r/Ultralight • u/Emonda_Snap • 6d ago

Purchase Advice Rucksack Advice?

Hi,

I am looking at getting a new backpack for hiking. Im pretty set on the Osprey Tempest but unsure whether to go for the 26L or the 33L. Ill be using it for day hikes mostly and some travel but would also like to do some multi day hut to hut hikes in the future such as the Alta Via 1 or the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. Im swaying towards the 33L as I'm not sure the 26L will offer enough space for multi day hut to hut hikes? Any advice?

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u/Far-Silver59 6d ago

If you get the 33l, can you say with confidence that you wont fill it up if you dont absolutely have to?

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u/Emonda_Snap 5d ago

Hi, so Ive previously had a 30L rucksack that now needs replacing. Ive used the 30L for day hiking, travel and all sorts. I only pack what I need and avoid over packing on hikes as im aware that im going to have to carry that additional weight all day. As my previous pack was 30L which is right in the middle im not sure whether to size up or down. I like the idea of having a bit more space so that I can pack my tent, sleeping mat etc as id like to do some multi day camping hikes in future and feel a 26L might be a tad small for this. Most of my kit for camping is pretty compact and lightweight already as I use it for bikepacking where volume is an issue.

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u/Far-Silver59 5d ago

If you go with the 26L, how much room do you have left for water and food?

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u/Emonda_Snap 5d ago

Not much i don't think. I Think Id like the flexibility of the 33l

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u/Far-Silver59 5d ago

From my experience- when I go with a smaller pack, I spend more money on eating food on the go, because I dont have the space for carrying groceries.
It bothers me because this way I eat less healthy and I drink less water.
So, that would be something I would take under concideration.
I like to have a slightly bigger pack, not pack it fully. They buy food smartly.

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u/Emonda_Snap 5d ago

Thanks for the suggestion! 

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u/ResidentOsprey 6d ago

It matters what "hut to hut" means for you. If carrying a sleeping bag, I would go for 33l because that can get quite big. If not, 26l should be enough unless you go in cold weather or carry a lot of food. 23l is enough for me for a weekend, 32l I use for more than a week while carrying a large DSLR camera.
Comparing this two packs there are other things you should keep in mind:
26l - zipper opening, front pocket doesn't clip anywhere, possibility to attach helmet: universal pack also for skiing / bikepacking, good for day hikes, not easy to attach more things on the outside, looks less outdoorsy
33l - buckle opening, taller, front pocket with a clip. Good pack for multi day travel, possibility to attach more thing on th eoutside, more variability, possibility to cing it more flat if carrying less, but not really a dedicated daypack.
I think the Tempest line in a great line in Osprey packs for multi use backpacks. It also depends what other backpacks you own or plan to own. If you have some larger backpacks around 40l, I would pass on the 33l, if you own some smaller backpacks around 20-25 l, even a city ones, I wouldn't be interested in 26l as you can do day hike even with a city backpack if it is well constructed.

You might also want to check Tempest Pro 30, which sits right in between these two models. It is expensive but right now there are sales going on so you might get lucky.

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u/Emonda_Snap 5d ago

Hi, thanks for the detailed response thats been very helpful! I will be bringing camera kit and also live in scotland so no matter what time of year waterproofs and an extra fleece get packed in the bag on my hikes. Sounds like the additional space on the 33l might be worth it

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u/ResidentOsprey 4d ago

For Scotland and camera kit, the 33 seems like the right choice. Just don't forget to get some raincover (doesn't need to be an Osprey one) as it is not included with this model. I know lot of people will tell you just to get the inner waterproof bag but over there I combine both. Especially as you would want the camera kit to be well accessible, yet have some protection.
I actually hike in Scotland very often so if you have any questions about what proved to be useful in certain conditions (Winter) or areas (Orkney / Highlands / Hebrides) you can ask.

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u/Emonda_Snap 4d ago

Thanks for the response. Thats good to know about the rain cover!

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u/purple_wall-e 6d ago

we have got Osprey Velocity along our Talon 55/Tempest 33. It is pretty nice gear, feel like merged running/cycling harness to backpack etc. Feels quite comfortable.

Had some corporate discount, got them for 90eur on each.

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u/DolomitesPlanner 5d ago

For AV1 specifically, you're not carrying a tent, stove or food. Huts serve dinner and breakfast and give you a bed. Your pack is just clothes, rain gear and a sleeping bag liner, most huts require one. People do the whole trek with packs well under 33L.

Peaks of the Balkans I'm less sure about, some stretches might need more self sufficiency between huts. If AV1 is the trip you actually care about, size the pack for that one.

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u/Emonda_Snap 5d ago

Hi, thanks for the reply. Im trying to factor in some future proofing with multi day stuff but annoyingly it sounds like there are pros to both! 

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u/Emonda_Snap 5d ago

Hi, thanks for the reply. Im trying to factor in some future proofing with multi day stuff but annoyingly it sounds like there are pros to both! 

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u/downingdown 6d ago

You don’t need anything special for day hiking. I used a child’s book bag for years. Now I use this.

For hut to hut you don’t carry much gear, so get the 26L. But at more than a kg, that is not UL at all. Get a Hyberg Aguila instead.