Larger than a grapefruit, smaller than a volleyball.

This is made to be comparable to a down sweater--maybe slightly less so--so definitely equate this to a heavier fleece or maybe a wool jacket. Primaloft is one of the best weight-to-warmth ratios for a synthetic that you'll find and tends to work better than down in wet/humid climates...

No this does not attach with a magnet--when you zip the bite valve away, the magnet on the bite valve is hidden.

You can see the strap and buckle in the photo--there is a buckle attachment that you can shimmy on any thinner strap on your pack: sternum strap, bottom of the shoulder strap, etc... You then buckle the mouth piece into that area to prevent the whole thing from bouncing around.

Hope that clarifies instead of confuses...

The Talon 22 might be perfect for you. It is a great day hiking pack, and also great for bike commuting. It is frameless so it will launder easier and it is will not hit your helmet.

The Stratos 24 will also not hit your helmet but as the hipbelt is a little more robust than the Talon 22, it is meant to sit higher on your torso. However, the ventilated backpanel and the removable rain cover are super nice features that the Talon 22 doesn't have. It is launder-able, but since it has a frame, a front-loading washing machine might be the best option.

So your decision comes down to lightweight/better for biking/great for hiking or ventilated backpanel/better for hiking/good for biking...

This bag has a pocket that will hold either a laptop or a reservoir. There is also a port at the top of the pack that you can feed either headphones or a hydration tube through. So yes, this pack will work with a reservoir.

I'd bank that you're a M/L torso, but I am worried that your waist is too small and you won't be able to properly tighten the hipbelt enough.

Here is the sizing info for the Kestrel Series.

Torso Length Hip Measurement Pack Size
> 19" / 48.5cm > 32" / 81cm M/L
< 19" / 48.5cm < 32" / 81cm S/M

If that is indeed the case, consider looking into the Atmos 50L--$30 more, but you'll get a pack with better torso sizing AND adjustable hipbelt. The $30 will be money well spent if the pack fits better...

L/XL. That size chart attached is wack... Definitely L/XL.

No, the 2011 version does not. The 2012 version does...

Depends on the level of waterproof you need while running. If you need 100% Seattle-proof lightweight rain jacket, this is okay--very breathable but not the most breathable out there. I'd actually look into the Helium II--the updated version that is ~30% more breathable.

I don't like underarm venting for running because the zippers tend to rub and chafe after a while. So the lighter-weight and more breathable the material, the more invaluable it is as a "running jacket" for rainy days.

If it is the occasional drizzle/mist type waterproof, I agree with Arthur about a water-resistant windshirt/windjacket (depending if you like 1/2 zip or full zip). Typically that means the fabric is waterproof, but the jacket isn't seam-sealed. Therefore, the jacket's breathability is exponentially increased while still providing a high level of water protection.

There is a distributor of OR product in Australia which may prohibit your wish to purchase these here and have them shipped to Aus.

Aside from that, the Latitude mitt has a full fingered softshell glove with an unlined waterproof GoreTex shell. The Meteor has a high-pile fleece Miller mitt liner--the fabric at the finger folds back to expose finger tips for dexterity--and a lined, lightly-insulated waterproof Ventia shell.

I would say that liner+shell for both Latitude and Meteor result in a temperature rating around 10 degrees Farenheit. However, liners by them selves: Latitude 15 deg F, Meteor 20 deg F.

Hope this helps.

Medium--this jacket is roomy, but for what I can assume is length of arm and torso, you'll want the Medium...

The exterior is wool and on the interior, there is a Windstopper fleece band around the ears/forehead region. Windstopper is a highly wind-proof fleece so it will be warmer than just wool alone.

But also, this will help keep you forehead/ears from becoming itchy by contact with the wool.

Hope this helps.

Medium. Looks like you'd be spot on for size--the Large would feel a touch too roomy.

Lots of questions here Janet...

