Osprey Archeon 30 – Backpack Review

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I first came across the Osprey Archeon backpack range at the ISPO show in Munich in January 2020.

A core theme of the show was sustainability, and – Osprey being Osprey – they were front and centre of that theme.

The Archeon backpack range comes in 25, 30, 45 and 70 litre versions, and the female equivalent range of Archeon packs are the same capacities, except for the 70 litre, which comes in at 65 litres.

Each Archeon backpack is made from fully recycled materials, making it one of the most sustainable packs on the market.

The Osprey Archeon 30 litre pack weighs 1.8kg, and whist that’s not particularly lightweight for a 30L pack, the Archeon is incredibly durable and hard-wearing. Personally I don’t mind a heavier pack if it’s going to last longer out in the wild.

Osprey Archeon 30 Backpack - Green - Review

So why did I go for this particular 30 litre pack?

The Osprey Archeon range has a certain retro feel about it. There’s nothing striking to look at. All packs are just block colour. In fact if you saw one of the packs in a 1980’s Lake District hiking photo, you wouldn’t blink an eye. But I quite like that.

Ennerdale, Lake District - circa 1988

A snack stop by Ennerdale lake, circa 1988. A 6 year old me giving a pep talk to my 2 year old sister on the ground 🙂

Also, despite have a 15l, a 22l and much larger packs, I don’t own a 30 litre pack. For me, a 30 litre pack size is better for winter hiking, as it provides a bit more room for bulkier items that you are likely to carry around with you, such as waterproof trousers, spare thermals, a spare jacket, gloves and so on.

ARCHEON 30 FEATURES

Let’s take a look at the Archeon 30 pack features:

Strong, tough, retro-styled – already mentioned above, this pack won’t rip easily.

Huge front zip opening – I love this feature. A huge zip down the middle of the front of the pack gives you easy access to all the contents in the main compartment of the pack.

Comfortable, padded back panel – the Archeon has an adjustable AirScape back panel that is well padded. The minor downside here is that there isn’t much airflow down the back because the pack is quite close to your back, thus a better shape of pack for fitting more stuff in the main compartment.

Deep side pockets – these bad boys are huge, which is a big plus. Each can fit a Nalgine bottle, or a decent size flask.

Metal hooks – the main strap down the front of the pack connect via. a metal fastening and hook, and the same with the two side buckles. So if there is a bit of tension, these won’t break like regular plastic buckles and clips would.

Top lid pocket – it’s not obvious from the pics on the main Osprey site, but there is a pocket in the top lid of the Archeon 30. There is a zip compartment at the back, and a small interior mesh zipped pocket underneath the lid.

Hydraulics reservoir pocket – the Archeon 30 has a water bladder sleeve towards the back of the inner pack, perfect for the Osprey Hydraulics reservoir, Camelbak or similar.

Osprey Archeon 30 - Back panel and side pocket

The Archeon 30 back panel and huge side pocket

Osprey Archeon 30 - Huge front zip

The huge front zip

Osprey Archeon 30 - Metal Hook / Buckle

The main metal hook down the front of the pack

Osprey Archeon 30 - Built in raincover

Built-in rain cover at the bottom of the pack

REVIEW VERDICT

I love this pack. It’s not the lightest, it’s not the cheapest (currently £180), but I love the styling, love the ruggedness and of course it’s made using recycled nylon. If you want a pack that looks a bit different, will last a long time and has solid features, the Osprey Archeon 30 could be for you.

Osprey Archeon 30 - Hiking Outdoors

Out in the field it is comfortable to wear, and although slightly heavier than other bags, it is solidly built and will last you years.

You can buy it direct from Osprey Europe.

ARCHEON 30 SPECS

Weight: 1.8 kg (M/L)

Maximum Dimensions 56 x 20.5 x 28 cm

Retail Price: £180 – OspreyEurope.com


Disclaimer – The Osprey Archeon 30 backpack was reviewed as part of an ambassador programme. Whilst I paid for the pack, I am obliged to post an honest review – thus – the views and opinions I present here are explicitly my own. This post does contain affiliate links however.

Summary
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Author Rating
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Aggregate Rating
5 based on 1 votes
Brand Name
Osprey
Product Name
Archeon 30 Backpack
Price
GBP 180
Product Availability
Available in Stock
3 replies
  1. Glenn
    Glenn says:

    Morning just looking at your review for the osprey 30L Archeon men’s.
    You highlight that there are different sizes which threw me as on other sites it states just comes in one size and this can then be adjusted.

    Can you just clarify

    Thanks for your advice

    Regards

    Glenn

    Reply

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