The Osprey Soelden 32 backpack is a lightweight option for skiers and snowboarders seeking a minimalist yet functional pack for backcountry adventures. Weighing in at approximately 2.5 pounds, this 32-liter pack prioritizes a streamlined design without sacrificing essential features. Designed for carrying up to 30 pounds, the Soelden 32 incorporates Osprey's renowned All Mighty Guarantee, offering peace of mind for its durable construction. Its key features include dedicated ski and snowboard carry systems, multiple pockets for avalanche safety gear and other essentials, and a comfortable, breathable suspension system.Constructed from durable, water-resistant 210-denier nylon, the Soelden 32 balances lightweight performance with robust protection against the elements. This review delves into the pack's features, performance on the slopes, and overall suitability for backcountry use, highlighting both its strengths and limitations to help you decide if it's the right choice for your winter adventures. We'll examine its carrying capacity, comfort, organization, and the trade-offs inherent in its lightweight design.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight compared to Osprey Camber.
- Minimalist design.
- Features ski carry, snowboard carry, and side carry options.
- Includes avalanche gear pockets and a breakaway back panel for easy access.
- High-end materials for comfort and stability.
- 32-liter volume.
- Max load carry recommended is 30 pounds.
- Weighs approximately 2.5 pounds.
- DWR finish to repel rain and snow.
- Light wire suspension alloy frame for stability.
- Comfortable shoulder straps with EV-free foam and airflow.
- Adjustable sternum buckle with built-in whistle.
- Panel loader with two main areas.
- J-shaped zipper front pocket for shovel, probe, jacket, gloves, or goggles.
- Contoured EVA foam back panel for comfort and airflow.
- U-zipper pocket for access to the main compartment.
- Top pocket for small items.
- Interior pockets for walkie-talkie and water bottle.
- Hip belt with zippered pockets and gear loops.
- Versatile ski and snowboard carry configurations (A-frame, front carry, diagonal carry).
- High-quality zippers with visibility features.
- When using A-frame ski carry, access to avalanche gear is limited.
- A-frame carry is not very adjustable for thicker items like splitboards.
- No side pockets for water bottles.
- Relatively small, may not easily fit a helmet without using the helmet net.
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Overview and Specifications
The Osprey Soelden 32 is a lightweight backpack designed for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It's a more minimalist alternative to Osprey's Camber series, offering a streamlined design without sacrificing essential features. Key features include dedicated ski and snowboard carrying systems, side carrying options, and specialized pockets for avalanche safety gear.
This 32-liter pack boasts a recommended maximum load of 30 pounds and weighs approximately 2.5 pounds. It's available in multiple color options and retails for $175 on Osprey's website. Osprey’s renowned All Mighty Guarantee backs it.
The Soelden 32 prioritizes lightweight construction while maintaining comfort and stability during challenging descents. Its dimensions are 21.62 x 12.2 x 11.02 inches when fully packed.
Materials and Construction
The main body fabric is constructed from 210-denier high-tenacity nylon with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Accents are made from a similar 210-denier nylon material, ensuring water resistance and durability in harsh conditions.
This material choice aims to balance lightweight performance with robust protection against snow and rain. The reinforced bottom panel further enhances the pack's resilience against wear and tear.
The Soelden 32's construction focuses on mobility and comfort, making it well-suited for dynamic movements on the slopes.
Suspension and Fit
The Soelden 32 features a lightweight wire suspension alloy frame integrated with a high-density polyethylene frame sheet and HDPE stay. This system works to transfer weight efficiently to the hips, enhancing comfort and stability.
The shoulder straps, while minimalist, incorporate breathable EV-free foam for comfortable wear. The back panel, also featuring breathable foam, is designed to shed snow and ice effectively.
Adjustable sternum straps and load-lifting levers further refine the fit, ensuring a secure and customized carry experience.
Compartments and Organization
The Soelden 32 employs a panel-loading system with two main compartments. The front compartment, accessible via a J-shaped zipper, houses sleeves for avalanche safety tools (shovel and probe).
This front pocket can also store items like jackets, gloves, or goggles. The main compartment provides ample space for clothing, food, and other essentials.
Additional pockets include a top lid pocket, a U-shaped zippered rear panel pocket for quick access, and internal pockets for small items such as a walkie-talkie or water bottle.
Carry Systems and Features
The Soelden 32 offers versatile carrying options for skis and snowboards. A-frame ski carry, front snowboard carry, and diagonal ski carry are all supported.
The hip belt, while minimalist, includes zippered pockets and a gear loop for added storage and attachment points. The absence of side water bottle pockets is due to the integrated ski/snowboard carry systems.
A helmet attachment system is also provided, allowing the helmet to be secured either to the front or back of the pack.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Lightweight design, versatile carry options for skis and snowboards, multiple compartments for organization, comfortable suspension, durable materials with DWR finish, and high-quality zippers.
Cons: Limited adjustability in the A-frame ski carry may hinder splitboard compatibility, and access to the avalanche gear pockets is restricted when skis are carried in the A-frame configuration.
Final Verdict
The Osprey Soelden 32 is a solid choice for skiers and snowboarders seeking a lightweight yet functional backcountry pack. Its streamlined design, along with its versatile carry systems and numerous pockets, make it practical for a variety of winter activities.
However, the limitations in A-frame adjustability and avalanche gear access should be considered. While a significant improvement over the Camber series in terms of weight reduction, the Osprey Soelden 32 caters to users who prioritize minimal bulk and are aware of its compromises.
If these caveats don't outweigh the benefits of its lightweight design and features, the Osprey Soelden 32 is worth serious consideration for your next backcountry adventure.