The Osprey Eja 48 is a versatile and comfortable women's backpack, well-suited for weekend backpacking trips.
Quick Guide
Category: Ultralight Women's Backpacking Backpack
Sizes: XS, Small, Medium
Colors: Equinox Blue, Moonglade Grey
Weight: 2.45 lbs (1.1kg)
Gear Capacity: 42 - 48 liters
Recommended Load Range: 20 - 40 lbs
Pros: Versatile gear storage options; Well-padded Exoform harness; AirSpeed suspension maximizes breathability.
Cons: Less durable than some alternatives; Fairly heavy.
Best Suited For: Year-round, weekend backpacking trips.
Also Check Out: If you want a do-anything overnight pack that doesn’t weigh you down, try the superlight Osprey Lumina 45.
Final Verdict: The Osprey Eja 48 is a solid all-around backpacking pack perfect for 1-2 night mountain get-aways.
A hiking backpack is a must-have whenever you head into the backcountry. They are used to carry food, water, and other essential supplies.
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 these short Osprey Backpack reviews.
Osprey’s line up of gear includes some of the best backpacks available on the market today and they have a fantastic selection of women’s-specific packs.
Osprey Eja 48 Backpack Review
Osprey has long been a leading brand in the outdoor industry for packs of varying sizes.
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.
Key Specifications:
Pros & Cons:
Osprey Eja 48 Backpack Key Features
- Removable floating lid with top-and under-lid zippered pockets for storing smaller items
- Integrated FlapJacket protects packed gear when top lid is removed
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment allows you to stow your poles in steep terrain or whenever you need your hands free
- Dual access stretch mesh side pockets for storing water bottles and other gear with InsideOut side compression straps
- Front stretch mesh pocket stores rain gear for easy access when skies darken, or wet gear after the downpour stops
- Top lid web loop attachment points for external gear storage
- Ice axe attachment with bungee tie-off
- Removable sleeping pad and side compression straps
- Accessory cord attachment points for external gear storage
- Sternum strap with integrated safety whistle
FAQs
What is a Backpacking Backpack?
A backpacking pack is a large backpack designed to carry your gear on overnight trips. They are generally between 50 and 110L in size.
The capacity you choose for your pack depends on the length of your trip and the season you’re backpacking in. For example, the Arc'teryx Bora AR 63 has the capacity to carry enough gear for trips between 4-7 days.
Backpacking packs differ from day packs in terms of size. Yet, you’ll find some features on a backpacking pack that are not included on a day pack. Such as extra straps for sleeping pads.
Why are Osprey Backpacks Good Value?
Osprey is one of the oldest backpacking gear manufacturers in the United States.
They are 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.
Should I buy a Gender-Specific Backpack?
These days, it is possible to get a women’s specific backpack. Having “gender-specific” hiking packs may seem odd.
However, many women’s models are better suited for people with smaller bodies.
A women’s pack will usually have a shorter length, which is better for people under about 5’9” (175cm) in height.
Additionally, these packs usually have wider hip belts and curved shoulder straps. These adjustments are to accommodate a woman’s body better.
How to Pick the Right Backpack?
A backpack is a critical piece of gear when it comes to hiking. Thus, it’s vital that you fully understand what you are looking for before you buy.
So, when shopping for your next hiking backpack, here are some of the main factors to consider:
Intended Purpose - When we buy a piece of outdoor gear, we usually intend to use it for a specific purpose. In particular, backpacks come in many shapes and sizes. Some of which are best suited for a specific activity.
Hike Duration - A day hike can be as short as half an hour while a backpacking trip can last for months. The length of your hiking trip will have much impact on the pack you choose to use.
Comfort - Comfort is key when it comes to buying a hiking backpack. Keep in mind you’ll carry your pack over varied, uneven terrain for hours on end. You don’t want to purchase something uncomfortable.
Capacity - Backpack capacity is traditionally expressed in terms of liters of volume. In general, the capacity of pack that you need is dependent on three things: the length of your trip, the season, and the type of activity.
Here’s a rough guideline for choosing your pack capacity:
- Summer day hikes: 10-30L
- Winter day hikes: 30-50L
- Summer backpacking trips: 60-90L
- Winter backpacking trips: 75-110L
- Extended (14+ day) expeditions: 90-110L
For more information check out our Best Backpacks Buying Guide or our backpack in-depth reviews for more backpack recommendations.
Key Takeaways
Although there are a lot of good backpacking backpacks on the market these days, you really can't go wrong with the Osprey Eja 48.
It's women-specific design, comfortable Exoform harness, and AirSpeed ventilated suspension make it perfect for weekend backpacking adventures.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.