When Ed asked me to review a bit of kit for the blog I was delighted to find out it was an Osprey Xenith 75 rucksack and when announced that the blog was going on an extended hike to Mayo I knew that this would be the ideal time to put this pack through its paces.
Taking the Xenith on the Bangor Trail
The Xenith 75 is an absolute beast when it comes to the sheer amount of gear that this pack can carry.
I know that the ultralighters in the community would cringe at the weight on this pack but if you are used to carrying big loads then this pack will help you do exactly that.
Packed contents for the Bangor trail – with room to spare!
It has four points of access to the main compartment which is great for grabbing items from the pack without removing the top lid and having to go in through the top access point.
The hip belt has two zippered pockets with over size toggles which can be used easily while walking along. The pockets are large enough for snacks/phone/small camera or sun cream.
Ample sized hip pockets
The pack has a removable lid which can be turned into a lumbar pack, great for taking your food and beverages down to the fireside so you don’t have lots of toing and froing from tent to fire and missing out on valuable time with your camp mates.
The bottom compartment is great for storing your sleep system. The zips are easy to operate, even when the pack is stuffed and there is a baffle around the zip.
Bottom compartment including outer stow straps
There are two mesh pockets one on each side of the pack and a stretchy mesh pocket on the front of the pack these are great for storing wet gear and extra water bottles.
The hydration sleeve is separated from the main compartment so the bladder can removed and refilled without opening the main compartment, a nice touch in my opinion.
The hip belt of the Xenith is remarkably comfortable and really hugs the hips, helping to transfer the load off the shoulders. During a full days hiking I experienced no rubbing or cutting in and I had the pack fully loaded.
The Xenith has a decently “tall and narrow” profile, although you can bulk out the back and side mesh pockets with easy to reach gear if so inclined. I kept my water-to-go bottle near to hand in the side pocket for quick access when we found a stream.
Plenty of options for easy access storage
The bioform material construction means that the belt can be moulded in a special oven available at some outdoor retailers so it can be truly moulded to your own specification. I didn’t avail of this, as the hip belt will mould to your own hip shape with use, it just takes slightly longer.
The zips and buckles are a good size and easy to operate even with gloves on.
The shoulder straps and back panel have an airscape system which allows a certain amount of airflow around the user although after walking for a full day my back and the pack actually got quite wet but it was never uncomfortable and caused no problems after a quick dry off with a towel.
After many miles of slogging this pack through blanket bog I suffered but the pack did not. It took everything I was throwing at it and wanted more.
The pack sits very nicely on the back and after a few adjustments it felt like the pack was part of me and there was very little shifting of load.
PROS
- Excellent size for extended trips
- Grip of the hip belt
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Oversize zip toggles
- Pockets on hip belt
- External hydration sleeve
- Four access points to main compartment
- On the go stow for walking poles
Cons
- No rain cover included
- The 5lb 6oz weight when empty
Conclusion
The Xenith 75 is a powerhouse of a pack loaded with usable features that any explorer would be grateful for.
The comfort of this pack really stands out and when packed at 20kg I found that it handles very well over many miles of descent and ascent.
Osprey have put a lot of thought into this pack and have done an outstanding job in delivering a rucksack that has usability and aesthetics all in one mighty go to storage solution.
I would be glad to recommend this pack to anyone tackling extended trails and multi day wild camps when you need to pack everything an ultimate camper needs.
The Xenith 75 is available direct from Osprey Europe here
Chip O'Hare
Latest posts by Chip O'Hare (see all)
- Osprey Xenith 75 Review - July 22, 2017
