Osprey 2008 - Sneak Preview

Osprey has no less than nine new top-end packs all ready to jump out of the factory and onto the mountains - via a shop window and a pair of sturdy shoulders - in early 2008. Here's what they look like...

Kestrel Series

The Kestrel packs draw on this year's lightweight mountain sports pack, the Talon, which weighs only 1.1kg in the 44l version.

The plan is to make the Kestrel a little less high end than that, with the 48l version set to drain £85 from your pockets, compared to £100 for the Talon 44. It will continue to be fully hydration compatible though, with stretch front and side pockets, two zip-up pockets on the back panel, and loops for trekking poles which you can use on your own whilst in motion - now there's a challenge.

The packs also feature Osprey's first integrated rain cover, according to the manufacturers, and there's a zipped base compartment and sleeping bag straps on the two larger packs.

All sounds good for day trips into the hills or a lightweight weekend away.

Argon and Xenon

This new pair of backpacks are about to join the ranks of famous partnerships - Laurel and Hardy, Bill and Ben, erm, Punch and Judy, ahem - and now Argon and Xenon.

Forget the lightweight daypacks for a moment - these are big strapping load haulers - and we really do mean 'big'. The Argon is the men's pack and it can haul a whopping 110 litres, in a 3.01kg pack, while the women's Xenon stashes away 85 litres of kit in a 2.78kg pack.

There are also a handful of smaller version - 70l and 85l in the Argon pack and 70l in the Xenon pack. They replace the original Crescent and Luna packs, but in a lighter weight, and with a few interesting new features.

One is the hydration system which has a strap so that it can be carried separately, on your shoulder, if you take a quick side-trip one day. The hood also becomes a lumbar pack, for the same purpose.

And how does the technology make all this load carrying a desirable - and not too sweaty - prospect?

Well, Osprey have designed an 'AirScape' back panel with tri-section 10mm ridged foam and a central air chimney to encourage air circulation, so you don't get too clammy with all that kit pressing against your back.

As for the carrying system, the Argon and Xenon have taken on the custom-moulded hip belts that accompanied the Crescent and Luna packs. You have to pick your store carefully to take full advantage of this, but if you head to your local Osprey Custom Moulding oven - just a bit like popping down to the post office really - the hipbelt will be moulded to fit your dimensions.

Other features include vertical zip acess to the main body of the pack and zippered access to the side pockets.

Sounds like an interesting option next time we go on a long trek.