Osprey Packs Crescent 110

Review Date
January 26, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: retlod ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $329.00 at Moosejaw.com

Summary:
This review is for the Crescent 90.

Osprey is an underrated company that makes excellent packs. I can carry 50 lbs in my pack and not feel like I'm carrying anything. Quick adjustments transfer the weight from shoulders to hips and vice versa for a nice change of pace if you're getting tired or sore.

Materials are fantastic and very durable. It can load from either the top or the side and has two detachable packs, a daypack called the Solo and a lumbar pack (the flip top compartment). The compression system is great. It doesn't have many lash points on the outside, which is great. You shouldn't have things dangling off your pack anyway.

What really gets me, though, are the details. The watter bottle holder wouldn't cough up my nalgene if I tossed the pack down a rockslide, but I can get it out with a flick of the wrist. Opposite the water bottle holder is a small pocket for snacks that I can reach around to get to. The chest buckle has a built-in whistle. The hipbelt is interchangeable and comes in different sizes which are independent of the pack size. There's a key loop in the top pocket that lets me reach my keys without unclipping anything. Truly amazing.

Plus, I love it when people check out my pack because they've never heard of Osprey and walk away saying, "Wow, I've gotta get me one of those!" Cliched, yes, but it's happened more than once.

It's not cheap, but I'd buy one again in a heartbeat.

Similar Products Used:
Osprey Scarab

Review Date
May 29, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: vio765 ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $430.00 at summit hut

Summary:
had this pack for a couple of months preparing for the summer hiking season. i am new to backpacking and i wanted a pack that could handle weekends to expeditions. i got it! i have never owned any other pack to campare to this one, but it seems to handle very well. everything is in order and seems to be an efficient design. the left pocket on the side is too small. i cant fit much in there, plus the right bottle holder has a weird setup. the bottle points either too far foward or to far back. in the way of comfort, it is good considering that it can hold 100 oz of water on the top. all is good becuase the Ti struts transfer the weight down, so it doesnt SEEM heavy. but after i hiked 12 miles with a third of my weight (52 pounds) on my back, it was still comfotable. it was a shame my back isnt in as good of shape. good pack, cant wait to use it some more. price seems high, but you get what you pay for. worth it to me

Customer Service:
had to email a question about the fit, i got a responce the next day with a detailed answer and explaination. nice

Similar Products Used:
nothing but this

Review Date
February 10, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Bjorndoggie Cruiser(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Sacramento, CA, USA

Price Paid:  $369.00 at REI

Summary:
This review is for the Crescent 90. Great Pack! The main thing I was looking for (in my capacity range) was fit. Price, features, etc. were secondary considerations. This pack has got to have the best hip belt in the business. It handles heavy loads really well and is comfortable doing it. It's extremly well built and I like the zippered side pockets. I wasn't so sure about the little day pack that comes with it but after putting my insulated Camelback Reservoir in it with the first aid kit and snacks, I like it. Some people might think $369.00 is alot for a pack, but it's the same as anything your going to rely on in the widerness, it has to work and be dependable. I do alot of mountain biking and I would never consider taking a cheap bike miles into the backcountry. I think this pack fits the bill. Remember share the trails whether your hiking, biking or on a horse. Be courteous!

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
External Frame.

Review Date
August 5, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Nicholas Yu(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Expedition Shoppe

Summary:
First of all, there is no Review for the 90 but since they have the exact same suspension and titanium rods, I will post here.

Very Nice Bag. After trying on all the cheaper bags in the store I decided to try this one one for fun. As someone else reviewed it handles the load much better than the others.

I have used this bag on a few trips now, and feel I can evaluate its design. I find it has LESS lashing points than other bags, this is not a problem for me as I carry 95% stuff internally.

The compression straps work as they should and I have not had ANY problems with my hip belt. It fits me just perfectly.

I would say other than price this bag is the best out there.

Customer Service:
Amazing. I have not contacted regarding the crescent but I also have a eclipse. I needed Clips and they sent them asap.

Similar Products Used:
NorthFace, MEC, Serratus

Review Date
July 3, 2003

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Charlie (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $385.00 at Nestors, Penna.

Summary:
I compared this pack with several other top brands (Dana, Granite Gear, Gregory). The way the suspension system of this packs handles heavy loads is absolutely remarkable. I keep switching 45 pounds of weight from one pack and back to the Crescent because I couldn’t believe the difference in feel.

I also liked the top loading and side loading feature. There are plenty of lash points on the back to store gear externally if you wish. The bag does have a very narrow profile which doesn’t allow for wide, bulky items but there is plenty of capacity to fit lots of gear in.

Unlike many owners who have offered rave review about the hip belt, I found it somewhat uncomfortable. The bottom of the belt kept pressing into my hip below the bone. One final note; the pack is pricey but you do get a lot of features and a fine pack for the financial outlay.

Customer Service:
The Osprey support staff and their cooperation are second to none. They worked with me in trying to design a belt that would fit better. They are friendly, competent and devoted to customer service.

Similar Products Used:
REI, Kelty, North Face