The Talon 22 is a lightweight hiking pack but does not come with hydration. If packability is what you're looking for, pairing this with the 2L or 3L Osprey hydration reservoir (which it is compatible with) is a great option. If you got the Osprey reservoir, it comes with a sternum strap magnet that works with the bite valve to keep the hose from bouncing around.

There is no rain cover that comes with this pack. However, it does work well with a rain cover if you get the proper size cover for this pack. It will fit an extra 2 layers, small camera, first-aid kit, and food for a day. It would also fit a DSLR camera fine with a couple layers and food. A hydration reservoir will fit just fine with either of these loads.

Also, aim for a sized pack and go for the smaller sized pack. Being petite, a sized pack will fit you so much better and make the carry of that pack that much better as well.

You betcha. Fits just fine.

The Microfiber material is ultra water resistant. It will shed water from the outside.

In comparison, I'd say that Pertex is going to keep you drier from the outside. If you are sweaty (as most people are), Microfiber will keep you more dry from the inside--it breaths better than any type of Pertex layer.

It all boils down to if you're in a tent--if yes, then the Microfiber will be plenty dry enough. If not, then the Feathered Friends bag may be the way to go as it will better protect your down from the elements.

THere are not side pockets on this pack. What you see as "side pockets" is one, large shove-it pocket. While that large shove-it pocket will fit a nalgene bottle, there is no decent mechanism to keep it in place.

On top of that, this pack comes with a 3L reservoir for water. Granted, for a long day, you may need more than that and being able to fit extra water somewhere would be nice. Just wanted to make sure you know what you're getting with this pack.

No. Unfortunately, there's no separate access to a sleeping bag compartment in the 50L. The 50L size is made more for the ultra-light overnighter and therefore, Osprey did not add the additional weight of a sleeping bag compartment zipper.

Hello,

Please go here to size your torso:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

That can accurately answer your question since height only minimally correlates to torso size.

I would go with a Kode 30 if you have to go with a Small or Medium simply because of the rear-panel entry option available on that pack but not on the Kode 22. It is a great feature that you'll value even if you have to carry a slightly larger pack than you'd prefer...

I was wondering why you're asking this question on the Farpoint 55 page? Backcountry.com gliche maybe...?

And the magnet get put on the sternum strap. However with the Karve 11, the bite valve gets zipped into the shoulder strap so chances are you might not want to use that function when using the reservoir with your Karve.

I have skied in this jacket a bunch, and it holds up well to the occasion tree branch encounter. However, it is a little on the thin side and the stretch isn't there--stretch for mountaineering purposes is a huge advantage. I'd either consider the Axiom still--slightly heavier weight than the Foray with stretch--or the Furio if you absolutely need to cut costs for some reason. The Furio has Pac-lite weight through the body of the shell but Pro-shell through the shoulders where you need extra-rugged protection the most.

Don't cut costs. The Axiom will function ever $$ worth you spend on it and will not disappoint you. It is the best lightweight mountaineering shell we make--read the article about it as Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year 2012.

Reid has it right Luke. The Helium II is an ultra thin rain shell. It would be great for a rain forest, bad for mountaineering. I agree that the Axiom will be the best option for you--light enough for your summer showers but rugged enough with enough stretch for mountaineering.

In general, the Kestrel 68 would probably meet those needs just fine. If you had a little extra $$, I would consider the Aether series as they compress down to smaller volume much better.

However, from the sounds of it, you're looking for something that'll compress down to about 40L volume and this should do just fine for that but still carry 45lbs for backpacking fine too!

The Comet is the same build as the Quasar so it will have the same harness. So in short, yes.

Also, because the Manta has a rigid frame for carrying hiking gear, I've seen it fit only 60-75% of people well while biking--when sitting in the "biking" position, the frame sometimes rubs in certain areas on the lower back as you pedal if the pack doesn't fit you well enough. I would actually recommend the Momentum 26--it's pretty sweet for biking.

