I have plenty of bags for sure and they are of different types. I use each of them depending on where I’ll go. For a few night’s trip out-of-town, preferably up the highlands, I prefer to use backpacks. They are mobile and easy to carry for the last minute bus chases, climbing on top of a jeep or an impromptu mountain climb. Had the pleasure of road-testing another backpack, the Osprey Momentum 32 from their Momentum Series packs designed for commuting. I managed to lightly test the Osprey Momentum 32 in historic trails Bataan first then rough-tested through the elements at the mountains of Bontoc.
Momentum Series
The Osprey Momentum Series is designed for the commuter in mind, particularly bikers. But that’s not to say it can’t be used on other things like weekend escapes, mountain climbs or backpacking. Here are the main features of the series:
- AirScape backpanel
- Padded 15” laptop (or tablet) compartment
- LidLock Helmet Clip
- Built-in Rain Cover
- Harnes pocket with Key-clip
- Load Compression straps
- Organized Top Zip pocket
- Panel Load Access with inner sleeve pockets
- Blinker light attachment
- Osprey All-Mighty-Guarantee
The Osprey Momentum 32
The Osprey Momentum 32 is quite an oddity for me as it is not in the line-up from the catalogues of the momentum series I’ve been looking into. Nonetheless, it shares the design and features of the Osprey Momentum series with a few additions. Osprey Momentum 32 has a separate bottom compartment for shoes or other items. It’s also quite larger than the usual bike packs as I was told.
In use, I do like how it fits comfortably on my back. The straps padding runs well on my shoulders and I could wear them for a couple of hours or more easily. It really reminds me of my favorite, long-gone Deuter Trans Alpine which is also designed for biking but good as an all-around travel pack as well. I like the over-all black color and neon green lines on the bag. I’m also surprised how many pockets and compartments the bag have that sometimes I get lost on where I places some items. In city strolling and pavement walk in Bataan, the full weight of the bag is well distributed. Up the mountains of Bontoc, it held well against light rains. I am glad though that it has a built-in rain-cover as heavy rain caught us in one of the villages of Maligcong.
Summary
The Osprey Momentum 32 is an ideal pack for the weekend warrior. It’s enough to carry loads for up to a couple of night’s escape with a laptop in tow. Aside from being comfortable to wear, it feels well built with stitches strong enough to last for a few years. Better believe me as I’ve managed to pack in a week’s worth of light clothes, macbook, extra slippers, water bottle and a tripod with this baby. It’s almost a perfect pack. Almost… as I wished it has lockable zippers too.
What I liked
- Lots of compartments, a very organized pack
- Comfortable fit with AirScape back panel and well padded strap
- Design lines and color scheme
- Built-in rain cover
- Separate and quick access bottom compartment
What I didn’t care for
- No lockable zippers on the main compartments
- Can get lost into the many pockets
The Osprey Momentum 32 SRP is Php 6,290 and is available at R.O.X. and Travel Club branches.
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