Choosing the right trekking backpack for your journey is not always straightforward. The Osprey brand is a popular favourite – having become a household name among travel enthusiasts. When choosing the right model, several factors must be considered, above all the back system.
The back system is a crucial part of any backpack. It is the engine that defines a pack's suitability for different activities—hiking, cycling, or everyday carry. Back systems determine load capacity, type of ventilation and breathability, as well as carrying comfort across various conditions. Choosing the right back system is just as important as selecting the dimensions, capacity, or material quality.
OSPREY uses three distinct back systems across its backpacks, each tailored to different situations.
AirScape™
“I want maximum stability and comfort for demanding activities”
The AirScape™ system sets a new standard for carrying comfort. It keeps the pack's load closer to your back, ensuring exceptional stability. At the same time, it provides sufficient thermoregulation via foam ridges – air channels cool the body, while mesh fabric absorbs sweat and wicks it away.
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Load held close to the back
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Stable load distribution
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Ventilated via air channels
Best suited for:
Thanks to its stability, the AirScape™ system is ideal for everyday use as well as physically demanding activities such as hiking or trekking.
Backpacks featuring this back system:
AirSpeed™
“I want outstanding ventilation and comfort even in warm weather”The AirSpeed™ system is an ideal choice for comfortable travel in summer or during more strenuous activities. It features a suspended mesh canopy that creates an airspace between the backpack and your back, allowing for effective airflow – achieving incredible ventilation and carrying comfort.
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Load kept away from the body
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High level of back and shoulder ventilation thanks to ventilated harness straps
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Keeps you cool even in the warmest conditions
Best suited for:
Due to its construction and ventilation performance, the AirSpeed™ system is especially suitable for activities in hot weather or high-intensity sports where higher exertion makes you sweat more.
Backpacks featuring this back system:
Eja 38 WM, Eja 48 II Moonglade grey WS, Exos 38 M, Exos 48 II S/M Tunnel green, Hikelite 18 Shiitake grey, Hikelite 26 Shiitake grey, Radial 26 M/L, Sirrus 24, Stratos 24 II, Stratos 26 II, Stratos 34 II S/M, Stratos 34 II M/L, Stratos 36 S/M Harbour Blue, Stratos 36 II S/M, Stratos 36 II M/L, Stratos 50 II M/L, Sylva 12, Syncro 10 S/M Blue Racer, Syncro 10 M/L, Syncro 15 S/M, Syncro 15 M/L, Syncro 20 S/MAntiGravity™
“I want to carry heavy loads efficiently and comfortably”The AntiGravity™ system boasts numerous awards thanks to its ingenious design – delivering exceptional load carrying capacity and maximum comfort through 3D lumbar suspension and a fully breathable hipbelt. Thanks to its remarkable weight distribution, it never restricts you, offering a seamless range of motion on the move.
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Load held further from the body
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Suspended lumbar area enables incredible weight distribution
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Features a breathable hipbelt
Best suited for:
Thanks to its effective load distribution, the AntiGravity™ system is ideal for comfortably hauling heavy gear over long distances.
Backpacks featuring this back system:
Ariel AG 55 WM, Ariel AG 55 Boothbay grey WS, Ariel AG 55 Tidal blue WS, Ariel AG 55 Picante red WS, Ariel AG 65 WM, Aether AG 60 Neptune blue M, Aether AG 70 Neptune blue L
