This Osprey Syncro 3 Review is about a tiny pack that comes with a metal frame and a trampoline-style suspension, and it includes a 2.5 liters reservoir. Read more here.
Key benefits & bonuses
- 2.5 l hydration reservoir included.
- Two sizes for the torso length to choose.
- Surprisingly, this is a pack with a metal frame.
What is in the name – who is it for
The Syncro series has been around for many years already. Presently, there are several packs in the series, and there is a lot of confusion in the description of their features. The Syncro 3 is the smallest, and the series also includes hydration packs of 10 and 15 liters. Note that the two bigger packs have some extra features, hence the confusion in the descriptions that you can see on the Internet. This is the smallest pack in my list of hydration packs for 2018.
This is a really tiny pack with the reservoir compartment only, suitable for cyclists, hikers, trail runners, technical rock climbers, etc. But you can use it also for city walks without the reservoir.
Overview of features
The pack comes in two sizes, so you have different torso length and different pack’s volume in general.
This is a hydration pack with little space for anything except for its water reservoir which is the main feature of this hydration system, see it shown below.
The reservoir
You have Osprey’s Hydraulics LT 2.5-liter reservoir included here. This is a quality, high-performance tool with welded baffles to reduce sloshing and to keep its shape when the water level is reduced. The bladder is with anti-microbial treatment. You have a magnetic attachment on the sternum strap. See more about the Osprey’s reservoirs in this video:
The suspension system
This is a great feature of the pack. Here you have what they call LightWire frame AirSpeed back panel. In simple words, you have a peripheral aluminum frame and a tensioned trampoline style mesh which keeps the pack always away from the body, see the picture below. So you always have a perfect air circulation. There is no better system, I have been using such packs in the past 15 years. This system was introduced by Deuter several decades ago.
The harness is BioStretch, so basically just a mesh; you do not need anything else here. The pack is with the hip belt, so this together with the adjustable sternum strap will prevent the pack from bouncing when you run with it.
Pockets and compartments
As I mentioned above, be careful with the descriptions on the internet, you will read about several pockets (and some other features). The reality is that there are 3 in total:
- The main compartment with the reservoir inside shown below.
- One front zippered pocket for valuables and keys, you can see it in the top picture above.
- One stretch shove-it front pocket for an extra layer, like a shell jacket and waterproof pants.
Other elements
- You have a blinker light attachment on the bottom.
- There is a helmet attachment system on the top.
Specifications
- Type: hydration pack, panel loading.
- Gender: unisex.
- Two sizes, S/M and M/L.
- Weight:
– S/M: 0.84 lb (380 g).
– M/L: 0.88 lb (400 g). - Volume:
– S/M: 122 cu in (2 l)
– M/L: 183 cu in (3 l). - Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 4 in (41 x 23 x 10 cm).
- Fixed torso length.
- Fits torso:
– S/M: 16 – 19 in (41 – 48 cm).
– M/L: 18 – 21 in (46 – 53 cm). - Fits waist:
– S/M: 26 – 45 in (66 – 114 cm).
– M/L: 28 – 50 in (71 – 127 cm). - Warranty: limited lifetime.
- Adjustable sternum strap.
- Material: 100D Nylon Honey Comb.
- Frame: aluminum.
- Hydration compatible.
- Hydraulics LT 2.5 l reservoir included.
- Colors: 3.
Summary, rating, pros & cons
In the conclusion of this Osprey Syncro 3 Review just to stress that this is Osprey again with a nicely built reliable product, a great tool if you can afford it. The integrated reservoir adds value, and you can use it with your larger packs as well. On the other hand, you can use the pack for city walks without the reservoir. I can fully recommend it.
The price for this pack looks high, but see the reservoir alone which costs a lot if ordered separately. The rating of this pack by customers is exceptionally high. See my rating below:
Osprey Packs Syncro 3 Hydration Pack
Pros
- Great suspension.
- Very comfortable.
- Great ventilation.
- Very reliable.
- Bonus reservoir.
Cons
- No rain cover.
- Expensive.
If you need something bigger (yeah, something smaller probably does not exist), please check my page about packs below 35 liters, there are many hydration packs described there. You might want to check this Osprey Talon 6 lumbar pack and Mountainsmith Tour Lumbar Pack.
Thank you for reading. In the case of questions or comments please use the comment box below. I wish you a nice day.
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