Osprey Men's Volt 75 Backpack

This is an excellent pack for the money. The large top pocket keeps many things handy, and the belt pockets are extremely convenient. It seems to be very well made. It fits me perfectly, although I suspect a taller man would need a different pack.I read in another review that camelbaks would not fit in the H2O pocket/hydration sleeve. That wasn't true. My 2 liter camelbak fits fine, and I think there is room for a larger bladder. The straps and belt are comfortable and seem to distribute weight very well. I don't think The back is very well ventilated and I wish it had side pockets, but I think I will like this pack.I will update this review after field testing but I wanted people to know there is no problem with camelbaks.

I haven't been able to take this pack out yet, but I'll update my review in a couple weeks after our trip.I've been using the same pack for about 12 years, and it was time for an upgrade. I wasn't ready to make the jump to true ultralight, as I'm a big guy who can handle a little extra weight in my pack. With that said, I've upgraded a lot of my gear, and I felt it was time for a lighter pack.This pack weighs in at 3 pounds, 12 ounces (+/- an oz or two, depending on where you look, and what you can remove). It's still at least a pound heavier than true ultralight packs, but I nearly cut my pack weight in half, YMMV. My first impression is that this pack -- and most Osprey packs -- was very well thought out. I didn't lose much capacity over my old pack, but this one is considerably less bulky. It's also much simpler. I don't need a lot of pockets to organize my gear, outside of a couple water bottle side pockets and a lid pocket. Everything usually ends up in stuff sacks, mixed into the main pocket, sitting on top of the sleeping bag. At 75 liters, you can really load this pack up and not worry about running out of space. I'm pretty sure I'll have to leave my pillow unstuffed to take up extra space on short trips. With that said, there are some compression straps on the sides that allow you to cinch it down when your load is light.Here is my one major complaint about this pack, so far: the bottom compression straps cover the mesh, side pockets. If you need to compress this pack, you lose some of the functionality of those pockets. I'll see how annoying this is after my trip, but for now, it's not a deal breaker.This pack is hydration ready, and I have a 3 liter camelbak in mine. I like how the bladder is accessible without opening the pack, as it can get a bit tricky to remove and replace when you have to move your gear around.I'm 6'1", and I have a long torso, and i was able to adjust this pack to fit nicely. The belt has some nice adjustments as well.

not what was needed inside

This review is for the 75L pack, I can't speak for the smaller ones.I have been a die-hard Granite Gear user for many years, but this pack has made me a convert. At just under 4 pounds it isn't necessarily ultralight, but it runs rings round my GG Nimbus Trace, which weighs 4 pounds, is smaller, less comfortable, and has fewer features. The Volt is a perfect pack for someone who shares gear with friends- you can adjust it from skinny to fat, short to tall person in seconds with no tools. It may also be adjusted to fit nearly anyone perfectly. I have been looking for a pack with multiple entry points that will hold a Bear Vault 500 sideways. THIS PACK DOES. It will load in the top or bottom and you can slide it to the middle from there, although it is a little snug in the middle. I keep mine in the bottom where the balance is better, and it does not put too much pressure on my hydration bladder.I have seen various reviews that call this pack frilly, and full of features that no one needs. I have been a minimalist for while, but I LOVE the trekking pole holder on the side, the medium/large hip belt pockets (they will hold a delorme, smart phone with battery pack, camera, etc).Other notable features- easy access water bottle/side pouches, hip belt stays tight (and comfortable) with heavy loads, external hydration sleeve between pack and frame, sternum strap is removable without cutting if you don't use one.I am going to order another one to use as a loaner.

This pack is great. I tried on a bunch of different packs, but this one is the most comfortable for me. I have a long torso and all the adjustments on this make it perfect. Plus it has a fair amount of compartments and pockets. I can fit a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, food, extra clothes, bear canister, 3 liter bladder, and all my other little items into this with ease. Plus you can attach a daylite pack to it for additional space and day hikes from camp. Great pack and constructed well.

Haven't actually gotten this pack out on the trail yet but my initial impression is good. Easy to custom fit to your individual torso, lightweight and reasonably well built. I got this primarily to replace my 6 lb 90 litre Lowe Alpine. This pack is a good 2 lbs lighter. Easiest 2 lbs I ever took off. The only thing that could qualify as a negative remark is that the compartments on the hip belts could be bigger and more forward. As they are they are too far back in my opinion. They may be adjustable but I don't think so.