Osprey Variant 52 Pack

I've only had the pack out once but it performed great. I carried my ski boots, crampons, axe, skins, helmet, hydration pack and other basic gear in the pack and skis (with AT bindings) on the outside for most of a 4 mile approach. The pack was very stable and the load surprisingly compact. I plan on using the pack for summer backpacking as well and will gladly carry a little extra weight for all the features. The pack seems very rugged (from initial impression) and well designed.

I owned two other Osprey packs prior to buying the Variant 52, so I knew the degree of quality and craftsmanship that I would be coming with a new pack. I bought the Variant 52 for 4-season hiking, camping and mountaineering. I was uncertain of how large this pack would be since usually there is no scale reference in most of the product images, but after loading it up, it was the perfect size. It is large enough to fit every piece of standard equipment I had with plenty of room left over. Despite not coming with a specific sleeping bag compartment like you find in many larger-volume packs, there is ample space inside the main compartment if you use a compression bag. I was used to the AirSpeed mesh suspension system of the Stratos 24, so I was less impressed with the back panel of the Variant 52, although it is still amazing. The hip belts are not as cumbersome as those found on other Osprey packs since they don't have those annoying structured pockets. Instead, the Variant has two neutral hip belts with gear loops, which I think is a much better use of the hip belts. In addition to these gear loops on the hip belts, there are two gear loops attached to the sides of the pack. These will be amazing when I go climbing because I can keep all quickdraws, trad gear, etc. on there instead of on a sling around my neck. The fastening system on the Variant is brilliant both with respect to gear attachments and to just the compression straps and top-loading compartment closure. Also, I was surprised to learn that despite being over twice as large by volume as the Stratos 24, the Variant still fit my small Osprey rainfly that came with the Stratos 24. Other than these astounding design upgrades, the Variant is a beautiful bag and is worth twice its weight in gold (a comment also about its weight). As with any Osprey pack, you know it is built to last. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for any hiking pack, but especially if you need a pack for climbing or mountaineering. I will certainly be putting the Variant through its paces over the next year and am certain it will function masterfully.

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