The Osprey Tempest 22 is a comfortable, versatile daypack designed for a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, scrambling, and technical terrain. Reviewed by CleverHiker and Outdoor Gear Lab, it earns top marks for fit, organization, and durability. The pack features an extended hip belt sizing that accommodates various body types, and includes convenient attachments for trekking poles, helmets, and ice tools. While praised for its comfort and adjustability, reviewers noted it's not ideal for ultra-lightweight enthusiasts and may lack capacity for dual-purpose recreational and work use.
Full review
Comfort and Fit Performance
The Osprey Tempest 22 delivers exceptional comfort for its size, with reviewers consistently praising its ergonomic design and adjustable fit systems. According to CleverHiker's Ian Krammer, the pack's BioStretch harness and continuous-wrap hip belt provide optimal stability and movement accommodation, making it ideal for technical terrain. The women's-specific fit includes gender-tailored adjustments that allow for precise torso length customization, as noted by Colorado Mountain Mom's reviewer who found the harness straps 'extremely soft, comfortable, and cool.' TechRadar's testing confirmed that the AirScape backpanel maintains consistent airflow even during extended use, with the ridged foam design providing superior ventilation compared to traditional suspended systems. The hip belt adjustment range of 40-70 inches, as specified by Taunton Leisure, allows for a secure fit across different body types, while the stretch woven fabric used throughout the pack's construction ensures flexibility and durability during active use.
Build Quality and Materials
Osprey's Tempest 22 demonstrates robust construction using bluesign-approved, 100% recycled 100-denier high-tenacity nylon with durable water repellent treatment that's PFAS-free, according to the official product page. The AirScape backpanel features injection-moulded, die-cut foam overlaid with light mesh, providing both support and ventilation as noted by Taunton Leisure's review. The BioStretch harness system combines SpacerMesh over die-cut foam for breathability and support, with the hip belt incorporating continuous-wrap design that extends from 40-70 inches. Colorado Mountain Mom's reviewer emphasized the durability of the stretch woven fabric used for front and side pockets, which withstood repeated stretching and poking during testing. The pack's construction also includes an external hydration sleeve that protects interior contents while accommodating reservoirs, with the reservoir fitting securely in place using retention buckles, as tested by the same reviewer who noted the pack's ability to maintain shape even when fully loaded with water.
Organization and Features
The Tempest 22's organization system includes dual-zippered panel access to the main compartment, a top panel zippered slash pocket, dual-zippered fabric hipbelt pockets, side stretch mesh pockets, and an easy-access expandable stretch mesh harness pocket. Taunton Leisure's staff review highlighted the stretch mesh front panel pocket as particularly useful for accommodating oddly-shaped items like jackets and cameras, with the fabric's stretch ability allowing secure storage of larger objects. The pack features a hydration sleeve compartment that keeps internal contents protected, with the reservoir fitting securely using retention buckles. Additional features include a tuck-away ice axe attachment with bungee tie-off, stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment, and a LidLock bike helmet attachment system. The front pocket's stretch woven fabric allows for secure storage of items while maintaining visibility, and the side pockets provide easy access to water bottles even while hiking, as confirmed by Colorado Mountain Mom's testing where she noted the pockets allowed easy insertion and removal even while wearing the pack.
Real-World Performance
Field testing by multiple reviewers confirms the Tempest 22's performance across various outdoor activities. Taunton Leisure's Rich tested the 33L version on a 13-mile Devon hike, noting that despite its capacity, the pack felt spacious and comfortable with thoughtful design features like stretchy mesh front panel and multiple compression straps that kept gear stable during movement. CleverHiker's team found the pack's stability particularly effective on uneven terrain, with the AirScape back system preventing the pack from getting floppy during scrambles. Colorado Mountain Mom's reviewer demonstrated the pack's versatility by using it for hot weather hiking in a high mountain desert climate, where the AirScape™ ridge molded foam backpanel provided excellent ventilation and comfort. The pack's ability to maintain shape and airflow even when loaded with a full hydration reservoir was confirmed by multiple reviewers, with the external sleeve design protecting interior contents while still allowing for proper ventilation.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Tempest 22 has some notable limitations that reviewers have identified. The pack's 22L capacity may be insufficient for extended multi-day trips, as noted by Taunton Leisure's review which suggests the 33L and 44L sizes are better suited for longer adventures. The lack of a rain cover, as explicitly stated on the official product page, represents a significant omission for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently encounter wet conditions. Additionally, while the pack's lightweight construction is praised, some reviewers noted that the external hydration sleeve may not accommodate all reservoir types, with Colorado Mountain Mom's reviewer specifically mentioning that her 100 oz. reservoir fit but caused slight shape changes to the backpanel. The pack's price point of £125 ($175) may also be prohibitive for budget-conscious hikers, though this is offset by its premium materials and construction quality.
