Osprey Xena 70 Backpack Review

Last Updated: January 2021

The Osprey Xena 70 is the most comfortable, high-performance women's expedition backpack on the market. 

Quick Guide

Category: Women's Backpacking Backpack

Sizes: XS, Small, Medium

Colors: Crown Purple, Canopy Green

Weight: 5.15lbs (2.34kg)

Gear Capacity: 62 - 70 liters

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

Cons: Slightly expensive; Heavy.

Best Suited For: Extended (5+ Night) backcountry adventures.

Also Check Out: For even more space, check out the Osprey Xena 85.

Final Verdict: The Osprey Xena 70 is the most durable and comfortable women's expedition backpack.

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 Xena 70 Backpack Review

Osprey has long been a leading brand in the outdoor industry for packs of varying sizes. 

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 Osprey 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.

Key Specifications:

  • Best Use: 5+ Night Backpacking Trips
  • Gender: Women's
  • Fit Torso Length: 16 - 20 inches 
  • Number of Pockets: 8 

Pros & Cons:

  • Custom fit and interchangeable options with a women’s-specific design
  • Lots of internal and external gear storage options
  • Very comfortable harness system.
  • Slightly expensive
  • Fairly heavy

Osprey Xena 70 Backpack Key Features

  • Floating, removable top lid with top-and under-lid zippered pockets converts to a DayLid daypack for side trips from camp or bagging peaks. Not available outside the US and Canada.
  • Integrated FlapJacket protects 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
  • External hydration reservoir sleeve is easy to access when the pack is fully loaded and accommodates up to a 3L reservoir
  • Dual side zips provide easy access to gear stored in the main compartment without removing the top lid
  • Two zippered front pockets provide additional storage and organization options
  • Zippered hipbelt pockets keep snacks and smaller items close at hand
  • Front hybrid nylon/stretch mesh pocket stores rain gear for easy access when skies darken, or wet gear after the downpour stops
  • Dual access stretch mesh side pockets store water bottles and more
  • Dual side compression straps stabilize loads and maintain a slim pack profile when not fully packed
  • Dual ice tool attachment points
  • Zippered, wide-mouth sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
  • Removable sleeping pad straps
  • Sternum strap with integrated safety whistle
  • backpacking girl women mountain

    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. 

    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

    The Osprey Xena 70 stands out as the best women-specific expedition backpack on the market. It 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.

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.

    Related Posts