This review of the Osprey Xenith 75 is for experienced adventurers and novices alike. We will be covering all of its features, as well as give an overview of what customers have to say.
Who the Xenith 75 Is For
The Xenith 75 is made for those going on extended backcountry trips. Ones that require plenty of active movement, while going through rugged terrain. This backpack’s volume capacity allows for 7 days’ worth of survival gear and clothing.
- Carry large loads for extended trips
Osprey Xenith 75 Specifications
Weight: 5.2 to 5.58 pounds; depends on size purchased
Dimensions: 35 x 14 x 15 to 36 x 14 x 15 inches
Sizes: Osprey Xenith is also available in 88L and 105L
Osprey Xenith 75 Features
Removable lumbar pouch:
The top lid of the Xenith 75 is completely removable and converts into a fully featured, spacious lumbar pouch. You can carry this time around using its built-in belt. When not in use, simply the store the belt back into the pouch and attach it to the backpack.
Compartment for sleeping bag:
With the Xenith 75, you no longer have to store your sleeping bag and straps on the outside of your backpack. With this compartment, you can store your sleeping bag inside and zip it up in order to prevent it from getting wet.
Side axe loops:
Need an ice axe in order to get you through your mountain adventures? Bring an axe and secure it to the ice axe loops on the side of the backpack.
External hydration compartment:
Store your hydration pack externally in order to prevent any spills from ruining the contents of the main compartment. You can purchase a hydration pack from Osprey to put inside this compartment.
Straightjacket compression system:
The size of the backpack are covered by compression straps that allow you to keep the contents of your backpack stable while you are out trekking.
Internal compression straps:
In order to secure your loads, there are red internal compression straps; colored so that you can find them quickly.
External sleeping pad straps:
You can store your rolled up sleeping pad externally with straps at the bottom of the backpack. This allows for more room inside of the main compartment, thus maximizing space.
Mesh front pocket:
The front pocket is made of mesh and can be stretched out in order to maximize space. There, you can store large items such as blankets and extra clothing.
Trekking pole attachment:
Attach your trekking poles using the external straps for easy access. Using these attachments, you do not need to remove your backpack in order to grab the poles from it. Simply reach behind and grab them.
Side pockets:
The side pockets are made of mesh and stretch outward in order to allow for easy access.
Hip belt side pockets:
The hip belt has pockets on both sides for frequently accessed items.
Pros
- Enough room for 7 days of backpacking
- A removable top lid that turns into a lumbar pouch
- Multiple access points in order to retrieve your items from multiple pockets at a time
- The harness and hip belt can be molded to fit your particular shape, making it easy for you to carry very heavy loads comfortably
Cons
- The multiple features of this backpack add more weight to it overall, such as with the extra pockets
The Verdict
For an extended 7-day hiking trip, the Xenith 75 gives plenty of room and pockets. With the way this backpack is organized, you can access several pockets from different access points so that you don’t have to rummage through so much content every time. Moreover, the removable lumbar pouch means that you can keep this large backpack with all of its content back at the base camp, then take the pouch with you on a small hike.
Due to all of the features of the Xenith 75, it comes at a slightly larger weight than other comparable backpacks. For example, the Osprey Aether 85 weighs about half a pound less than Xenith 75. However, the Aether 85 is an inch wider than the Xenith 75. The Xenith 85 is also made to go over rough terrain, and it has a removable pouch. They are very similar in design, and can easily serve the same purposes. If you are interested in taking a look at the Aether 85, please see our review. This will give you a better understanding of the slight differences between the two.
If you can suggest any other related Osprey backpacks, please leave us a comment below. We would be happy to include a review and make a comparison.
Related: Osprey Volt 75 vs Aether 70: Great for Mountaineering
