Gear Reviewer & Photo Edits by: Kayla (@wildnerness_kay)
Photos by: Ian Miller (@ianmiller_7)
Have you heard about the fairytale story, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears?” If you have, then you might remember that Goldilocks was in search of things that were “jusssst right.” So how does this story relate to outdoor gear? Well, as an avid hiker, I have tried many backpacks, some “too small” and some that are “too big!” Just like Goldilocks' pursuit to find things that suit her perfectly, when Valhalla Pure Outfitters sent me the Osprey Tempest 26L bag, I immediately said that this backpack is, “JUSSSST RIGHT!”
Whether you love to hike, bike, or travel for weekend getaways, the Osprey Tempest 26L daypack is an ideal fit for all of your wild adventures!
Highlights of the Osprey Tempest 26L:
Comfortable size and fit
Innovative design features
Versatility for multiple activities
Size & Fit
As soon as I tried on the Osprey Tempest, I said out loud, “This fits me like a glove!” This daypack comes in a women’s specific fit as it has an ergonomic design that features a longer sternum strap and a narrower hip belt, offering a comfortable and secure feel. As someone that is 5”2 with a long torso, I love how this backpack has a micro-adjustable sliding back panel which allows for an accurate close-to-body-fine-tuning fit.
Now, let's talk about size and storage capability! The Tempest comes in a number of different sizes 6L to 33L.Choosing the Tempest 26L was the best decision. Having already owned a 6L bag and 38L bag, finding the perfect backpack for day hikes was of top priority.
On my recent day hike to Spion Kop via Paintbrush and Tower, an 7.1 km out-and-back trail in Lake Country, British Columbia. I had the opportunity to test out the Osprey Tempest on this challenging route. Before the hike, I quickly found out that the backpack still remained lightweight while holding a lot of items. As someone who thinks it is important to carry the 10-essential items for a day hike (water, illumination, food, sun protection, first-aid, etc.), the Tempest offered storage for these crucial items, plus more.
On past hikes, I have found that when I have a daypack that is “too small”, I opt-out from taking a rain jacket or extra snacks as it just won’t fit. However, I am so glad, the Tempest 26L has just the right amount of space so I can satisfy my ravenous appetite or bring that extra gear for those cold and windy summits. During the hike, when the terrain got more technical the backpack provided optimal stability to ensure a successful and comfortable hike.
Not only is the Osprey Tempest 26L bag the perfect size and fit, it is also apparent that it is thoughtfully designed with many innovative features built for many activities.
Features
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the features on the Osprey Tempest 26L are endless. First of all, I personally love a lot of pockets. Before setting off on an adventure, the Tempest has an internal mesh-zipped pocket and a built-in clip, to ensure that your car keys are safely stowed away (trust me, you don’t want to lose those) before heading off to the trailhead. Additionally, this bag offers accessible double hip pockets which is prime real estate for all snacks and on the go items. It also has two side external pouches with secure adjustable straps to hold water bottles and sandals. In case of any outdoor emergencies, the external zipped pocket can hold a first-aid kit or any small items. I can already predict that the Osprey Tempest will be a piece of gear that I will be using long term, as it is made from durable materials and heavy duty wide-ringed zipper pulls.
Versatility Options
This highly functional bag not only holds a bicycle helmet and a hydration bladder but it also has attachment points for your ice axes and trekking poles. While it is the perfect bag for hikes or bike rides, I also found it to be the ideal carry-on bag for my weekend trip to Edmonton, Alberta. My favourite feature is the breathable front pouch for those "Stow-on-the-Go" items (a wet towel, jacket, book etc.). This stretchable and ventilated pouch was the perfect section for my still damp items such as a bathing suit or a towel that I need for a last minute dip in the hotel hot tub before catching my return flight back!
Overall, from ample cargo space to incredible features, the Osprey Tempest 26L bag is a must-have multi-purpose daypack that will have you saying…this backpack is, “JUST RIGHT!”
About the Author
Kayla is a Digital Content Creator (@wilderness_kay) from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. As an avid hiker, gear enthusiast and novelty-seeking adventurer, she specializes in promoting a fun outdoor lifestyle. Her journey has been one of growth and healing as she explores the mountains and travels into the unknown. She truly believes that we can all create a beautiful painting of our lives when we try new things and when we awaken to the heart of the wild.