Backpack Review: Osprey Sirrus Women’s 24

/ Laurie A. Ferris

You may have seen my recent Camino Backpack Trail Test. I have tried many packs from REI over the last few months on my quest for a Camino backpack, but finally found one that is just right!

Update, July 2016: It was just right for my short Camino, but read my Backpack Review After the Camino for my thoughts about why I am sizing up for my longer Camino next year.

The Osprey Sirrus Women’s 24 Pack



OspreySirrus

Yes, this is half the size of the REI Traverse, but I won’t need 48 liter capacity on a short (10 day) Camino in late May.  I intend to pack extremely light because the Camino provides all the heavy stuff along the way, such as shelter, a bed, food, water, and plenty of pilgrim resources should I need something.  I am refining my packing list and will include that in a “Will it fit?” test later.  For now, I want to share what I like about the Osprey Sirrus—for she’s a real beauty with a smart design.

Osprey Sirrus Women’s 24 Pack Specs:

  • Women-specific harness and hipbelt provide a dialed-in fit; eye-pleasing colors and graphics look great wherever you roam
  • Breathable, tensioned mesh back panel allows warm, moist air to escape
  • Panel-loading main compartment makes your gear easy to access
  • Internal sleeve with hanger and central exit port with stretch webbing on the shoulder strap accommodates a hydration reservoir (sold separately)
  • Mesh side pockets and zippered hipbelt pockets hold small essentials
  • Stow on the Go™ trekking pole attachment and ice axe attachment let you lash tools to the outside of the pack
  • Integrated raincover helps keep contents dry and stashes out of the way in its own pocket when not in use
  • The Osprey Sirrus 24 Pack is made of 210-denier double ripstop nylon and 420-denier nylon pack cloth for durability
  • Weight: 2 lbs. 5 oz.
  • Gear Capacity: S/M 1,465 cubic inches, 24 liters

My favorite features are the large panel zip opening, the mesh back panel, and the comfortable shoulder straps. I brought it to Kauai and hiked 25 miles over the course of 5 days. It fit inside my large rolling suitcase, which is something I will need to do again when I’m on a tour of Portugal prior to my Camino.  I also used it on the Walk in the Redwoods.  A few people who haven’t walked the Camino yet seemed worried that it wasn’t going to be big enough, but the veteran pilgrims approved of the drastic downsize.  I do not want to be weighed down with extra stuff and put more strain on my body.  I know that the Camino will provide.

Below are a few photos from my hikes in Kauai. It was HOT, so it was a great opportunity to see how this back mesh panel kept my back cooler.

Lydgate Beach Hike
Shipwreck Beach Hike
Which way should I go?
Avoid da kine hazards
Taking a break in the shade
Poipu
Fine Island Ride trail
An excellent bike trail along the east coast
Tree tunnel provided some welcome shade
A break at the Pineapple Dump
The Hawaii Warrior visor saved me!
Kauai, I love you forever!

The Osprey Sirrus is currently priced at $119.95 and can be purchased online from REI.

Osprey Sirrus at REI

Osprey Sirrus is the blue one pictured on the left. The orange pack on the right is Osprey Stratos 24 that sells for the same price and is unisex.

 

 

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13 thoughts on “Backpack Review: Osprey Sirrus Women’s 24”

  3. Hi Laurie. Your new post is interesting to read, and you acknowledge that 24 liters is kind of small. Because your Camino is a relatively short one, you likely will do ok with that little space. My Osprey pack is a 35 and I think I could have done it with a 32 or even a 30 by eliminating one bulky item – a compressible pillow that I used occasionally when the alberque didn’t provide a pillow, or the hotel where I stayed supplied a sack of concrete mix ILO a pillow. Several key suggestions: One side pocket for your water bottle. The other side pocket for a pancho that you can access instantly when the rain starts to fall. You don’t want to have to stop and open up your pack to find it. Be sure to wear a hat on the Camino. One with a wide brim and UV protection. It also will serve as a rain hat. Don’t hesitate to use the chin straps on the hat, especially when walking alongside a road with heavy trucks moving at high speeds. The wind will blow a hat right off your head! I recommend a Tilley. REI carries them and you can order on line direct from Tilley. They are a Canadian company but have a wide following in the US. Tilley hats are frequently seen on the Camino. I also would take a pillow case to put on the pillows provided at alberques. You don’t want to sleep on someone else’s greasy goop. I believe we have talked about taking a sleeping sack – poly or silk. Not a sleeping bag – but rather a bag intended to go inside a sleeping bag. Unless you are traveling The Way in the winter (and I know that is not your plan) you will not need a sleeping bag. Like the pillow case, it will provide a barrier between you and the fitted sheet on the mattress and the blanket provided by the alberque. Neither will have been laundered in anticipation of your arrival. And you will need a microfiber towel. Most alberques do not provide towels. Also, you will need it to help dry your clothes if you are hand washing them and expect them to dry overnight. I mention these last two items because though they compress well, they nevertheless will take some space in your pack. If you have the good fortune to stay in an alberque with a washing machine, take advantage of it. Usually in a privately owned alberque, the staff will for a few euros wash your clothes for you and point you to the outside clothesline where they will dry quickly if you have outfitted yourself with lightweight synthetic clothing. Buen Camino! Mike

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks for the great tips, Mike. I have a light sleeping sack that has some kind of bedbug repellent.
      Someone on the APOC facebook group recommended using the rain cover as a pillow cover.
      Still undecided on the hats.

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  4. This is the pack I used in October on the Finisterre Way. It was perfect. Make sure you get all the straps set corectly and tightened up for maximum comfort. The internal water bladder was great, I loved the convenience of the hose, no reaching for water. I also liked the small top pouch for things you need in a handy spot, like chocolate and toilet paper and some ready cash, OK I have strange priorities.

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  5. Hi. I found your blog through a search for the Traverse on YouTube and then Google. You are brave in packing this light for the Camino! I plan on using the Osprey Sirrus 24 for a Hadrian’s Wall Path hike this summer but as my daypack. I will have a larger pack my clothes and other stuff and will get a luggage service to take it from accommodation to accommodation. I guess I’m taking the easy way out! Anyway, I’m glad to hear that the Sirrus 24 works for you; I still have to test mine but I hope it will work too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi June, Thanks for visiting. I know it sounds like I won’t be able to fit much, but that is the point. Everyone I spoke to wished they brought less. My initial pack test was only 11 pounds and had room to spare. I will post my final packing list soon as I leave in 2 weeks. It’s getting real!

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  6. Hello

    I read your backpack review article and wrote it very well. Are you interested in helping me evaluate a backpack?
    Link：https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Lightweight-Backpack-Hiking-Daypacks/dp/B07MTVXDDL
    Looking for your reply.

    Thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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