Osprey Skarab 32 Review – Multipurpose Daypack

If you are in search for a multipurpose daypack, this Osprey Skarab 32 review is for you. This is an ultra-lightweight versatile hydration daypack with a reservoir included.

Key features & benefits

Who is it for – what type is it

The Scarab 32 is suitable for any sort of daily adventures, like hiking, traveling, biking, and for urban use as a pack for commuters. This is a 32 liters volume tool that provides enough space for any day tour and even for light overnight adventure which would imply staying in an Alpine hut. This pack is included in my list of top hydration packs for 2018.

The design is simpler than in some other Osprey’s much more expensive packs, but you still have enough of Osprey’s recognizable features in it.

So this is a multipurpose tool, perfect for those who do not want to spend too much regardless if it is for outdoor or urban use. For occasional outdoor excursions, this pack will offer all you need, and in the meantime, you can use it for commuting and for any other urban purpose.

This is the largest pack from the series which includes also Skarab 18, and Skarab 24 packs.

Construction

This is a panel-loading type with a long top zipper, so it opens like an ordinary pack for the city use.

Compression straps and attachment elements

It has dual compression straps on the sides, surprising to see in such a short pack; see below. You can use them to attach some gear which you would store in the side pockets. The design of the side straps is different in the two versions of the pack.

There are dual loops on the bottom for trekking poles, plus a larger loop for an ice axe, I love to see them there.

The suspension system

The suspension is minimal in design, no metal frame, only a foam frame sheet and a stiffener. The harness and hip belt are BioStretch for an enhanced fit in aerobic activities. So it flexes and moves with the body, but this also implies that you do not have much ventilation on the back.

The pack is supposed to carry up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) of load, but without a real frame, I would not go to the limits.

Bonus: reservoir included

The pack comes with a top-quality Hydraulics LT 2.5 liter reservoir shown above. It features an extra-wide sliding plastic clip opening for a quick and easy cleaning and fast refills, and magnetic sternum strap bite valve attachment shown in the picture above. In the reservoir, you will notice welded baffles so that water does not slosh too much. It has a handle on the top for removing it and to use when refilling.

You can see more about these reservoirs in this video by Osprey:

Pockets and compartments

You have an external reservoir sleeve behind the harness, for an easy access to the reservoir. On the top, you have a scratch-free zippered stash pocket, and one larger with organizers. Below on the front, you have a very useful large shove-it pocket which is secured by straps on the sides. On its face, you have yet another zippered front pocket; note that its zippered entrance is different in the two versions of the pack.

There are dual zippered pockets on the hip belt, quite impressive to see in such a small pack. On the sides, you have the usual stretch mesh pockets for gear or for water bottles.

Here is a short promotion video about the Scarab and Skimmer series (for men and women):

Specifications 

• Best use: hiking, commuting, travel.
• Gender: pack for men.
• Type: panel loading.
• Warranty: limited lifetime.
• Weight:
  – S/M: 1 lb 12.6 oz (0.81 kg).
  – M/L: 1 lb 14.7 oz (0.87 kg).
• Maximum weight: 25 lb (11.3 kg).
• Volume:
  – S/M: 1831 cu in (30 l).
  – M/L: 1953 cu in (32 l).
• Liquid capacity: 84.5 fl oz (2.5 l).
• Dimensions:
  – S/M: 18 x 14 x 13 in (46 x 36 x 33 cm).
  – M/L: 20 x 14 x 13 in (51 x 36 x 33 cm).
• Hydraulics LT 2.5 l reservoir included.
• BPA free.
• Not adjustable torso size.
• Fits torso:
  – S/M: 16 – 19 in (41 – 48 cm).
  – M/L: 18 – 21 in (46 – 53 cm).
• Fits waist/hips:
  – S/M: 26 – 45 in (66 – 114 cm).
  – M/L: 28 – 50 in (71 – 127 cm).
• Materials:
  – 210D nylon double diamond ripstop.
  – 600D pack cloth.
  – Frame: foam frame sheet with stiffener.

Summary & rating

Osprey Packs Skarab 30 Hydration Pack

8.4

Volume-Weight ratio

9.6/10

Features & bonuses

8.6/10

Comfort

7.0/10

Pros

• Very versatile pack.
• Very lightweight.
• Bonus reservoir.
• Very reliable and high-quality tool. Two sizes.
• Very good price.

Cons

• No rain cover.
• Not so great ventilation.
• Not adjustable torso length.
• No frame.

Buy on Amazon

Buy at REI

If you need a smaller pack from the same series, please check the Skarab 24 pack. Note that they have the corresponding Skimmer series for women, with Skimmer 30 and Skimmer 16 presented in the site so have a look.

If you need something different in this size range, please check my page with packs below 35 liters. Many top models are presented there, and you will surely find something for you.

Thank you for reading. In the case of questions or comments, please use the comment box below. Have a nice day.