Osprey Packs Finesse

Review Date
March 12, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Brian(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Nashville

Summary:
Great pack. May cost a little more than other common brands in your outdoor store, but the comfort and durability are worth it. The slim design makes movements fluid and the shape conforms to your back and waist making it feel like an extension of the body rather than a sack of gear on your back. The interchangable vector accessories are great. I use the h2o snow accessory for mountain biking around home and attach it to the pack for overnight trips and then side hikes. There is also a crazy creek type camp chair that attaches. The padding is thin, but has never left me uncomfortable. This is a weekend backpack so go for one of the larger Osprey products if you are out over three days.

Customer Service:
No service needed.

Similar Products Used:
Mountain Smith, Gregory, REI

Review Date
October 11, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Steve(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from hawaii

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Ebay

Summary:
An outstanding pack, I was able to pick up the Finesse Pro for a great pice. This pack is amazing, in comfort and feartures. The Vector system works well( I have 3 different components) and as many have already stated, it fits slim bodys really well. This is my usual weekend pack wether it be climbing or an backpacking trip. Its never been painful on my back

Similar Products Used:
Vorex 2200; Lowe Alpine Crag bag, snpowpeak; granitegear

Review Date
May 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Jim Hamel(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chandler, AZ (USA)

Summary:
I own a '95 (pre-Vector) Finesse with spee-dee attachment system. I have a set of twin pockets that attach on the pack -- similar to the Vector two. Early on, I pulled the fullsize hipbelt off one of my larger Osprey packs and found it fit like a dream on the Finesse. I use compression stuff sacks to compress clothing, sleeping bag, etc. and I can easily fit all the gear I need for a 3 or 4 day trip into the Finesse. With the full size hipbelt, it rides like a dream. The quality is impeccable, as always with Osprey -- over the years I have owned six Osprey packs.

Similar Products Used:
Arcteryx Khamsin 50; Dana Bridger; Dana Bomp Pack

Review Date
April 13, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve Cirian(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago, IL, USA

Summary:

This is by far the most comfortable daypack I have ever used. I literally forgot about it until I tried to sit down and it hit the chair.

Several people mentioned that it is great for slim people. I am not skinny, more muscular, and it fits me like a dream too. The pack can be had in Small, Medium, and Large "sizes". Not sure what the appropriate term is here, but the pack volume stays the same - the pack just has the backpad and maybe the hip belt re-sized for smaller people. Get the one appropriate to your build.

The volume is good too. The pack comes witha shovel board as the default, but this can be swapped out for a front panel with extra pockets, significantly increasing the capacity. And you can jam all sorts of stuff under the front panel, whichever one you have on it, since it is connected with adjustable straps. e.g.- I have a hydration bladder/hose system under the panel, plus roll up my jacket and fleece pullover and stuff them under that (when I really have the pack jammed for short overnight trips). It is way big enough for use as a daypack, which is really its main purpose. But it is so comfortable I would attempt to use it for longer hikes if I could jam/strap enough gear in/on it.

It is a top-loader, which makes it a little bit of a hassle to get to stuff at the bottom. I don't see this as an issue - you should be concerned about comfort when wearing it (99.9% of your day), and not unpacking (0.1% of the day).

I have the Finesse Pro, which uses rip-stop fabric. It is supposed to be slightly lighter and stronger than the regular Finesse.

The hip belt is velcroed in, so you can remove it when walking around the city if you don't want to be one of those people with the ultra-technical looking pack cruising around in the city. (This is very sturdy when in place - didn't want to make it sound like it comes out too easily.)

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
January 15, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Phil Rainwater(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bakersfield,Ca.

Summary:
Osprey makes great packs plan and simple. The finesse is great winter daypack or summer weekend fastpacking sack. Sizing seems to be a bit smaller overall than their larger packs, so make sure you get sized properly before purchase. Over rough climbing the pack sticks right with you. Although interior volume is tight. One must pack carefully. The hipbelt is interchangable which better fitting, but overall adjustability is limited. I love mine. Could not ask for better.

Customer Service:
Very helpfull people at their customer service dept.

Similar Products Used:
The North Face, Gregory, Kelty, Wilderness Experiance, Marmot, Alpinelite,