With: Osprey
By: Ludovica Sacco
Osprey’s new climbing backpacks for the F22 season
Osprey recently held a virtual event dedicated to unveiling three new backpacks for climbing and mountaineering.
A few days ago I had the opportunity to attend the Osprey Virtual Climbing Event where, together with other colleagues, I was able to discover in detail three new climbing backpacks for fall 2022. Telling us about them was mainly Adam, Osprey’s Product Line Manager, and several guests-including a Gear Talk by Nimsdai, the brand’s Ambassador.
Once again this season, Osprey continues its path toward making products that are increasingly high-performing but also sustainable. Indeed, in all categories offered by the brand, more than 70% of the fabrics used are recycled and bluesign certified. In addition, 100% of these products are PFC-free.
ZEALOT (30L – 45L)
The first backpack I mention is Zealot, a product designed to support athletes on approach at the crag or climbing gym. It is made of durable ballistic recycled bluesign-certified nylon and high-tenacity ripstop nylon. It mounts a molded EVA panel to maximize comfort while climbing. In addition, the spaces are distributed so that the contents are “secured” inside, allowing you to quickly and easily find what you need. It comes in two volumes, both with all the necessary accessories such as adjustable strap with emergency whistle and hook. In addition, the Zealot family also features the Chalk Bag and Chalk Bucket.
Carmen Renquel, professional mountaineer, tells Zealot this way: “I believe that with the Zealot, Osprey has achieved something extraordinary in terms of quality, durability, comfort and functionality. I can’t help but congratulate Osprey.”
MUTANT (22L – 38L – 52L)
Mutant is a backpack that, from the first draft, was designed to support climbers to the fullest. Precisely to provide the best performance, Osprey has worked with athletes, local guides and employees to test it in every season and in every type of climbing. Not afraid of rock and ice or dizzying heights, it boasts a convenient removable helmet net in the top lid for volumes 52 and 38.
This is also confirmed by Neil Gresham, professional mountaineer: “The perfect balance between lightness and strength. Clean and minimalist, it is nevertheless equipped with all the indispensable features for ice climbing. Overall, the Mutant 38 proved to be an indispensable accomplice during the trip.”
Other features include a low-profile harness with adjustable strap, two removable and adjustable tie-down straps on the front, and Tool Lock system for quickly attaching ice axe or trekking poles.
MUTANT NIMSDAI (90L)
Dulcis in fundo, the backpack created in collaboration with Nepalese mountaineer and Osprey Ambassador Nirmal Purja, known to most as Nimsdai. For those who have never had a chance to delve deeper, Nimsdai became the fastest person in the world to climb all 14 of the 8,000-meter peaks, conquering them in less than 7 months. In addition, he was the first person to reach the summit of K2 in winter without oxygen.
And it was Nirmal Purja himself who tested the new Mutant Nimsdai in the most extreme environments, a backpack that allows you to carry what you need in comfort and safety. “I simply want to have the best gear in the world. It has to withstand extreme conditions and take me to the top, whatever the challenge. With a positive attitude, the right gear and a deep determination, anyone can achieve the impossible,” comments Nimsdai.
Key-features include access from the canopy with rope carrier system, snow back with HDPE panel and aluminum supports, compression straps on the top and bottom with SR buckle, and side eyelets for carrying skis.