Heather--this pack does not come with a reservoir. That is to be purchased separately. So shop around for reservoirs--definitely consider the Osprey reservoir as it will make your life pretty easy as far as handling, packing, filling, and drinking--and then add the weight of the one you choose to the pack's weight.

Definitely a touch more burnt than the photo, but still very bright.

Fairly wind-resistant. I don't have a MPH rating for you, and though they're thin, this material does wonders at blocking wind. I have the ladie version in a pant, capris and jacket and love all three!!!

In my experience, the OR bivies tend to run wide to accommodate wider bags... The shoulder width is about 26" with an additional 15" -20" in height at the shoulders. Google search images for a drawing of the bivy showing the dimensions... Hope this helps!

The Talon 11 is a great pack--lightweight, basic, and similar to the Verve series.

It is indeed a very bright yellow. It isn't quite as bright as the picture, but it is B.R.I.G.H.T.!

I think you are asking if a hydration reservoir from another brand would fit--and the answer is yes. You can have a 3L Camelbak, Platypus, MSR, or Osprey reservoir in this pack.

However, the Osprey reservoir works great in any pack as it has a framesheet so it can more easily be put in a pack without having to take stuff out of the pack...

I wear a solid 4 in Patagonia and a solid 4 in Carve. This short is one of the more roomy Carve board shorts so I'd say you're safer in a 4 in this short.

To size your daughter, you need to measure her torso:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

Scroll down below the instructions to find sizing info for the Waypoint.

As for water resistant question--what are you referring to? The external fabric on this pack is indeed resistant...

Well, because campmor.com has the Large size mis-labeled as the same price as the Small. On top of that, it looks like they are running a sale on some Outdoor Research product...

I would actually consider a lighter system--with all the airline fees for luggage weighing over 50lbs, go with a lighter pack than either the Baltora or the Argon. Consider the Aether 70... Carries up to 50lbs like a dream.

About 34L of stuff...

Dave is right--the bite valve is open when it's at a 90° angle. If it is running super sluggish, contact Osprey and--at no cost to you--they'll either replace the bite valve or the whole reservoir if a new bite valve doesn't fix it.

It's hard to visualize, but the pocketing goes in two directions--one under the handle, the other under the side pocket. That allows the two pockets to be spaced well and be deep enough for a large computer cable or two.

However, though both are good sized and will fit my dainty Wmns 7 Chacos fine, they'll not fit my hiking not my running shoes.

The Highland Bivy has no poles and uses Pertex as its waterproof/breathable layer. The Advanced Bivy has two poles to create space around your head, a removable mosquito netting layer at the opening, a footbox opening for added ventilation, and uses Gore-Tex Respiration as its waterproof/breathable layer.

The two poles both go in the head region--on over your face and the other around the opening/top of head so to create rigidity at the opening, which aids in both keeping the opening open for ventilation and preventing the top of the bivy from curling around your head--giving you more head room.

You should. I believe the wheel function works similar to the touch screen function--electic current engaging sensors--and therefore should work just fine. I believe the current Classic iPod is a touch smaller than the iPhone 3 which the small fits, so it should fit the larger iPods just fine as well.

Yes. There is a laptop sleeve inside of a main compartment that'll fit a moderately sized book and a binder snugly. Then there are two smaller organizer pockets in front of that.

Do you prefer a little more room for tossing and turning inside the bag or for the bag to move with you as you toss and turn? If you prefer inside the bag, go Alpinlite. If you want the bag to toss and turn with you, Ultralite.

You'll fit fine in both, but the Ultralite is a true mummy bag and the Alpinlite will be a little more roomy but have more internal "dead" space to heat up--so it'll have more down and more fabric and be an ounce or two heavier...

Hey David,

The trade-offs between the two packs are slim. The Stratos has a removed ventilated backpanel to keep sweaty back syndrome to a minimum. Because of that, it also has a frame and therefore can carry a touch more weight than the Talon.

