The Best Osprey Backpacks for Women in 2021

Last Updated: January 2021

Quick Recommendations 

Osprey’s line up of gear includes some of the best backpacks available on the market today. They have a fantastic selection of women’s-specific packs. 

Finding the right backpack for all your hiking needs can be tricky, to say the least. To help you find the right pack for any adventure, we’ve created this guide to the best Osprey backpacks for Women.  

This way, you can spend less time researching gear and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

To know what to look for, check out our buying guide on Best Hiking Backpacks and our in-depth reviews.


Osprey Backpacks Reviews

Best Osprey Women's Backpack for Day Hikes: Osprey Tempest 20

Trip Duration: Day Hiking

Weight: 1.65lbs (0.75kg)

What We Like: Women’s-specific features; Very breathable back panel; Built-in support system for weight distribution.

What We Don’t Like: External pockets are quite small; Strap and buckle on hip belt are thin, which can be uncomfortable.

The Osprey Tempest 20 combines a simple design with high-tech features. 

The Tempest 20 is built with an Altion frame sheet. This helps to distribute the weight of your gear across the entire back panel, reducing the load on your shoulders for a better hiking experience.

Also, it features a Biostretch built-in hip belt with die-cut slotted foam, providing ample padding for your hips. The hip belt uses seamless technology to improve its fit for all-day comfort. Meanwhile, an Airscape Backpanel provides ample breathability, helping to wick away sweat in the hot summer months.

If that wasn’t enough, the Tempest 20 also has women’s-specific features. Things such as a wider hip belt and ergonomic shoulder straps. These minor adjustments help to provide a more contoured fit for active women.

The Osprey Sirrus 24 is a good alternative to the Tempest 20 for anyone that wants more features on their pack. The Sirrus 24 includes top-of-the-line accessories. Features like an integrated rain cover and a better selection of pockets.


Best Osprey Women's Backpack for Weekend Trips: Osprey Eja 48

Trip Duration: 1-2 Nights

Weight: 2.45 lbs (1.1kg)

What We Like: Versatile gear storage options; Well padded Exoform harness; AirSpeed suspension maximizes breathability.

What We Don’t Like: Less durable than some alternatives; Fairly heavy.

The Osprey Eja 48 is a solid all-around backpacking pack for women. It's crafted with 1-2 night mountain get-aways in mind. This pack has a super padded Exoform harness that provides lasting comfort throughout your time on the trail.

The Eja 48 also has Osprey’s proprietary AirSpeed suspension system that creates a space between your back and the pack for added ventilation. Some cool features on the Osprey Eja 48 include dual access mesh side pockets.

These pockets make it easy to access your water bottles on the go. You can even store gear in the front mesh pocket. Also, use the accessory cord attachment points for added versatility.

If you want a do-anything overnight pack that doesn’t weigh you down, try the superlight Osprey Lumina 45. This might be your best alternative to the Eja 48.

The Lumina 45 tips the scales at 1.79lbs (0.77kg) but still has all the features you need for a short outdoor adventure.  Also, check out our in-depth review of the Osprey Renn 50.


Best Osprey Women's Backpack for Multi-day Hikes: Osprey Aura AG 65

Trip Duration: 2-5 Nights

Weight: 4.34lbs (1.97kg)

What We Like: Many storage options for gear; Lower center of gravity; Women’s-specific fit.

What We Don’t Like: Heavy; Large front panel takes away space from the main compartment.

The Osprey Aura AG 65 is a classic backpacking pack designed with women in mind. This pack features a shorter height, which helps to lower its center of gravity.

A lower center of gravity is particularly helpful for shorter hikers. Especially those with smaller torsos.

Additionally, the Aura AG 65 has one of the best-fitting harness systems around. The Osprey’s AntiGravity suspension system provides a contoured, yet seamless fit. This makes it super comfortable for all-day use.

Plus, the Aura AG 65’s harness is 100% adjustable so that you can get that perfect fit.

As far as storage goes, the Osprey Aura AG 65 provides lots of options. It has zippered hip belt pockets and side and front mesh pockets, as well as a zippered front compartment. Oh, and it has ice tool loops and a zippered sleeping bag compartment for added versatility.

For more durability and versatility, consider the Osprey Ariel AG 75. The Ariel uses extra-tough fabrics. Also, it has some added features that are perfect for mountaineering overnights.


Best Osprey Women's Backpack for Extended Hikes: Osprey Xena 70

Trip Duration: 5+ Nights

Weight: 5.15lbs (2.34kg)

What We Like: Custom fit and interchangeable options with a women’s-specific design; Lots of internal and external gear storage options; Very comfortable harness system.

What We Don’t Like:  Slightly expensive; Heavy.

Gear companies don’t provide adventurous women with a lot of options for purpose-built expedition packs. In fact, most women’s packs are small and aren’t durable enough to handle the demands of a longer backpacking trip.

That’s where the Osprey Xena 70 comes in the picture. The Xena 70 can carry large amounts of gear without feeling overwhelming on the trail. The pack has a women’s-specific fit. It's customizable with interchangeable hip belts and harnesses, as well as custom molding.

Even though the Xena only has 70L of gear capacity, it can fit all you need for an extended trip. In addition to its interior storage, the Osprey Xena 70 has multiple zippered outer pockets on the front and on the hip belt.

The pack also has external mesh pockets and plenty of straps for ample gear storage. Oh, and it has a zippered sleeping bag compartment for added organization.

If you’re considering heading out on an extended backcountry trip, you’ll need lots of space in your pack. That’s where the Osprey Xena 85 comes in handy.

Although 85 liters isn’t a huge amount of space, the Xena 85 is one of the largest women’s-specific packs out there today.


Why Osprey Backpacks Are Good Value

Osprey is one of the oldest backpacking gear manufacturers in the United States. The company got its start in 1974. It was a small shop where outdoor enthusiasts could get their own custom-made packs.

While Osprey no longer makes custom gear, their line-up of packs is one of the best in the world. Moreover, some of their high-end packs offer custom molding so you can get the perfect fit.

Osprey is also known for making high-quality equipment that’s very versatile. We love that Osprey builds their packs with plenty of features to make your life easier when you’re out and about.

Plus, Osprey stands by the quality of their packs. They offer their All Mighty Guarantee. The company will repair any damage or defect on their packs, free of charge, regardless of when you bought it. 

We like Osprey backpacks so much, we also did a break-down of the Best Osprey backpacks for men.


The Final Verdict

Osprey’s line up of gear includes some of the best backpacks available on the market today. They have plenty of options for every pursuit. They also have a selection of fantastic women’s-specific packs. Great for people with smaller frames.

Plus, Osprey’s packs are chock full of amazing features. They all help to provide the functionality and versatility you need while on the trail. The key is to figure out which Osprey pack is best for your needs.

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