Osprey  Tempest Velocity 30 Pack - Women's

I wore out a normal Tempest 30, and have an assortment of hydration vests and packs for work and SAR. This was the first real volume day pack I saw that has the strap pockets so I HAD to try it. I LOVE the runner-style pockets on the shoulder straps. I can pop my reading classes on one side and a cell phone or my InReach on the other, in easy reach without dropping pack. The worst negative is the top closure. Normal Tempest has the top pocket made of real pack cloth, that is somewhat water repellent. If you are packing a coat or plastic map pouch strapped on top it helps protect the drawstring hole, but then you always have to unload everything to access field equipment or lunch underneath, EVERY SINGLE TIME. Which risks losing stuff in the leaves.

I really really like this pack. I'm about 5'3" so the XS is perfect. The hip belts don't dig into my hips that much with about 10 pounds of weight in the pack. The shoulder straps are super comfy and the pack cinches down pretty well. It's one of the few packs I have that actually have decently sized phone pockets for an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The hip belts are not sized for a phone, it's really only the pockets that rest on the shoulder straps that are. You have one internal pocket in the main compartment and that's it, but I didn't really find that too much of an issue. You also have like 4 external mesh pockets that are really nice to stuff a jacket or a rain cover into. My gripes with this pack do not outweigh that this really is one of the better packs I've tried from Osprey so far, so I'm giving it 5 stars. This pack really is very good. My first issue is the water bladder compartment. It sits directly behind the airscape velcro backing where you can adjust the torso length size for the pack. Putting a water bladder into this pack is one of the more frustrating experiences I've ever dealt with. You very nearly cannot put a full 3L water bladder into this pack while the pack is full of stuff, the bottom of the bladder almost always gets caught on something that is inside the main compartment of your pack and bends upwards, causing the bladder to just get stuck and not able to be pushed down any further. When I finally figured out how to do all this, it was a little bit easier, but no where near just being able to put it in and go. I couldn't imagine trying to do this while on the trail at a river or a faucet or something, you'd almost certainly have to unpack your entire pack just to do that. The reservoir also takes up a large amount of space inside the pack. My second issue is the drawstring that closes the main compartment of the pack. It's literally just a custom length shoe string colored in whatever color the pack is colored (mine was pink), which is fine, it means that I can replace the drawstring when it inevitably frays, which I think might just happen. The drawstring is so tight against the part that cinches the string down, with absolutely no ability to release this tension to open the pack. So you have to awkwardly and forcefully pull the string outward while holding onto the orange cincher tab, so it makes it feel like you'll fray the drawstring. It's just a really weird design choice, and it's a weird experience. This pack is great and the issues I mentioned don't negate what I find to be really awesome about it, I just wish Osprey did some things differently with the pack.

This bag is so well designed in so many ways. I tried hard to make it work, but in the end returned for three reasons. First, it is very difficult to get a 2L bladder into the external sleeve. It fits fine empty, but with any volume it is nearly impossible. I tried packing gear differently to allow more room with no luck. I could get the bladder in and take it out, but it was very difficult and not worth the hassle. Second, the back was much less comfortable with the water bladder inside. Just not the comfort I expect with Osprey. Finally, I found the harness uncomfortable. I’m 5’2, petite with a 17” torso, toned shoulders and a small chest. The harness put pressure on my collar bones and felt restrictive. There is a lot to love about this bag, so if you don’t plan to use a bladder, I would recommend you try it out. The main bag is easy to access and holds a lot for the size. The front mesh pocket and two side pockets are generous. It carries weight well. The zippered pocket in the harness actually fits an iPhone 13.

This is the first pack I've ever used that has completely eliminated back pain while hiking for me. The capacity is pretty good - I wish there were a bottom access for it, but that's not a deal breaker. I've used this for everything from small day hikes where I'm carrying more than usual up to an overnight. The running vest style straps have been both my favorite and least favorite parts of this bag. I love that I can fit my phone in the zipper compartment and can carry some extra nutrition, flasks, and bear spray, but much like my regular running vests, they hold a smell. And unlike my regular running vests, I can't just throw them in the wash when I get home. So I haven't loved having to wash the whole thing after every use, but otherwise it's a great pack.

I have been using my old Tempest Velocity 24 for several years. I loved that pack but now that I bring my dog hiking, I needed a bigger bag to carry my stuff and hers. I was going back and forth to between the upgraded version sizes (20L vs 30L) for some time until I saw they were part of REI’s sale. I decided to go for the bigger bag option and I am so glad I did! I always carry a sit pad with me and it fits underneath the pack instead of in a side pocket. I love the ease of use for the water bottle holders I love having the capability of having my 1.5L water bladder. The way the bag closes is weird but if the mesh is full it seems more secure. I have used this new pack a couple of times now, so I am still getting used to it and trying to side out the best adjustment points for me, but overall I’d highly recommend!

I bought this to upgrade from my old Tempest 24L. I wanted something a bit bigger and more spacious since I bring my dog with me and carry her stuff on hikes. I was going between getting the 20L or the 30L and I’m glad I went with the 30L. It is the most comfortable pack I’ve ever put on and worn for a hike. My back and shoulder felt great and I love the front pockets!

Great daypack! Love the supportive hip straps & vest straps with extra pockets & storage. Game changer on hikes for easy accesibility!

Super light and more pockets like a running vest where I can put my cellphone, blocks.