Osprey Kamber 32
The first few times I went backcountry skiing, I used random backpacks I had laying around, thinking “it’s just a pack, it’s not a big deal.” But I quickly found that they lacked appropriate compartments, were too big because they were overnight packs, or were unsuitable for skiing, so I decided to take the plunge and get a pack for day tours.
I did a lot of research, but I’m particularly partial to Osprey packs. They just happen to sit really well on me – the weight is distributed on my hips rather than my shoulders. They also have awesome features built into them and you can tell the packs are thoughtfully constructed. (And no, I am not being paid to fawn over Osprey in any way…I’m just a huge fan of their packs!)
I finally narrowed down my search to the Osprey Kamber/Kresta series. The Kresta is the women’s specific version, but I went with the Kamber because (1) I’m really tired of women’s gear being all teal, (2) there’s a bit more volume in the men’s version, and (3) the fit for both were comfortable for me. I decided I wanted either a 22L or 32L pack, since those two sizes seemed the most appropriate for the quantity of items I would be carrying for a day trip.
Initially I purchased the Osprey Kamber 22L pack, because I’m a petite human and the 32L seemed like overkill for a day trip. But when I got home and packed up the 22L version with all my things, it felt like there was very little room to spare. So back to the store I went and traded it in for the Osprey Kamber 32L pack.
PERSONAL CRITERIA
Everyone is different in their preferences for a pack, but here were some things that I absolutely required a new pack to have:
Front avalanche safety gear pocket with a full zip. I’ve almost lost my probe once already from a pack that did not have a zip pocket, and I think it’s crucial that a touring pack have a separate zip compartment where tools are easily accessible in an emergency situation where seconds count.
Slimmer profile. I’m a small person so going with larger volume packs for a day tour already feels enormous on me and versatility is key. I wanted something that would work well for a full day trip as well as suitable for some sidecountry via lift access.
Hydration pocket. I dislike having to fish my nalgene out of my pack when I’m trying to keep moving so a hydration pocket is a must for every pack I own.
A-Frame ski carry. This is my preferred ski carry configuration since it distributes the weight evenly.
Hip belt pockets. Those pocket snacks aren’t going to carry themselves and it’s critical for avoiding hangriness (also for the benefit of my touring party).
FEATURES
These are the main features of the pack and my thoughts on them.
Front avalanche safety gear pocket. This easily checked off my first criteria. It has a full zip with a bright red zipper pull to locate in a hurry. It also contains narrow pockets on the interior to stow away your probe and shovel handle. The pocket is also spacious enough to fit a pair of skins in as well.
A-Frame and diagonal ski carry. And a horizonal/vertical snowboard carry for you splitboarders out there.
Back panel access to main compartment. I didn’t think I needed this, but after having to open my pack while my skis were strapped A-frame style on my trip last weekend, this was an unexpected and very welcome perk. I didn’t have to remove my skis to get to my things.
Hydration pocket with insulated sleeve. I will say that an insulated sleeve isn’t something I really thought about needing, but it was really nice not having to wait for my Camelbak tube to thaw out while I was parched. A+ Osprey.
Helmet carry. This pack came with a great little stowaway helmet carry that kept my helmet secured and tight to my pack on the uphill. I loved how easy it was to grab my helmet and transition to downhill when the time came, rather than rifling through my pack for my helmet.
Spacious hip belt pockets. Osprey almost always does an excellent job of the hip belt pockets, and this one was no exception. I had my emergency inhaler and chapstick in one pocket and an applesauce packet, a block of cheese, and a knife in the other. Hangriness (mostly) averted.
Top zip pocket for goggles. Another unexpected gem. It was nice having my goggles, sunglasses, and headlamp readily available as I was transitioning between skinning and skiing and not have to dump out my whole pack to find the necessities.
Ice tool carry. This pack has an loop for carrying an ice axe. You never know what you might need during volcano season around here!
Large buckles and zippers. The buckles and zipper pulls are large enough clip/unclip and grab even with limited the dexterity of bulky gloves.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
CAPACITY
The capacity of the pack is perfect for a day tour. There was enough space in the main compartment for me to fit food, a first aid kit, a down puffy, extra gloves, a hardshell jacket, and food with some space to spare. The avalanche gear compartment had enough space to easily fit avalanche tools as well as a pair of skins.
COMFORT
I barely noticed I had the pack on during my ski down (normally I feel like an awkward turtle whose shell is too heavy) due to the slim profile and close fit to the body. The shoulder straps and hip belt are padded enough to not dig in while also not being too bulky.
FIT
Even though this was not a women’s specific pack, it was super adjustable and the length of the backpack was not too long for my short torso.
CONVENIENCE
This is an incredibly well-designed pack and it’s obvious that Osprey put a lot of thought into it. All the essential items are very easily accessible without having to remove many things and repacking your pack.
The A-frame ski carry is complemented by the back panel access to the main compartment to avoid having to remove skis from the pack to get things. The separate goggle pocket, helmet carry, and avalanche tools compartment also increases access without decreasing time spent searching for items.
The hip belts are great for stashing snacks and essential items such as sunscreen, chapstick, and, in my case, an emergency inhaler.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
I’m really happy I decided to pick up this pack. It’s perfect for my needs for a day tour, fits comfortably, and is well organized. It’s a pack I would recommend to anyone in the market for a new touring day pack.