Lucy Wallace recommends the Osprey Renn 50, a backpack that is comfortable to carry, with good weight distribution, and easy to pack.
The Osprey Renn 50 impressed me in several ways. At just over 1.6 kg, it’s lightweight compared to many competitors in its class, yet it doesn’t compromise on quality.
Lucy Wallace recommends
Overall, I found the pack comfortable to carry, with good weight distribution, and easy to pack.- tough
- lightweight
- less expensive than some
- fixed lid
- no internal lid pocket
- no large external stash pocket
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: $180 / £170 Weight: 1626g Materials: 100% recycled 600D polyester, and recycled nylon; PFAS-free; DWR treatment Features: tensioned adjustable Airspeed back system, zipped hip and lid pocket, mesh side pockets, rain cover, internal divider, pouch for hydration system, side compression straps, zipped lower entry point and bottom straps Volume: 50l Sizes: one size, adjustable Women/Mens version: Rook 50 osprey.com |
The 600D polyester fabric is tough, and is made from entirely recycled sources, which makes it a reasonable environmental choice. The pack is significantly less expensive than Osprey’s other models, yet the build quality is exactly what you’d expect from a premium brand. Some of the weight savings come from its stripped-down design.
There are very few superfluous features here (although I personally never use an internal divider or rain cover). However, Osprey have omitted to include an internal lid pocket and external large mesh stash pocket, both of which are common on most mainstream packs these days, and which I miss.
The back system has a suspension design, allowing for excellent airflow and is easily adjusted via a simple “ladder lock” buckle and slot system.
Overall, I found the pack comfortable to carry, with good weight distribution, and easy to pack. I unfastened the buckles on the internal divider to allow me to fill every corner of the base. There’s a zip for easy access to the bottom of the pack which is ideal if like me you tend to store the tent and other camping gear near the base.
With a 50-litre volume, I found the Renn 50 is ideal for an overnight camp or perhaps a couple of days if packing light. The side pockets are roomy, and the hip belt pockets are large enough to accommodate my mobile phone, even with its carry case.
The lid is fixed, so cannot be extended if more room is needed, which is a drawback. If you plan to do longer trips, then there is a 65-litre option available.
Testing conditions
Lucy tested this pack in a variety of conditions on overnight camps in Scotland and Wales. Weights are supplied are from Lucy’s home scales.
This review was first published in the August 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors magazine. Compare it with others in our guide to the best backpacking packs.
