Gear Review: Osprey's Hornet Backpack

Osprey's Hornet 32

      The second most important thing when your out on a backpacking trip is your pack.  A properly fit and sized pack is a key part to enjoying your backpacking experience.  There are many types of backpacks out there from massive expedition packs to day packs.  About six months ago I started planning a trip to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, when the question arose, what pack was I going to take?  Normally when you think of Osprey Packs you think of super well thought out multi-feature packs; the Hornet almost fits that stigma, except for the fact that it cuts out a majority of "useless" features to a long distance hiker, but retains a well thought out construction.  In particular this review is on the 32 liter version.

      As I stated before a properly fit and wisely chosen pack is key to a happy backpacking experience.  The Hornet is defiantly more of a specialized niche pack.  I would not recommend this pack for anyone new to backpacking, or attempting to carry more than 25 lbs, My first day with the pack I was at 30 lbs and after 20 miles it felt like the shoulder straps were made of raw leather.  I would recommend this pack to a moderate to advanced backpacker looking for a ultralight minimalist setup for long fast hiking.  Some of the feature I really liked about the Hornet are:

• Weighing in at only 1 lbs 4 oz, the hornet is almost in a league of its own, when compared to other
  "ultralight" backpacks from large manufacturers.
• 25x12x11 make nearly perfect dimensions, not to tall, and close enough to your body that it keeps your center of gravity nearly the same as plain old walking.
• InsideOut compression straps run along both sides of the pack.  Personally I think this is the greatest feature, aside from the weight and dimensions.  You can throw whatever you need quickly in these mesh pockets, or if you have something that doesn't quite fit in the mesh you can put the straps on the outside and tighten them down.
• Like almost all of Osprey's packs, the hornet comes with an external hydration sleeve.
• On the back of the pack lies a single vertical over skirt compression strap, it's linked to a mesh packet on the back perfect for a rain jacket or sweater. 
• Like most packs now a days it comes with a hip belt and shoulder strap pockets, too small for a digital camera.  The way I look at it along with the Ice axe loop is something to cut off to save a few extra ounces.
• Last is the removable top pocket.  These come off of most packs and is a relatively common feature but super useful on this setup because it can double as a separate internal storage, or be lost completely for around 4 ounces making this a sub 1 lbs pack.

      If your looking for a long distance light weight pack this is for you.  All Osprey packs come with a lifetime warranty no matter what happens to them, run it over with your truck or burn it in a fire as long as they can tell it was theirs they will replace it with the same or newer version of the pack.  Not to mention that the price has came down drastically since I bought mine.  At only $130 dollars or less, possibly sub 1 lbs, and a lifetime warranty, this deal is nearly unbeatable when compared to ULA or Western Mountaineering packs in the same category.  By far the best pack that I have owned.  One full year in and no noticeable wear or faults.  Feel free to leave some input on ultra light packs, or contact me with any questions.  And as always I encourage you guys to go check Osprey Packs out! 

-Tattooed Adventure