Small hiking daypacks offer travelers a pint-sized option for when a larger backpack seems like overkill. The Osprey Tempest 9 hiking backpack aims to fill that role with a feature-packed bag. Who would have thought that you could pack so many features into such a little bag? After surviving the Camino de Fatima(a multi-day trek from Lisbon across the Portugal-Spain border to Fatima), we found that the Osprey Tempest 9 hiking backpack is an excellent option for ladies who want a comfortable & sporty bag to carry the bare essentials.
Osprey bags tend to command a premium, and the Tempest 9 is no exception. This hiking daypack is on the expensive side. Is the Tempest 9 worth its price tag or are there cheaper alternatives available?
| Pros | Cons |
| + Multiple external storage options | – Not as light as other ultralight backpacks due to harness system |
| + Hydration pack capable (not included) | – Pricey for a small-capacity bag |
| + Holds shape well |
Who is Osprey?
In 1974, this company began crafting made-to-order bags from a retail store in Santa Cruz, California. Over the years, the Osprey brand evolved into a forward-thinking creator of quality hiking & outdoors gear.
Today, Osprey’s innovative designs continue to be at the forefront of the industry and are the bag of choice for many nature lovers.
Osprey Tempest 9 Specifications
- Dimensions: 18” x 9” x 8” (457 x 229 x 203 mm)
- Capacity: 9 Liters (S/M size)
- Weight: 1.3 pounds (~600g)
- Zippers: metal YYK (with reinforced pull tabs)
- Material: 100D Nylon
- MSRP: $100 (Check current price on Amazon)
How does the Osprey Tempest 9 look & feel?
Osprey’s Mystic Magenta really pops on this bag’s 100D nylon material. The magenta color complements neutral outfits well and is a fun way to let your personality shine through your gear. Looking closely at the nylon material reveals a lightly contrasting pattern that adds a premium look to the bag.
Though I could live without the printed wave designs that adorn the sides of the bungee webbing, I don’t think it takes away from the overall look of the bag.
As with all of Osprey’s bags, the Tempest 9 backpack features a technical silhouette with an array of external features. The nylon material that makes up the majority of the bag feels sturdy without adding too much heft. The padding along the straps feels good against my bare skin, so I know I will be comfortable no matter what outfit I am wearing.
How does the Osprey Tempest 9 fit?
Unsurprisingly, the mesh-covered foam harness coupled with Osprey’s Airscape backpanel suspension system make the Tempest 9 a very comfortable bag. Once you strap on the well-fitting hipbelt, this bag becomes the most comfortable bag I have ever worn!
The shoulder straps are easily adjustable from both ends, which is nice to see on a bag of this size. The adjustable sternum strap is simple yet effective; it is secured with plastic hardware that doubles as a whistle. The sternum strap adds some additional support when buckled, but it is not nearly as noticeable of an improvement as the hipbelt.
Using the hipbelt instantly transforms where the weight of the bag sits on your back. The hipbelt hugs my hips perfectly and provices a ton of support. The cell phone-sized pockets on both sides of the hipbelt are the cherry on top. It is very encouraging to see such a useful hipbelt on a small-capacity backpack like this.
Add up all of these components and I realized pretty quickly that Osprey built a winner: the Tempest 9 is truly a treat to wear.
Features of the Osprey Tempest 9 Backpack
Front Panel Bungee Webbing
The bungee webbing on the front panel of the Tempest 9 is great for stuffing a jacket or towel that you don’t want to throw in the main compartment. This is a great spot to slide in water shoes or sandals if you are heading out on an adventure that requires a second set of footwear.
Plus, the hardware at the top of the bungee webbing is part of the LidLock system. I understand that this clip allows you to lash your helmet directly to your bag, but I don’t do those activities and don’t have a helmet to test the LidLock functionality.
Hydration Pack Compatibility
Between the main compartment and the suspended back panel is a recess that runs down the height of the entire backpack. This semi-enclosed pocket is where a hydration bladder can be stored. While the two external water bottle pockets should be able to hold all the water I need for the types of treks I would take this bag on, it is nice to know there is a dedicated compartment for a hydration pack. Knowing how comfortable this bag is, I have a feeling that I wouldn’t even notice the additional weight of a water bladder here!
Stow-On-The-Go Attachment Loops
Osprey boasts hiking pole & ice axe attachment loops on this bag. The straps seem durable, so I have no qualms that they will perform as intended.
I own a pair of hiking poles, so it is nice to know this little bag should be able to handle them if necessary. Not sure that I ever see myself going somewhere I need an ice axe, but I like knowing that I have what I need just in case!
Final Thoughts
Osprey built the Tempest 9 for one thing: a comfortable bag to store the essentials on any woman’s adventure. This bag does that very, very well.
The comfortable shoulder straps & supportive hipbelt do an awesome job at distributing the daypack’s weight. The airy back panel makes sure you stay as cool as possible, and the ability to add your own hydration pack is a nice plus.
Internal organization is spartan but effective, and the external pockets and straps make this bag ridiculously versatile. If you can stomach the price tag, you are going to end up with a very capable little daypack.
Recommended for: lady adventurers who want a seriously feature-packed daypack that can be comfortably worn all day long.
