The Xenith 88 is a flagship pack for Osprey and they have really pushed the boat out with their frame and harness technology. Any large pack is only good as its carrying system and Osprey have got it bang on with this superb pack. They have beefed up their already proven Lightwire peripheral frame that transfers weight effectively to the hipbelt. Speaking of the hipbelt, Osprey have created their most durable and load-bearing belt so far, carrying 25kg with ease. The customisable Bioform belt supports and spreads the weight of the pack evenly through your hips and down to your legs, reducing fatigue over long durations. The overall back length is also adjustable with a velcro fastened section which can easily be slid up and down when stationary. Not only does this allow you to fully customise your pack to suit your height, but to someone else's height if you need to share a pack or swap for any reason.
An 88 litre pack obviously requires plenty of pockets to separate and organise your gear. The Xenith features two hipbelt pockets to store essential items such as snacks, a phone or keys, powermesh pockets on the front and sides of the pack are ideal for storing water bottles, jackets and other layers, two pockets in the lid for other essential items, an internal hydration sleeve, a base compartment with an internal divider for a sleeping bag or mat, twin zippered vertical side and front pockets and lastly your main section for the bulk of your kit. Inside the lid pocket is a key clip to stop your keys getting lost in the bottom of your pack.
Other features include the brilliantly practical Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment system. This is perhaps my favourite thing about Osprey packs; it allows you to tuck your poles away without removing the pack or pestering someone else to strap them on. Dual ice axe loops and compression straps finish off the package.
The Xenith takes everything Osprey has learnt over years of designing packs and places it into one outstanding piece which focuses on constant, reliable comfort, even when packing over 25kg+ of gear. The array of pockets, super comfortable adjustable hipbelt and torso, the tough fabrics and the recognisable yet understated design remains a firm favourite with backpackers and travellers all over the world.
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Ultra supportive
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Upgrated frame
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Included raincover
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Thick hipbelt
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Stow-on-the-go system
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Ice axes can also be stored
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Plenty of pocket options
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Easy access to main compartment
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.