Osprey Tempest 33 review

Given the sheer number of features the Osprey Tempest 33 offers, it’s surprisingly lightweight, yet still tough enough to cope with a good battering in the hills.

A female-specific pack aimed at fast and light overnighters or demanding days out in the hills, the Osprey Tempest 33 is an all-singing, all-dancing fully-featured daysack that demonstrates close attention to detail in its design.

Quick specs

RRP: $190 / £155 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 1192g Capacity: 33 litres Materials: 100% recycled 100D high-tenacity nylon with dobby check ripstop, 100% recycled 420D nylon base Back system: adjustable Airscape back system Pockets: Stretch mesh side and front pockets, zipped hipbelt pockets, ice axe and trekking pole attachments, Features: dual compression straps, , internal hydration sleeve, sternum strap with whistle Sizes: one Men’s version? Talon 33 osprey.com

One area in which this pack truly excels is fit. Finding a genuine female-specific pack at this size is unusual, with most packs using a unisex chassis in the smaller volumes, reserving gender specific tweaks for larger trekking packs. Even more unusual though, is finding one where the fit can be fine-tuned further still. The harness has a sliding adjustment to accommodate different torso proportions and straps are arranged to tweak the fit to suit at shoulders and hips. The result is comfortable for long days and extremely stable.

The pads at the hips, while low profile, move subtly with the pelvis in use, making the pack feel like an extension of the body, even when fully laden. It’s spot on for more technical walks or scrambles, staying put even when the wearer’s torso and hips are moving about more than usual.

Size wise, this 33 litre pack is large enough to accommodate kit for a long winter mountain day, a lightweight overnighter (or two) or even a trip to the shops. It easily swallows jackets, spare layers and supplies, is just about long enough for a compact tent (straps easily onto the outside if not) and yet still feels nimble and comfortable in wear. It can be cinched in easily when not full, making it flexible for a variety of load carrying, not just the big days.

Given the sheer number of features it offers, it’s surprisingly lightweight, yet still tough enough to cope with a good battering in the hills. The pack has ice axe/trekking pole attachment loops, which are straightforward to use. There are zipped and mesh pockets in the lid as well as side mesh bottle pockets and an internal sleeve for a hydration system. The zipped hip belt pockets are generously sized, albeit a little stiff to operate easily while wearing the pack. A massive mesh stash pocket at the front is spot on for stowing a wet waterproof in changeable conditions.

The rugged fabric is made from 100D 100% recycled nylon with a PFAS-free water repellent treatment, and a tougher and more durable 420D base, again made from recycled nylon. The whole pack is bluesign approved (meaning its materials and components meet certain criteria for environmental and social responsibility), which along with its overall durability makes it a reliable environmentally conscious choice.

Not only is this a pack that’s built with an eye to the environment, but it should also last for a good number of years, making for less waste and landfill. It’s quite surprising that such a well-designed and well-made pack comes in at a pretty reasonable price. It demonstrates great value for money for an extremely technical and competent, versatile daypack.

Testing conditions

Lara used the packs through winter and spring on a variety of walks and hikes in the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. She is 5’5” tall with a relatively short back length in relation to her height.  

This review was first published in the August 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with other daypacks in our guide to the best hiking backpacks.