. Not sure it is quite big enough for anything overnight unless you packed ultralight and were using a hammock rather than a tent. Pros: Nice pockets on hip belt, straps on side are very good for carrying snowshoes, poles, etc., lightweight and comfortable. Zipper side pockets and the secret pocket behind your back for a phone, headlamp, etc. is nice. Cons: No mesh pockets for holding waterbottles. No bungee or other easy fastening method dedicated to holding shaft of ice axe. There are options to secure the axe, but most packs have a bungee, while this one leaves you having to be a bit creative.

Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
StreetMedic
In and around “The Whites”
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Solid purchase, “issues” aren’t deal-breakers

4 years ago

Solid purchase, “issues” aren’t deal-breakers. If you grab this pack, don’t worry, it is solid and will competently do what you need it to do. Two very minor little points: There is no built-in rain cover. Not a huge deal; easily worked around. I’ve just gotten used to a good chunk of well-designed daypacks having built-in rain covers (as best as I can tell to this point so far, the pack is not water-proof). Secondly, I’m going to heartily agree with the reviewer who complained about the fastening clip for the water bladder: it is difficult to manage – especially if you have sausage fingers – seems like there could have been a better way to do it, and honestly feels like it’s just waiting to fail. Time and use may ultimately serve to prove me wrong. I hope so. Regardless, still a solid piece of gear which I don’t regret picking up.

Age:55–64
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Kent
Colorado
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Perfect medium size pack!

4 years ago

I own 5 Osprey packs and love all of them! Best at comfort and they have all the bells and whistles but their a little bit heavier, and they come with a lifetime guarantee!!!!

Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Mt Mitchell
North Carolina
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great Pack

6 years ago

This pack is great. Did an all day hike today and have no complaints. As for the reviews that criticize how the bladder is held in place, it is the exact same design as other Osprey packs. It is not a defect.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Tahoe
Sierra Nevada
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Amazing Pack

4 years ago

This pack is perfect. I got it so I’d have a smaller day pack for hiking and skiing that could handle a decent amount of gear but not be too bulky. Of course it’s super well made, since Osprey never fails to impress. It doesn’t have a complex frame like other similar size packs, which is more what I was personally looking for. It makes it more low profile and versatile. It has just the right amount of pockets, and enough straps to be creative with strapping on gear but not so many that it’s overwhelming. It’s also extremely comfortable.

Age:18–24
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
Sarvis
NH, USA
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Good Osprey quality, but poor design

3 years ago

A little background- I have 4 Osprey packs, 3 hiking packs of various sizes and a luggage bag. The Skarab is the only one I can’t recommend. I’ve been using this pack for longer day hikes and above tree-line hiking. The amount of room is fine for my needs and the quality of the pack is no less than I would normally expect from Osprey. My issue is with the design of the pack. If you have anything in the small interior pouch, it makes the opening to the main compartment much smaller and thus less easy to pack or retrieve items, especially larger things like a jacket. So, I have to take everything out of the interior pocket or try to squeeze my gear through the smaller opening. One other thing- I would also prefer mesh pockets on the sides instead of zippered pockets that require me to take the pack off to access.

Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'1"
No, I do not recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large
Helpful?
AuxonPNW
Issaquah, WA
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Decent fastpacking backpack

5 years ago

I took this out over the weekend and clocked 72 miles on it. Fully loaded, I had 20 lbs in it and developed some achy-sore points after three days. After consuming food and fuel and getting down to 16 lbs, it felt much more comfortable. I did not experience any chafing anywhere. Ventilation felt good. The 30L volume was perfect for the 2-night solo expedition. I was constantly micro-adjusting the straps and never felt the glove-perfect fit I've felt with some running vests (such as the Salomon Adv. Skin 12), but it was comfortable enough. Overall, it felt like the weight of the pack was pulling me back more than pulling me down. I'll have to shift weight around next time to see if I can compensate. Attempting to run, I had some minor bounce. I didn't feel like I could ever get up to full running speed likely due to the packed weight vs. the pack itself, but I don't know. For the gram counters, my pack clocked in at 1.82 lbs. I was able to shave 1 oz off by trimming the excessive length straps (I hate bouncing straps). For my next trip out, I'm going to remove the stiff ventilation foam backing, which will save another 4 oz and I think improve fit/bounce. TBD. Also, Osprey's bladders are heavy. I'll probably switch it out for a lighter weight alternative. Hip pockets were really helpful and large, however, they are the only pockets you can realistically get to without taking the pack off. The addition of additional chest pockets would have been really appreciated. Bladder removal is a pain with a loaded pack (true of all bladder systems) and I highly recommend you figure out an inline refilling setup. I use Black Diamond's tri-folding hiking poles which do not fit well with the pole attachments on the rear of the pack. Instead, I added two small loops of shock cord and was able to store my poles on the chest straps with much success. Overall, I'm disappointed the pack weighed more than advertised, but it still works for my needs and I'd probably buy it again (although I still have my eye on the UD Fastpack 35).

Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
eightweight
Asheville, NC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Fly fishing pack

5 years ago

I was looking for a new back pack for fly fishing. Needed something streamlined with lots of pockets. It had to be light weight, fit close and tight but comfortably on the back, for wading rocky streams. Fly fishing outfitters offer their specialized packs. But they're usually expensive and over-worked. Came across the Osprey Skarab 30. It seems Osprey created a great little pack for fly fishing, without really meaning to. Here's how it packs: Right hip-belt pocket - two small fly boxes, dry's and nymphs/terrestrials Left hip-belt pocket - nippers, small forceps, floatant, indicator putty, sink putty Right side pocket - three spools of tippet and spare leaders Left side pocket - maps and compass Top pocket - head lamp, wallet, keys, cell phone, granola bars Interior top pocket - essential first aid kit Interior cargo pocket - wading jacket, fleece, gloves, knit hat, dry socks, dry base layer (in a water-proof trash bag) Back stash pocket - bottle of Gatorade, GPS, (a net if you think you need it) And just enough lash points for waders and boots. Yes, it comes with a hydration bladder . But I ditched that. My only complaint is the color; their best is "deep blue". Wish Osprey offered it in olive, grey, or tan.

Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product

Overall Fit Rating

Runs SmallRuns Large

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use
Helpful?
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