Osprey has made a serious entry into the trail running pack game with their new Duro (men’s) and Dyna (women’s) packs. Available in 3 sizes each for both men and women, the packs come in 1.5 liter, 6 liter, and 15 liter capacity models. Something for every need, from quick runs with just some water and a rain jacket, to multi-day trail running tours, peak bagging, or fast packing trips.
We’ve been using all three sizes and have been providing them to friends for photos and testing. Overall the impression is very good, in fact Osprey has done something no other running pack has ever done for me, given me a pack that holds my camera and other gear together with no, as is in zero, bouncing around or stabbing me in the back.
These are not ultralight, ultra simple running packs, but they aren’t meant to be. They offer features for people seeking comfort & stability along with Osprey’s usual array of numerous pockets. If you are after super light race packs these are probably not for you. For example, the Duro 15L small pack, which is actually 13 liters, weighs 700 grams. In comparison, Salomon’s ubiquitous S-Lab ADV Skin 12 liter pack weighs 285 grams while Dynafit’s Enduro 12L is 289 grams. In my opinion, Osprey’s packs are perfect for general trail running, comfort, and will last forever.
Together with lots of our friends, we have been using them all summer in the Alps for everything from short & fast, to super long, and even The Way Up project. They have certainly been put to the test. The consensus? Super comfortable, super stable, but not what we’d do races in.
Positives
- Very well made, these aren’t going to fall apart anytime soon – bomber material and design.
- Hands down the most comfortable shoulder straps with much appreciated extra large pockets on the chest for soft water flasks and food.
- Stable, rock solid harness system. They simple don’t bounce or sway thanks to the shoulder strap design’s width and tensioning system.
- The option of using a water bladder inside the pack or only carrying soft flasks in the shoulder straps.
- Three sizes for three very different needs; 1.5L vest for minimalist days, a perfect 6L model for the “if you are just going to buy one, this is it” crowd, and a hefty 15L with a much appreciated waist belt addition for carrying heavier loads, more stability and extra waist belt pockets.
- The packs all come in a Small/Medium or a Medium/Large size to fine tune the fit.
Negatives
- The sternum strap buckles are bulky and difficult to clip, especially with one hand. As a result of the type of clip, they are often joined at an angle causing the shoulder straps to pull unevenly.
- On the back of the pack is a compression sleeve/pocket that is great for shoving things into, but it has two buckles that work as compression/holding straps for the sleeve. The buckles cover the zippers for the main compartments and must be unclipped and re-clipped each time you access the pack. However, these are also the straps that provide for some extra stability and compression, so it’s a trade off…
- Lots of zippers and pockets – some may see this as a positive, for me a running pack should be a simple tube. I’d like to see the same packs with less zipper access pockets.
- Zippered pockets on mesh material. I’ve learned that mesh allows for sweat to move through it leaving salt behind once dry. Zippers can seize up from this salt so care must be taken to keep the zippers clean.
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Comments 20
Hi Folks.
nice review for the osprey duro pack. One quick comment regarding the weight. Weight for Salomon packs is reported without bladder whearas the osprey weight is including the bladder. So the real difference is only 150-200g when comparing apples to apples….
What size hydrapak flasks did you use in the 15?
Author
500ml, but the new, tall, skinny ones.
I have real difficulty running with packs that bounce. It’s like Chinese water torture to me. I would like to find a pack I can run in that will carry enough for an overnight under the stars. In looking at the Duro 15 with it’s three point harnessing system I think this pack may work for me. Nothing I’ve tried so far works. I think the hip belt might be the key. What do you think? Could this be the pack for me, or do you have other recommendations?
Author
I’ve found the Dyna 15 to be great for day runs when I need to carry a camera, but I’m using the small Sony a6300, so it’s small and light and the pack doesn’t bounce at all. But if you need to overnight, and need the volume, check the Salomon S-Lab Peak 20, it is superb.
What are the differences between Duro and Dyna? The Dyna range is not available in UK and Osprey said they don’t intend to stock it here because there is little difference between the men’s and women’s versions, so Duro is the only option here. Is the S/M Duro the same size as S/M Dyna? Are there any other differences in the fit or shape of Dyna 6 and 15 which would make them more suited to the female shape?
Author
Typically women’s packs just have a smaller torso size, other than they are essentially the same pack.
Hi!
How would you suggest one keeps the zipper clean and free from sweat and salt? Will a thorough washing and scrubbing do??
Author
That ought to work
Γεια σας μόλις πείρα το duro1.5 η Εφαρμογή είναι φανταστική σταθερό χωρίς να χοροπηδάει Πάνω μου αν και θα τρέξω μια αποστάσει 450km επέλεξα το μικρό αφού θα έχω και συνοδούς μαζί μου η ερώτηση μου είναι η εξής εκα να σωστή επιλογή στο νούμερο το ύψος μου είναι 1.87 και πείρα το size m/L εκα να καλά?
Any pointers in terms of the s/m vd m/l fitting? ☺️
Author
Not fully sure – I am 173cm, thin and wear the s/m. My wife is 172cm, thin and wears the women’s m/l.
I am 1.80 m and have a chest size of 93 cm, I chose for the S/M for getting a tight fit when not so full. If used for normal hiking and charged to the top a M/L may do as well as the volume pulls back the sides of the backlining away from the person. We are opting to get a second one for one day hikes, just perfect. For running I will still use the S/M though.
Can you fit a pair of running shoes into Duro 6?
Author
Hmmm. If you manage it there may not be room for anything else.
It’s nice to see pictures of a pack fully laden, rather than empty for a photo op! I like the 15L for use as a daypack, not just for trail running. I really like all the pockets in the shoulder straps and would enjoy seeing more backpacks with this shoulder strap pocketing design – but hey, I’m a pocket kind of guy! Nowadays, purchasing any pack with an included reservoir (unless your name is Camelbak) gives you that happy, I’m getting more for my money kinda feeling. Osprey just keeps hitting home runs, great Duro/Dyna series!
Hi,
I’m an amateur photographer and I’m beginning with trail running.
I’m interested in the Osprey Duro 15, but I cannot try it in a shop, so I wonder if I can use the belt of this backpack to accommodate my kit, a Fuji X-T20 with a 27mm pancake lens on it (or, if not possible, my sony rx-100 II). Can you help me to answer this question?
Thanks in advance. Regards,
Jorge
Author
Hi Jorge, the belt of the Duro 15 should be enough. The RX100 for sure is going to be okay, but that you can also put in the side pocket and reach back for. I actually clip my pack to the shoulder straps and have a strap keep it tight against my chest. Regardless of how you do it, the pack’s straps are strong and stable enough. Enjoy!
Thanks for your answer.
I will go then for the Osprey Duro 15, and use my rx100 for the trail (or perhaps a Panasonic gx800+12-32mm, with a 35-100mm pancake in the other side pocket… I’m still thinking about the best lightweight option, because I think my x-t20 is a bit on the big side for trail running).
Regards,
Jorge
Just a note about Duro vs Dyna sizing. The 2019 version sizing are different. Dyna now has xs/s and s/m. Comparing the s/m Dyna to the Duro… the Dyna is a shorter torso. The Dyna is more narrow in the upper chest and designed to expand over the female chest a bit lower down the chest. The Duro is larger in the chest to accommodate a larger male chest.