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2008 Osprey Variant 37 | Reviewed On: March 11, 2009
Gear Reviews>>Packs>>Large>>Osprey Variant 37PRODUCT SUMMARY
By Ski Waheenie
THE GOOD
BUCKLES
Every pack should have these glove-friendly buckles! I love them. One of the buckles even has an incorporated emergency whistle. The entire pack is actually desined to be mitten friendly- it's great.
COMFORT
It just feels good. I can move faster and the load feels altogether lighter!
COMPRESSION
Pack could be used for both day trips and extended trips.
SIZE
I think this pack is the perfect size for backcountry skiing. There is plenty of space
for extra layers, larger shovels, emergency supplies and even a rope for tricky descents. It is also fairly lightweight.
QUALITY
Osprey consistently makes packs with high quality, durable materials and a careful
construction.
NO EXTRAS
If you are the type of person who hates extra pack features such as a fleece-lined goggle pocket, hip camera pocket, key loops, wet compartments, and several small pockets to stash emergency supplies, you will love the Variant 37. It's simple and minimalistic.
THE BAD
ACCESS
Most ski packs that I have used have full back access. I found myself yearning for this feature every time I remove my pack. It's not really that big of a deal unless you are bootpacking and have skis attached to the pack, but it sure would be nice. I may have heard rumors of back access on next year's model...
AVALANCHE GEAR
The Variant 37 is not specifically designed as a ski pack. As such, there is no shovel pocket and your avy gear has to go in the main compartment. However, for multiple laps, it is pretty easy to stash your skins in the "crampon" pocket.
SKI CARRY
Once again, the Variant 37 is not designed as a ski pack. Therefore, it doesn't include a diagnol ski carry feature and even the A-frame is pretty difficult to use. Bummer for bootpacking and quick access to sidecountry. Also, there is no snowboard carry.
NO EXTRAS
If you are the type of person who likes a pack with a fleece lined goggle pocket, hip camera pocket, key loops, wet compartments, and several small pockets to stash emergency supplies, you will be disappointed with the Variant 37.
WATER BOTTLE HOLDERS
Not a huge deal, but if the Variant 37 is packed full, it's very difficult to fit a standard
Nalgene water bottle in the side pouches.
Osprey also makes a series specifically for backcountry skiing. Check out our review of the Switch 26!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Although the Variant 37 is not specifically designed for backcountry skiing, it's a great
size, very comfortable and makes your load feel light. This pack would be a top choice for ice climbing!
By Ski Waheenie
THE GOOD
BUCKLES
Every pack should have these glove-friendly buckles! I love them. One of the buckles even has an incorporated emergency whistle. The entire pack is actually desined to be mitten friendly- it's great.
COMFORT
It just feels good. I can move faster and the load feels altogether lighter!
COMPRESSION
Pack could be used for both day trips and extended trips.
SIZE
I think this pack is the perfect size for backcountry skiing. There is plenty of space
for extra layers, larger shovels, emergency supplies and even a rope for tricky descents. It is also fairly lightweight.
QUALITY
Osprey consistently makes packs with high quality, durable materials and a careful
construction.
NO EXTRAS
If you are the type of person who hates extra pack features such as a fleece-lined goggle pocket, hip camera pocket, key loops, wet compartments, and several small pockets to stash emergency supplies, you will love the Variant 37. It's simple and minimalistic.
THE BAD
ACCESS
Most ski packs that I have used have full back access. I found myself yearning for this feature every time I remove my pack. It's not really that big of a deal unless you are bootpacking and have skis attached to the pack, but it sure would be nice. I may have heard rumors of back access on next year's model...
AVALANCHE GEAR
The Variant 37 is not specifically designed as a ski pack. As such, there is no shovel pocket and your avy gear has to go in the main compartment. However, for multiple laps, it is pretty easy to stash your skins in the "crampon" pocket.
SKI CARRY
Once again, the Variant 37 is not designed as a ski pack. Therefore, it doesn't include a diagnol ski carry feature and even the A-frame is pretty difficult to use. Bummer for bootpacking and quick access to sidecountry. Also, there is no snowboard carry.
NO EXTRAS
If you are the type of person who likes a pack with a fleece lined goggle pocket, hip camera pocket, key loops, wet compartments, and several small pockets to stash emergency supplies, you will be disappointed with the Variant 37.
WATER BOTTLE HOLDERS
Not a huge deal, but if the Variant 37 is packed full, it's very difficult to fit a standard
Nalgene water bottle in the side pouches.
Osprey also makes a series specifically for backcountry skiing. Check out our review of the Switch 26!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Although the Variant 37 is not specifically designed for backcountry skiing, it's a great
size, very comfortable and makes your load feel light. This pack would be a top choice for ice climbing!
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Novelty
AVG USER ADVICE
So So
| VALUE | 3/5, more expensive than similarly sized packs but higher quality |
|---|---|
| COMFORT | 5/5, choose from three sizes so that it fits just right |
| MITTEN TEST | 5/5, smooth zippers and easy to grab zipper pulls |
| DURABILITY | 5/5, high quality fabric and reinforcements |
| BACKCOUNTRY SKIING FEATURES | 2/5, it's a safety faux pas to store your shovel and probe in the main compartment. |
| TESTING LOCATION | Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Oregon |
| OVERALL RATING | 3/5, although it's sufficient for backcountry skiing, this pack is truly meant for ice climbing. |
Gear Reviews>>Packs>>Large>>Osprey Variant 37
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $169.00 |
|---|---|
| VOLUME | [S] 2100cu in (34L); [M] 2250cu in (37L); [L] 2400cu in (40L) |
| SIZE | Approximate In: 22x12x10 Cm: 57x28x26 |
| WEIGHT | [S] 3lb 5oz (1420g); [M] 3lb 8oz (1500g); [L] 3lb 11oz (1590g) |
| MATERIALS | Matrix 420D Nylon, 315D High Tenacity Nylon, 210D High Tenacity Cordura Nylon |
| AVAILABLE COLORS | Proxy Red |
| SUSPENSION | Removable HDPE framesheet with aluminum stay, thermoformed back panel |
| WAIST-BELT | Yes, Lightly padded and removable |
| HYDRATION | Insulated Hydro-Sleeve |
| ACCESSIBILITY | Top only |
| STORAGE | 1 top removable, 2 side wand/ice screw, 1 front compression (not enclosed) |
| SKI CARRY | A-frame |
| SNOWBOARD CARRY | None |
| ICE AXE CARRY | Yes, 2 loops |
| BEST USE | Ice Climbing |
| WARRANTY | Lifetime |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Justin wrote on 03/11/09 at 11:47:33 am pst:
This was one of the packs in my consideration set for a backcountry ski pack (wrote about it here, http://poormansheli.com/2009/03/06/osprey-kode-packsmmmm/), but the lack of a dedicated external avy tools pocket really kills the deal for me. Otherwise a well made pack from what I can tell fondling it in store.
Their Advice
So So
Tom wrote on 03/11/09 at 9:44:22 pm pst:
Same deal here Justin, i just don't like how there is no tool storage separate from the main compartment. Fits great but just not for bc skiing.
Their Advice
So So
SkiWaheenie wrote on 03/11/09 at 10:04:13 pm pst:
Thanks Justin and Tom for your input! Have you checked out our review of the Osprey Switch series? They are designed more specifically for backcountry skiing.
What pack did you end up buying? Do you like it?
Their Advice
n/a
Justin wrote on 03/18/09 at 4:28:39 pm pst:
I've checked out the Switch but the shape is just odd to me. Still have yet to pull the trigger on a pack, though the Millet packs have recently caught my eye.
Their Advice