Who It's Best For
The Tempest 22 is ideal for women seeking a versatile, comfortable daypack for hiking, backpacking, and multi-sport activities, according to both CleverHiker and Taunton Leisure reviews. It's particularly well-suited for users who prioritize comfort and adjustability over maximum capacity, as the women's-specific fit and BioStretch system accommodate various body types effectively. The pack excels for day hiking, scrambling, and technical terrain where stability is crucial, making it an excellent choice for hikers, mountain bikers, and bikepackers who need reliable gear. However, it's less appropriate for those requiring extensive storage for multi-day trips or those who frequently encounter wet conditions without additional protection. The pack's 22L capacity makes it perfect for day hikes and short overnight trips, but users planning longer adventures should consider the 33L or 44L versions for adequate space. The extended fit options (40-70 inch hip belt) make it suitable for larger individuals who need additional adjustability, though the pack's relatively high price point may not suit budget-conscious consumers.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Tempest 22 stands out among daypacks for its combination of comfort, adjustability, and multi-sport functionality, though it competes with several other premium options. Compared to the Patagonia Arbor 22L, the Tempest offers superior adjustability with its extended hip belt range and BioStretch system, while the Patagonia pack lacks the integrated trekking pole attachment. When compared to the Gregory Baltoro 22L, the Tempest's AirScape back system provides better stability on technical terrain, though the Gregory offers more internal organization options. The Osprey's women-specific fit gives it an edge over unisex alternatives like the REI Adventure Series packs, which lack the gender-tailored adjustments. However, the Tempest's lack of a rain cover and its relatively high price point of £125 ($175) puts it at a disadvantage compared to budget-friendly options like the Kelty Cosmic 22L, which offers similar features at a lower cost. The pack's premium materials and construction justify its price for serious outdoor enthusiasts, but casual users may find more affordable alternatives sufficient for their needs.
Value at This Price
At £125 ($175), the Tempest 22 represents premium pricing that reflects its high-quality materials and advanced features, though value assessment varies based on intended use. The pack's use of 100% recycled bluesign-approved nylon with PFAS-free DWR treatment, 50% recycled foam, and injection-moulded AirScape backpanel justifies its cost for serious outdoor enthusiasts who value sustainability and performance. Taunton Leisure's review emphasizes that the pack's versatility and comfort make it a worthwhile investment for those who use it regularly across multiple outdoor activities. However, the price point may be prohibitive for casual hikers or budget-conscious consumers, especially when compared to alternatives like the Kelty Cosmic 22L which offers similar features at a lower cost. The pack's ability to handle demanding conditions and its extended fit options for larger users provide good long-term value, though the lack of a rain cover and limited capacity for extended trips may reduce its value proposition for certain user groups. The inclusion of features like the BioStretch harness, external hydration sleeve, and multiple attachment points justifies the premium pricing for users who require these specific functionalities.
Strengths
- +Comfortable fit with extended hip belt sizing from 40-70 inches
- +Versatile design suitable for hiking, scrambling, and technical terrain
- +User-friendly features including trekking pole and ice tool attachments
- +Breathable AirScape backpanel for comfort during active use
Watch-outs
- −Not lightweight enough for the most weight-conscious packers
- −22L size may be insufficient for dual-purpose use for recreation and work
How it compares
The Osprey Tempest 22 provides excellent versatility and comfort with its extended hip belt sizing and trekking pole attachments, outperforming the Deuter Speed Lite Pro 23 SL in adjustability and the REI Co-op Flash 22 in durability. Compared to the Osprey Talon 22, it's lighter and more adaptable for urban use, though it lacks the load-carrying capacity of the Gregory Zulu 24 LT and the external storage of the Wapta 30.
Who this is for
At a glance: versatile outdoor enthusiasts needing adjustability.
Why you’d buy the Osprey Tempest 22
- Comfortable fit with extended hip belt sizing from 40-70 inches.
- Versatile design suitable for hiking, scrambling, and technical terrain.
- User-friendly features including trekking pole and ice tool attachments.
Why you’d skip it
- Not lightweight enough for the most weight-conscious packers.
- 22L size may be insufficient for dual-purpose use for recreation and work.
Rating sources
Our 4.1 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
