The Levity is quite possibly the pinnacle of lightweight multi-day packs. At just 845g (size small), Osprey are pushing the limits of what is possible when it comes to reducing weight. To put that into perspective, it weighs about the same as two cans of soup or four iPhones.
Although this pack is super light, it doesn't scrimp on features. Osprey use their tried and tested AirSpeed trampoline suspended mesh backsystem to provide you with one of the best backsystems available. A traditional backsystem used to simply place a piece of fabric next to your back with a little foam over the top for comfort, however if you've ever used this it tends to be a little warm and sticky. Osprey's AirSpeed system uses a taught, suspended layer of mesh which looks like a trampoline to increase comfort, ventilation and mobility during use. The pre-curved design wraps around the lightweight frame and shapes to your back like you had this bag tailor made for you.
Moving down the bag, the hipbelt uses a similar design to the backsystem, with lightweight mesh placed over a thin layer of foam to ensure the highest level of comfort without adding large amounts of weight. The hipbelt will mould and shape to the curve of your hips and is designed to take the majority of the weight while walking, making it one of the most fundamental things to get right, and Osprey definitely have.
The outer fabric hasn't had a sacrifice either, using a tough 210D High-Tenacity Nylon with a ripstop construction, you're guaranteed a bag that can deal with all the abuse you offer it despite it weighing half that of a standard bag. Nylon is the ideal fabric to use for the Levity as it's highly abrasion resistant, lightweight and weather resistant.
Pockets wise, two dual-access side pockets, one with an external compression strap and the other with an internal strap, house a drinks bottle up to a litre in size or a lightweight jacket, a top lid pocket stores essential items such as gloves, a map or snacks, a front stretch pocket can take a large jacket (provided it isn't raining) or other large items, and the main compartment is easily accessed via a top-loading system.
If you're tired (literally) of carrying 2kg worth of backpack on top of your kit for multi-day walks, the Levity may well be your ideal bag. A stacked feature set along with a durable fabric, comfortable back system and enough pockets to store everything you need for multi-day trips makes the Levity one of the most exciting packs available.
-
Compression straps can be removed to shed weight
-
Internal hydration sleeve
-
Top lid access
-
Large array of pockets
-
Comfortable, flexible hipbelt
-
AirSpeed backsystem is breathable and exceptionally comfortable
-
Internal compression system
-
Sternum strap with emergency whistle
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.