Osprey Rook 50

Product Information

I do not remember seeing such a ladder system in any other pack currently on the market, so they have introduced something unique here. The hipbelt and shoulder straps are well-padded and comfy, although these are a little firmer than the armchair bliss of Osprey’s top-end packs. The system is a bit clunky and it took some finessing to nail the fit, but Velcro adjustments often are even tougher to tailor and most backpackers only adjust sizing once (or perhaps a second time if you lend it to a friend). The Rook lacks a front-shove it pocket, which made it difficult to stuff and access gear on the go, and other organization is quite limited. the Rook operates by hooking the suspension bar into anchored loops at fixed intervals while the Atmos has a sliding bar that offers a more custom fit.

It carries well, too: Two steel stays and a wire perimeter frame help distribute loads up to 35 pounds. Thanks for pointing out the new Volt it looks okay but I do not prefer that type of back system but I may try it as well. The mesh side pockets are reinforced with coated polyester, which proved more durable against snags than the usual stretch mesh. I use to say that heavy loads require heavy packs, perhaps I am too old fashioned but this is how I see this.But if you’re willing to spend up a little, the Stout is a nicely appointed and more comfortable alternative to the Rook. Since the whole suspension system is THE most important part of the pack, such packs without adjustable hip belts are a failure. But to answer your question, if I have to choose from the four packs, I would probably go for Aether.

Major market manufacturers of backpacks like Osprey target the hip belt for the ‘average’ backpacker. Again, this is particularly impressive given the low weight as most ultra-tough packs are noticeably heavier, and I expect the Rook to last many more seasons without issue. However, we found ourselves wanting a little more 'weight value' — that is, we think there should be more here for what it weighs. Attachments: The attachment points are slightly different on both bags, though neither is necessarily superior. Side Pockets:Both packs also have stretchy mesh side pockets that allow you to stash a water bottle (or sunscreen or vegan protein bars or your favorite beanie or whatever) up and down or at an angle, which I love about Osprey packs.

The Osprey Rook 65 is a budget-oriented pack that lacks the comfort and padding of more premium models. But I have been using Deuter’s tensioned mesh packs for more than two decades and I know that those are incredibly reliable packs. But you also have a zippered entrance to the bottom compartment with a removable divider between the two compartments.

The packs all come in one back length, but you can raise and lower the shoulder straps over a range of 13cm by slotting a metal hook into one of four webbing loops.One quite unique feature is the hip belt pockets attached to the pack with the lower side compression straps, I am not sure if this is really a smart idea. We appreciate the effort put into the suspension on this budget pack, but there are better options out there. Load: For many, the load-bearingcapability of these packs won’t matter too much–many backpackers have no desire to push the upper limits of what their pack can comfortably carry–but for distance and thru-hikers, it’s a real consideration.

We haven’t had a chance to test the women’s pack yet, but given the similarities, we imagine the two packs perform very similarly on the trail. In fact, with a burly 600-denier polyester body and 1,000-denier bottom, it’s the thickest backpacking pack we’ve tested to date. All told, the Rook should be fine for short outings with lighter loads, but for long trips with a heavy pack, we’d spend up for a more capable model. It tells you that Xenith is a better pack, but Aether has this incredible mesh panel which I would not exchange with what Xenith offers.So this all should not be understood as true objections although I list them below just that you know about them, perhaps some of them are essential to you. The Atmos does outweigh the Rook by a pound, which is significant, but its ventilation, features, and comfort are on a different level altogether (for more, see our in-depth Atmos review).