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Total Hiker > Hiking Gear > Hydration > Hydration Packs > Osprey Skarab 30 Hydration Day Pack Review

Osprey Skarab 30 Hydration Day Pack Review

Geared up with its 2.5-liter water unit and integrating user-friendly functions, the Osprey Skarab 30 day back packs is much easier to carry than typical hydration packs and provides 1800+ cubic inches of storage space capacity.

The reservoir’s large mouth is effortlessly accessed via a branded, watertight sliding fastener that further includes speed and performance to fill up that children can even do themselves. An incorporated PourShield creates the reservoir simple to fill up and drain.

An anti-microbial treatment method protects against mold and mildew and germs from developing within the reservoir.

Osprey Skarab 30 Men's Hiking Hydration Backpack, Mystic Red
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Review Rating
  • Osprey Skarab 30
4.7

In Summary

A really good, well thought out day pack with lots of nice touches and beautifully made. Allied to this is a high quality hydration bladder, so while it is a little expensive, you know where the money has been spent.

Design and Build

Along with the big, main-chamber, a sizable, frontal-panel extendable pocket and a smaller sized zippered pocket provide organizational selections. Zippered pockets on the hip belt provide easy and quick access to small food items, cell phones, and various other minimal things.

In contrast to conventional hydration bags, the Osprey reservoir has bonded baffles that reduce “barreling” by keeping a far more anatomical design.

Situated within its own devoted, externally-accessed chamber, the storage tank is secured firmly in position, minimizing the sloshing side effect that lots of hydration pack owners have come to recognize as a required evil.

Comfort & Fit

The pack uses a foam frame sheet with middle support to provide light-weight, movement-mirroring reinforcement and durability.

The cushioned BioStretch harness and hip/waist belt improve fit and weight symmetry throughout cardio activities. An adjustable and stretchable sternum strap even further makes sure a secure fit, and a magnetic tubing accessory tactically fastens the hydration pack’s bite valve.

The Small/Medium Skarab 30 fits upper body sizes ranging from about 16 to 19 inches and the Medium/Large size suits torsos ranging from 18 to 21 inches in size. Side compression bands let you cinch down the backpack to maintain components safely and securely in position and assist in weight stabilization.

Features of the Osprey Skarab 30 Hydration Pack

  • Heat embossed scratch free zippered stash pocket
  • Large panel access to the main compartment and bladder compartments
  • Ice ax and hiking pole attachment system and loops for easy access and connect/disconnet
  • Magnetic sternum strap bite valve to secure the bite valve where you need and when you need it
  • External water bladder access sleeve
  • Side mesh pockets that stretch for more storage area in outside, easy-to-access areas
  • Hydraulics LT 2.5L reservoir included (BONUS!)
  • Upper and lower side compression straps
  • Zippered front organizer pocket with key clip
  • Zippered waist belt pockets

Additional features consist of ice ax loopholes, hiking pole loops, and side stretch net compartments.

The Osprey Skarab 30 hydration pack is available in your choice of many size and color options.

Specs

  • BPA and plastic taste free
  • Dual-layer and tough construction
  • Given antimicrobial treatment
  • Accepts closure caps/Platy drinks, etc. via the threaded outlet
  • Easy to customize with Platypus accessories
  • Polyethylene and Polyurethane construction
  • Size: 1 liter Weight (13.5 x 29 cm), 1.8 liter Weight (17 x 29 cm), 2 liter Weight (15 x 40.5 cm), and 3 liter Weight (18 x 42 cm)

Read all of our Hydration Pack Reviews

Positives

A versatile and classicly styled water bladder, the Platypus Hoser provides complete simplicity and is insanely durable. It has a hanging hook which is a practical addition if ever needed to hang the pack (for filtering, pouring water, storage, etc). Plus, it has an alligator clip that isn’t made in the strongest material, but still a great part of the overall system.

A negative I noticed often when researching this pack related to the common complaint of a plastic taste on the first two or three goes. However, this wasn’t the case for me and I didn’t notice any plastic taste and the first outing and thereafter.

Plus, I didn’t notice any leaks in the backpack after traveling over difficult terrain for several days, which was an issue I was particularly concerned with.

Negatives

This is a great hydration pack, but a particular niggle with the device is the bite value which isn’t as efficient as those on the CamelBak models due to the lack of shut-off. But, overall it is a reliable option for day trekking, and if planning to overnight at a campsite, a separate cap might be needed to double up the packs use as a water storage option.

Also, a further thing that isn’t the best is the time it takes to completely dry out the bladder pack. The small opening means I’m not able to use anything to help dry the bladder, so it needs to be left out to dry to avoid issues with mold.

Best Bits

  • Holds a lot of water (make sure to purchase the right size pack)
  • Easy to use
  • Releases no rubbery taste
  • BPA-free
  • HyperFlow bite valve

Worst Bits

  • Cleaning the bladder
  • Lacks a cap for the dispenser (often picks up dirt if put down)
  • Can take time to become familiar with using the bite valve
Matt

Matt Green, is an avid hiker and lover of the great outdoors. He is always planning his next big trip or hitting the trails for a solo hike.

He’s traveled extensively to many remote regions and has plenty of experience exploring various terrains, and stories to tell.

  Outdoor Products Cyclone Reservoir Review

July 11, 2021

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