The Osprey Tempest 6 Waistpack described here is the latest version of this great hydration pack for women. It has been redesigned and it is better than ever.
Key benefits
- Bonus 2 Hydraulics bottles.
- Great design.
- Lightweight.
- Great quality.
What is in the name – what type is this
The Tempest 6 is the smallest pack from the big Tempest series for women which also includes Tempest 9, Tempest 16, Tempest 20, Tempest 30, and Tempest 40 packs. This is a celebrated series by Osprey, and all these packs have been redesigned recently. They all share some common features, but there are significant differences of course; each of the larger packs has some extra features.
The Tempest 6 is the only lumbar pack in the series, so naturally, it is completely different from the rest. This is very a versatile hip pack suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, like hiking, walking, trail running, biking.
Overview
The pack is lightweight, only 0.335 kg (11.8 oz) yet it provides 6 liters (366 cubic inches) capacity. Note that it comes with two bonus ergonomic 570 ml bottles visible in pictures.
It is equipped with two StraightJacket compression straps on the front, so you can cinch the pack in the case of a small load, or you can use them to store a piece of clothing that you may need on the go, like a shell or windbreaker jacket. The pack is with a handle on the top.
Note that you also have side straps for compression, running over the water bottles holsters, you can see one in the picture below.
Suspension
The hip belt is all that you have here, together with the lumbar zone. But this all is exactly the same as what you have in all larger packs from this series. So on the back, you have a very lightweight accordion-type foam structure with air channels and covered by a very breathable seamless lumbar-to-hip-belt AirScape mesh. This is a great design, flexible and stretchy, very breathable and comfortable, see the picture below.
The hip belt is wide enough to accommodate hip belt pockets. The straps on the front are the pull-forward type, the structure hugs the body and prevents too much bouncing.
Pockets
Here you have 6 pockets in total with external access, plus one internal pocket.
- The hip belt is with two very useful zippered pockets similar to all other packs in the Tempest series. One is visible above.
- Yet another zippered pocket is on the top, and you have a key clip inside.
- Next to it is the zippered entrance to the main “pocket”, which is the main compartment. Note that there is a small zippered pocket inside of it.
- On both sides, you have vertical padded holsters for the included ergonomic 570 ml Hydraulics bottles. They are equipped with bungee cords.
Note also that all zippers are with nice pull loops, so you can use them easily with gloves. Here is a short video by Osprey about their modified Talon and Tempest series:
Specifications
- Best use: day hiking, trail running, biking, Nordic skiing.
- Gender: women’s.
- Weight: 0.335 kg (11.8 oz).
- Volume: 6 l (366 cu in).
- Maximum dimensions (L x W x D): 20 x 30 x 20 cm (8 x 12 x 8 in).
- Waist fit: 63 – 127 cm (25 – 50 in).
- AirScape mesh covered accordion foam back panel.
- Seamless lumbar to hip belt body wrap.
- StraightJacket compression.
- Twin 570 ml BPA free Hydraulics bottles included.
- Twin zippered hip belt pockets.
- Zippered panel access.
- Zippered mesh pocket with a key clip.
- Material:
– Main: 70D x 100D Nylon Mini Shadow Brick.
– Accent and bottom: 420HD Nylon Packcloth. - Colors: 3.
- Guarantee: Osprey’s All Mighty.
Summary, rating, pros & cons
So the Osprey Tempest 6 Waistpack is a nicely built lumbar pack, with great materials used in its construction. With this pack you have Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee and all their experience built in this pack, so there can be no unpleasant surprises when you order something from such a brand. This is why such products cost a bit more than similar products on the market. They are worth the investment, and I can fully recommend this pack.
The price is a bit high and there are more affordable options on the market. But this is a quality tool. It has received excellent reports from Amazon customers, with a very high average rating. See how I rate it:
Osprey Packs Tempest 6 Women's Lumbar Pack
Pros
- Bonus 2 Hydraulics bottles.
- Very lightweight.
- Versatile.
- It looks great.
- Nice colors.
- Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee.
Cons
- Expensive.
If you need something of the same type for men, please check this Talon 6 pack described in my another review. Check also this Mountainsmith Dry Tour Waterproof Lumbar Pack which is waterproof and very durable.
Thank you for reading, in the case of questions or comments please use the comment box below. Have a nice day.
Leave a Reply