The Talon is the lightest thing you'll put on your back that is also durable enough for peak bagging. It also has external hydration sleeve so it is easier to slip a hydration reservoir in when your pack is full--especially so if you have the Osprey Reservoir that has rigidity.

The reported volumes are a bit deceiving--the Stratos 24 and the Talon 22 are pretty similar in size though are suppose to be 2L difference.

So really, your decision boils down to frame/ventilated backpanel or lightweight?

Guy, this used to be the case. With the change to the suspension to allow the shoulder harness to extend to longer torsos, this is not the case anymore. Only the internal hydration sleeve for reservoirs is available on this pack.

Hey Trev,

I'd definitely stick with the Argon series over the Aether series for that much weight. The Aether would carry the 50-60 no problem, but push it over 70lb and you'll appreciate the added comfort from the Argon's carry.

And since the Argon 110 is built on the same frame as the Argon 85, they'll both handle the same weight fairly comparably. The 110 will maybe organize and carry larger things efficiently, but if you see yourself needing more than 85L of interior volume, go 110L for sure.

Guy is right--the inside is a semi-soft fleece with a flat, wind-blocking exterior. Under the arm is a "grid" fleece--grid blocks of loftier fleece with thinner fleece between blocks for more breathability. I have the women's jacket version and it is the most comfortable fleece I've every owned...

Sorry to be the barer of bad news, but this is a horrible jacket for winter/summer use. It is way to thin and wouldn't retain the heat you'd want from a winter jacket (though it breaths like a dream for summer use). I'd recommend the men's OR Foray or even the men's OR Panorama jacket.

Hope this helps!

Hi nla5644521,

if you go here: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-research-helios-sun-hat-kids

And you use the drop down button on the upper left side, you'll see that the color Sandstone is out of stock in the Large size--the typical size for a 5,6,7 kid...

If you'd like to know when it'll be back in stock, try using the "Chat" function on backcountry's website--they handle stock issues better than these question forums do (the people answering questions are typically not backcountry employee's).

I have carried the woman's version (Sirrus) and a larger women's Camelbak and while Camelbak has done wonderful things on how we carry water, they aren't a backpack company. I was blown away with how well the Osprey pack carried. For carrying the amount of gear you would for a longer day hike, the Stratos will distribute weight better. The biggest difference will be in the frame, the hipbelt, and the harness. The frame and backpanel allows great ventilation and support and the hipbelt/harness are designed to work with the frame to displace the weight comfortably down through your hips instead of resting it on your back/shoulders. Plus, the hipbelt feels like it is hugging you, so the pack sits very stably--it doesn't bounce around as you're walking...

I think you'll be happier with this bag purely on how it carries... Hope this helps.

The product description writer wrote an incorrect descriptor. This is a hardshell--not a softshell... Sorry for that.

a 15.4" laptop...

If it was a ball cap style, I'd say stick to the Small. Since this guy has a chin strap, you should be able to make this one work for her until she grows into it...

Depends on the bottle--a regular 32oz Nalgene--no. But a slimmer Better Bottle by Camelbak--yes.

Do you see the grey bungy looking things in the middle of the pack? Those attach really nicely to the handle of your ice ax. It's hard to explain how the clasp, but once you get an ice ax and play with the clasp, you instantly see how it holds really securely.

Well no.

Are you putting a new reservoir you purchased separately in it? Those come with sternum strap clips that make them compatible.

Or are you putting a reservoir from a Manta/Raptor/Viper/Verve in? If this is the case, Osprey makes a 3 magnet kit that you can put a magnet on every pack you'd switch the reservoir into that isn't originally a hydration pack...

http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-detachable-sternum-strap-magnet-kit

Hey Louie,

I've attached a link to the "How to clean a Hydraulics Reservoir" video. About 1min26sec in, they go through how to replace a hose:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/cleaning_an_osprey_hydraulics_reservoir

Hope this helps.

