How to Choose a Backpack

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The women's Osprey Viva 65 pack provides essential features for backcountry travel and offers an incredibly versatile fit—all in a complete value package.
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View all Osprey Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 65 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,967 cubic inches |
Weight | 3 lbs. 13.8 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 14 - 20 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | 27 - 49 inches |
Material(s) | 210-denier ripstop nylon |
Frame Material | Steel alloy |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/front/lower/hip |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 4+ main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
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I bought this pack online to do some hiking in the Adirondack Mountains this summer. I was excited about the pack when it arrived - it seemed to be constructed well and fit all my gear nicely. Once I got hiking, however, I found the waist belt very uncomfortable. I tried to adjust it several times and in several ways but could not make it comfortable on my waist. I got to the point where I wanted to toss it off a high peak - but I restrained myself. I am 5' 7" and weigh #118 so I do not have a lot of natural padding on my pelvis and this did not help. I will be returning the pack to an REI store and hopefully find one that fits my body better.
I was excited about this pack when I tried it on in-store, but when I fine-tuned all the sizing and took it for a test hike it just didn't work for me. I like a lot of the features on it-- lots of places to clip things outside, stretchy pockets, lots of belts to cinch it down-- but the adjustable torso wouldn't get small enough for me. I'm not that short, either... I was sized at the upper end of a small or low medium. When I returned it, an associate thought maybe the top Velcro panel could slide between the two bottom panels to get smaller, but that seemed weird and lumpy. Regardless, it just didn't feel right to me. Bummed this one didn't work out (I loved that green color!) but I opted for a new pack that adjusts more easily to a shorter torso length and has better hip padding. I imagine that someone with wider hips might find the hip belts on the Viva to be inadequate. They are adjustable, too, but not super plush, and it seems like a ridge in the middle of the hip belt would feel weird. However, I think it's worth trying this pack on in-store with an associate's help to get it fitted.
I got this pack to replace a heavier, bomb-proof MacPac I have used for years. The Viva is 3 lbs. lighter than my MacPac, so I was interested to try it. My husband has the Volt, which felt good when I tried it. I'm concerned that I might have to sacrifice MacPac's durability for Osprey's lighter weight, but Osprey seems to have a good reputation, so I ordered one. It came and I, adjusted it to it's max. height and loaded it up with all my usual gear (about 45 lbs worth) and hefted it on. It was a bad fit, even when adjusted to the max - the straps were pressing down on my shoulders and the hip belt wasn't sitting solidly on my hips. I am 5'9" tall, with a long torso (19.5"). The Specs say it fits torso's 14-20", but I think if your torso is longer than 17", it's going to be feel small when loaded. Other annoying things: I could feel the pack's adjustment lines across my back -- like sitting on a lumpy couch. The trekking pole loop on the shoulder strap scrapes on the inside of your bicep when you walk. It's difficult to re-zip the belt pouches with one hand, while you're wearing the pack. I'm going to switch to the Volt, which seems to accommodate my height better. I may end up cutting off the trekking pole loop. Not sure I'll use the hip pouches much.
I used this pack for rainier and several other local two day summits. 43 pounds is about the limit but there is enough room for all overnight and climb gear. love the hip padding, side pockets and quick stash on the outside for muddy or wet items. note, crampons will rip the mesh-wrap them in something first. i had the guy at rei fit it for me and was really glad i did.
I bought this pack because I am very short (5'1") and was having trouble finding a pack to fit my torso. This one is wonderful and fits great. It's durable, lightweights and has lots of storage options. The ONLY complaint I have about it (after multiple adventures and miles) is that the side pockets that ride on your hip belt are NOT easy to zip up one handed when you are in the middle of a hike. I keep my inhaler in that pocket for easy access, but it takes two hands to zip that pocket back up. Overall a wonderful little pack tho.
Fan-freakin-tastic backpack. After having borrowed a supremely uncomfortable and ill-fitting pack for my first backpacking trip, I spent ages researching packs and was having a really hard time deciding. I went into my local REI and an employee fitted me for a pack, showed me several to try on, and was super helpful in explaining the features of each pack. I settled on the Osprey Viva 65 and it is easily my favorite thing I have bought this year, and perhaps ever! I broke it in on a four-day backpacking trip in the Uinta Mountains a couple of weeks ago and it was absolutely amazing. Incredibly comfortable, fits well, everything is super adjustable (I was skeptical about the one-size-fits-all, but it really does have a wide range of adjustability). It's durable, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed. The separate compartments were a big sell for me so I didn't have to pull everything out of the top when unpacking for the night. I love the side pockets - the mesh is super stretchy so you can fit large objects, and can be accessed from either the top or the front, so you don't have to take off your pack to grab your water bottle or ask your pal to get it for you. Exterior straps, buckles, and daisy chain loops mean literally everything you have has a home and is easily accessible. This pack was designed with a thousand tiny details which show the amount of love, labor, and experience that went into it. I also love that Osprey stands behind their products and guarantees they will repair or replace any of their packs, no matter how old they are. They've definitely earned a lifelong customer in me. I can't wait to take my pack all over the world, I know it will stand up to all the adventures I plan to put it through!
Got this at our local mountaineering shop for my daughter, as a step-up to a proper pack for longer excursions. She found it comfortable for 10-mile days, and loaded to about 35 lbs she didn't have any issues at all jumping and navigating technical trails. This pack has a cavernous main compartment, with a removable divider between the bottom and top, and lots of options for adjusting, cinching, tightening or expanding the various parts of the pack. In many ways a very simple pack, it has enough pockets to keep items organized while maintaining a lot of space for gear. Best part for me is that this can swallow up a full size Bear Vault lengthwise inside the pack, through the bottom access of the main compartment. We were so impressed with this pack that I decided to get myself the men's version, the Volt 75, which is almost identical but slightly bigger.
I purchased this pack in March to hike 100 miles on the NCT. 46 miles later, I have zero complaints. No issues with hotspots or rubbing. Best part? No back sweat! :D