Osprey  Metron Airspeed 34 Pack

I bought the metron to replace it's predecessor that I bought a long time ago--one of the zippers kept getting stuck and the outler bottom pocket had developed some holes. The new version is functionally identical EXCEPT that the computer sleeve is no longer at the very back, but rather at the front of the back compartment. I would prefer that the computer sleeve be at the very back--that's the heaviest part of my load and also the flattest. Otherwise, the pack fits all of my needs. I use it for my daily walk to work as well as for travel. The expansion option allows me to pack a lot but still fit under the airplane seat in front of me. I don't use it on my bike because I don't do bike commuting much and it is a bit heavy and big for carrying on a road bike

I bought this for a daily bike commute and occasional travel. Overall, layout is smart, functional, and comfortable. The kickstand feature is quite handy as well. However, a few minor design issues keep this from being the ideal bag for me. The first is the location of the laptop sleeve. Instead of against the back panel, it is on the opposite side of the main compartment. This shifts the bag’s center of mass away from the back, making the weight distribution a bit awkward. The larger issue is that rigid items (like lunch containers, etc. placed in the main compartment press into the back panel, through the ventilated back, and can be felt while riding. The panel between the main compartment and back is pretty thin, non padded and non rigid, which contributes to this. The airspeed panel is, in theory, great, with the exception that it compresses when bent in cycling position, limiting airflow and leading to “hot spots” near the shoulders and aforementioned protrusions of items within the main compartment. This could be resolved by relocating the laptop compartment to the back and making the airspeed mesh a bit more rigid to retain airflow. I find the water bottle pocket to be a bit awkward as well, and would prefer a simple, standard water bottle pocket. In all, this is a great bag that is held back by small design issues. For me these issues are borderline deal breakers, but for you they may not be. Osprey designers, if you are listening: please add more reflective elements as well. We cyclists like being visible!

I got a discounted brownish one and it is nearly perfect. The pack is quite large (a tad bigger/wider than the tropos and nebula) but carries well and is a great everything pack. The front stretchy pocket is fantastic and fits my Kuhl The One Hoody, the laptop pocket suspends the laptop so it doesn’t hit the ground, the admin pocket is perfect for what I bring to work, the airspeed back is something I am getting used to but it is breathable on bike rides. The clips on the waist belt and sternum strap are unique and I don’t see why they used these over the typical clips. The side pockets are actually quite nice but I wish one was a large water bottle pocket like the nebula and tropos and parsec have. The kickstand is an excellent feature. This doesn’t fit my 22oz thermos but it fits a 16oz water bottle. Overall I’d say it is very good and most would like it but I don’t see why anyone would pay full price for this over the tropos given how similar they are but the tropos has better water bottle pockets and a better price.

I really like this bag -- it's well designed/made, comfortable and has loads of space. Even when it's filled and heavy, it still feels comfortable. The air-flow feature at the back is really smart. It's a great cycling bag but also perfect for normal commutes, weekend trips, etc. It's not cheap but surely worth it given the 30-year guarantee! My only gripe is that the pockets on the side only fit small water bottles...but I can deal with it given everything else is pretty much perfect.

I have been using Osprey backpacks for many years. I previously owned the Syncro 15 and Radial 34, and I have now purchased the Metron AirSpeed 34. Overall, it is a very high-quality backpack, and the AirSpeed system remains one of its main advantages. However, I have two significant concerns. 1. Laptop placement In the Metron AirSpeed 34, the laptop is positioned farther away from the user's back. In my opinion, this creates an additional potential safety risk: hard objects such as a power bank or charger may end up between the laptop and the user's back. In the event of a fall, such an object could concentrate the impact force on a small area of the back. If the laptop were positioned closer to the back panel, its large, flat surface would provide additional separation between the user's back and such objects and could help distribute the load over a larger area. In addition, positioning the laptop closer to the outside of the backpack makes it more vulnerable to damage in the event of a fall, impact, or compression. Finally, this placement also worsens weight distribution. A laptop is usually one of the heaviest items in a backpack, and the farther it is positioned from the user's back, the farther the center of gravity moves away from the body. For a cycling backpack, it makes more sense to keep heavier items as close to the body as possible. 2. LidLock On my previous Syncro 15 and Radial 34, the LidLock piece was wider and secured the helmet more reliably through its ventilation opening. On the Metron AirSpeed 34, it is significantly narrower, so if it accidentally rotates and aligns with the ventilation opening, there is a risk that it could slip back through and the helmet could be lost. Overall, the Metron AirSpeed 34 makes a very positive impression, but I consider these two design decisions a step backward. I hope Osprey will take them into account in future versions of the Metron and in the development of other models.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I commute to work everyday by bike and was after a nicer rucksack. I was pleasantly surprised by the good design. Especially the separate shoe section, bike helmet holder and the front pocket (which I find is very good for storing a bike lock cable). I was going to get the size below, but I am now glad that I got the 34 as there is plenty of space for spare clothes/shoes.

Love this packs bike theme and I was hoping to use it for photography as well, however I am 6ft and very large shoulders and surprised the pack did not fit me. The belt would not touch my hip so as a camera pack it would not be useful. I tested it in store and immediately returned it. Love REI and their return policies. You cannot beat their hands on customer service.

My previous bag was exactly this model of probably 8 years ago. Nothing wrong with it, just started looking tired. Was a no-brainer to (wait for the stock alert) and go for exactly the same thing. The overall quality is what you'd expect. The airspeed back panel is second to none. The adjustability and secure hold is superb. Unfortunately the frustration begins from here. The big one: the laptop sleeve is in the FRONT of the bag?! A key positive of the old bag was the "kickstand" that kept it upright when put down. No so anymore. With the pack extended to 34 (the size you bought it as) the thing falls flat on its face even with everything zipped up and other items in the main compartment. When you pick it up unzipped, the pack lurches forward. When it's on your back you can feel the laptop shifting around away from your back. Every time I interact with the bag I'm filled with frustration at this design point. Simple fix Osprey - Place the sleeve at the back?! (Major) No water storage on the outside. The old version could store a large protein shaker securely and with ease. The new pockets are so tight you will be lucky to stretch the smallest "cycling" water bottle in there. This is real world space and practicality lost over the old version as the bottles now have to go inside. Inside the bag there is nowhere to secure them in place. (Minor) The opening for the lock section isn't very stretchy and doesn't give the impression it'll last long) (Minor) The accessories opening reaches all the way to the bottom of the bag. If you have anything stored in the main compartment that becomes tight and unusable for anything that's not long and thin (e. g ruler). This would be better stopping at the accessory pockets so you can use the bottom for random bits. Bottom line: If you don't use a laptop, and don't value quick access water, this will honestly be a brilliant pack for you. I personally am on the fence as to whether to return the bag and carry on with the old one. Which says it all sadly!