Yup, a simple panel loader similar to a school backpack style.

Not unless you had a super slim climbing helmet. Just tried mine with a biking helmet and it was super tight and didn't quite zip up all the way.

This is a pretty small pack for an overnighter, but it depends on how small your sleeping bag, stove, and shelter are. If you are an ultralighter, then this pack may work.

The sweet spot for weight maxes out at 30lbs. However this should still carry decently at 35lbs.

Actually, on the right-hand sidebar, bc.com does list that there are 2 poles and that broken down, the poles are 15.4" long. However, not having a bivy to measure the pole length put together I can't answer that. Though I have no idea why you'd want to know that.

Hey Christina,

Why are you looking to remove the shoulder straps?

And it isn't too difficult--the biggest pain in the butt is undoing the load lifter straps at the top. Undoing the velcro isn't too bad.

I have found this jacket to run a touch big--not a full size bigger, but if you on the cusp between sizes normally, go smaller. OR designs it that way to accommodate layering and maximize comfort. If you've ever skiied in a jacket that is too tight, you never want to do it again...

Hey Pete,

Osprey sizes are based on Torso Length and not height. To size that, go here: http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

As for the difference between the 24L and 26L, the biggest is the access style. Do you prefer a top loader with a lid or do you prefer the panel loading school bag style? Sounds like you prefer the top loader with a lid style. But that is why Osprey offers these two styles--because different people prefer different style packs--and not to exactly get to a certain capacity...

The brim is pretty stiff. If you're looking for this kind of coverage with a foldable brim, look at the Helios--a lot more flexible brim that can be shoved into pockets a lot easier!

1. A full size nalgene works in the side pocket and while it is easy to take out, it is more difficult to put back in without taking the pack off--which is true for just about every pack I've ever used. I suggest getting a hydration reservoir--it upped my water intake about 200% just because I never have to take off my pack to access my water. For example: http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-hydraform-hydration-reservoir
2. When you have a nalgene in the side pocket, you can feed the compression straps underneath/inside the side pocket. That will allow you to use a nalgene AND compress the bag at the same time.
3. This pack is superb on a bike or on a hike. Because of how close it fits and how it moves with you due to the lack of a frame, it really rides well by keeping the center of gravity close to your body--I know a lot of people love this pack for longer mountain bike rides. And this pack is also a great go-to for day hikes.

I'd say there's plenty of space for a day hike--3L reservoir, jacket, extra layer, food, camera, and safety stuff (sunscreen, first aid, compass, etc...). There is an external shove-it pocket you can put the jacket and a small organization pocket up top for your safety stuff. Also, there are two side stretch pockets for the camera or what not.

That info is wrong. While there is a helmet liner balaclava that is zip-in (comes with the jacket), there is not liner jacket that zips into this jacket.

I agree with Jeff!!! I used the Aspire all winter when I needed H2O protection over my puffy and it worked so well. The side-zip that goes all way from the hem to the pit works really well if you're wearing a backpack for venting too.

All Western bags are compatible with all Western bags no matter the length or model.

A note on zipping two different lengths together: It's hard to describe but the shorter bag would end up lower than the bigger bag when zipped together. So zipping a 5'6" bag to a 6" bag, the shorter bag's hood will be 6" lower than the taller bag's hood...

Yes. You can stuff this jacket into one of the handwarmer pockets.

There are three size tabs on the pack--one for the pack, one for the hipbelt and one for harness (because the harness and the hipbelt are interchangeable). The size of the pack will be on a little black tab on the bottom left part of the frame on the backpanel. The size of the hipbelt will be on the left side of the hipbelt and the size of the harness will be on the left shoulder strap.

Also, note that the hipbelt is re-heat moldable. Take it into an Osprey Dealer that has a heat-molding oven (they might charge a small fee for not buying the pack there) and they can heat-mold the hipbelt to the new owners hips...

Enjoy the pack!!!