Osprey Tempest 40 pack for women is a very popular ultra-lightweight backpack, with less than 1.1 kg of weight. It has been redesigned recently and the new version has been released in the beginning of the year. The most important changes are in the suspension system.
Key benefits
- Adjustable torso length, so several family members can use it.
- External hydration sleeve.
- Very versatile pack.
- Ultra-lightweight.
Modified Osprey Tempest 40 backpack – even greater now
Osprey has been very busy recently. They have launched some new series like Duro and Dyna, and thoroughly modified several of the existing series, see my text about Osprey Aether AG and Ariel AG, and the texts about Stratos and Sirrus packs. It is becoming hard to keep up with so many news from the brand.
The Tempest packs have been on the market for a long time now. The series is in 5 different sizes, 40, 30, 20, 9, and 6 liters. This new 40 liters version comes with some changes in the hip belt area, with a mesh added similar to the design in their new Stratos and Sirrus packs’ versions.
In general, this is a very modern and clean design, and a very versatile pack, suitable for practically any outdoor activity, for overnight and weekend tours. It is a bit too big for day tours but still good enough for such a purpose as well.
The pack is a top-loading type, with a floating and removable lid and a collar underneath it. The pack is with the bottom compartment as well.
The suspension
The new design includes what they call AirScape accordion-type foam back panel. This together with the seamless lumbar-to-hip belt mesh are the first things you will notice here. The design is introduced to add airflow and to increase comfort.
The harness and the back system are women-specific ergonomic design, and the same is with the hip belt. You will see more about it in the video below.
There are two possible torso sizes to chose in the moment of purchase. But apart from this, the harness is completely adjustable to fit any back length, ensuring the best possible fit.
Pockets
The Tempest 40 pack comes with 8 external pockets, plus the external sleeve. The usual stretch mesh pockets are on the side, dual zippered pockets are on the hip belt, and you also have a small pocket on the shoulder strap.
One zippered external pocket is on the lid and yet another mesh zippered pocket is on the underside of it. One very big stretch mesh pocket is on the front, this is what they call PowerMesh pocket, ideal for a wet jacket or extra layer of clothing.
Other features
All packs in this series include the Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system, Osprey’s unique design for attaching the poles when you are on the go and need hands free to take a picture, to eat or drink something, or to do some scramble.
The lower compression straps are with the InsideOut feature, which allows you to compress the pack by passing the strap through the pocket. You can use it over the pocket as well, in order to secure items carried there.
As already mentioned above, the hydration sleeve is behind the harness, compatible with all Hydraulics reservoirs. This is a useful feature that saves space in the main compartment, and you have an easy access to the bladder.
On the bottom section you have dual ice axe attachment loops, and dual bungee tie-offs are higher on the front. The sleeping pad straps on the bottom are removable.
Please see this very recent short video by Osprey (from 2017), which presents all packs from the new Tempest and Talon series:
Specifications & summary of features
- Women-specific design.
- Purpose: hiking, biking, mountaineering, climbing, travel.
- Two sizes:
– S/M: 40 liters (2441 cubic inches).
– XS/S: 38 liters (2319 cubic inches). - Weight:
– S/M: 2 lb 6.1 oz (1.08 kg).
– XS/S: 2 lb 4.2 oz (1.03 kg). - Adjustable torso length.
- Torso fit:
– S/M: 16 – 20 inches (41 – 51 cm).
– XS/S: 13 – 17 inches (33 – 43 cm). - Waist fit:
– S/M: 29 – 44 inches (74 – 112 cm).
– XS/S: 27 – 42 inches (68 – 107 cm). - Maximum size (L x W x D): 25 x 12 x 12 in (63 x 30 x 30 cm).
- Material: nylon.
- Aluminum peripheral frame.
- AirScape mesh covered accordion foam back panel.
- Bottom compartment.
- External hydration sleeve.
- External pockets: 8.
- Internal key attachment clip.
- Dual zippered hip belt pockets.
- Removable sleeping pad straps.
- Removable top lid.
- Seamless lumbar to hip belt body wrap.
- Sternum strap with emergency whistle.
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment.
- Stretch front pocket.
- Stretch mesh side pockets with InsideOut compression.
- Dual ice axe loops.
- Guarantee: Osprey’s All Mighty.
You can see more about philosophy and people behind the women-specific design in this video:
Summary, rating, pros & cons
So, to conclude this text about Osprey Tempest 40 pack for women, this is a great modern tool, and the weight is its best feature. But bear in mind a few missing things mentioned above, and see if they are essential to you or not. The price is high, but this is a quality tool worth investment.
As I mentioned above, there are 4 other sizes in this series, several of them are presented in the site. They also have the corresponding Talon series for men, with the same basic features and the only difference is in size. You can read about Talon 44 here.
There are no upper side straps, which limits the use of the side pockets; without such straps you cannot store elongated objects like poles into these pockets. The missing rain cover can be ordered separately here.
Osprey Packs Tempest 40 Women's Hiking Backpack
Pros
- Ultra lightweight pack.
- Functional.
- External hydration sleeve.
- Multi-purpose pack.
Cons
- No rain cover.
- No upper side straps.
If you would want to see a pack from Deuter, check this Deuter Aircontact Lite 35 + 10 SL from their new series, with a massive padding.
Thank you for reading. If you find the text useful, please share it with others. Let me know what you think about this pack, there is a comment box below. Have a nice day.
Granite says
Thanks for this description. I’m hesitating between the Tempest 40, the Eja 38 and the Gregory Zulu 40. Is there a difference of comfort? It’s would be for a trek of few days. What do you prefer?
Jovo says
Hi, you have a sweet problem here; all these are excellent packs with many features so it depends on the preferences. Here are a few hints. If you want the best possible ventilation, then this is the Eja 38 pack. But note that it has rather minimal hip fins, so probably not the best option for heavier loads.
The Tempest 40 is a beauty, adjustable harness (the only of the three, if this is important). Gregory Zulu 40 is the strongest construction with a steel frame and with rain cover, excellent ventilation and the hip belt and lumbar padding without a match.
So see what is essential for you. As I said, those are great packs.
WomanOnFoot says
Me too!
Jovo says
Hi Jenny, I would only add this which is new – the Zulu series by Gregory has been updated recently so now all of them have an adjustable harness. The packs are improved considerably and I would warmly suggest you to have a look in the list of changes.