Before the holiday season of 2021 ended, I (luckily) won an Osprey Ace 50 from Ramrod Outdoor! I am not so lucky when it comes to giveaways so let me enjoy my luck this time. Anyhow, I know this review is quite long overdue but I can finally now share my first impression on this pack. Without further adieu, let's check my Osprey Ace 50 backpack review!
Brand: Osprey
Osprey is a popular American brand in the outdoor industry, especially in regions like the Americas and Europe. The brand is competing with other famous brands when it comes to their hiking backpacks over the last few years. Although the brand is not very accessible in the UAE before, they do have distributors now such as Ramrod Outdoor and Adventure HQ though they don't have a physical store on their own yet in the UAE.
After hearing my friends' experiences with Osprey, I fell in love with Osprey after buying my own pack which is my Osprey Renn 50 Backpack!
Product: Ace 50
Under the Youth category, Ace is designed for teens and youth who are into the outdoors. Osprey produced this backpack with the same features as any adult-designed backpack with adjustable torso length. Available in different sizes, Ace comes with a 38-Liter option, a 50-Liter option (mine), and the biggest is 75-Liter.
Ace 38 and Ace 50 come in two colors - Blue Hills and Orange Sunset while Ace 75 comes with only one - Venture Green.
If you are based in the UAE, check this backpack on Amazon or directly through Osprey's distributor - Ramrod Outdoor!
Product Specifications*:
*Product's official image and specifications can be found on Osprey’s Official Website. To check the actual product from their website, you may check it HERE.
Osprey Ace 50 Backpack Review:
Before anything else, as an Asian profile, I didn't mind having a backpack under the Youth category. Blessing in disguise as well that I am Asian hence the torso length fits me somehow okay, not perfect but works well.
If you look at it, it is similar to how my Osprey Renn 50 fits me. And that's because the length of the pack itself is 3-cm longer than Osprey Renn 50. It's not much of a difference but it clearly shows that the pack isn't only tied down to its dedicated target market - the Youth.
What I liked about Osprey Ace 50:
Of course, the first thing I will mention is the back panel (remember how I have a back problem?). While Osprey Renn 50 has AirSpeed *ventilated* trampoline suspended mesh back panel, and Ace 50 has AirSpeed trampoline suspended mesh back panel. I cannot feel the difference, to be honest. It could be my lack of exposure to these technicalities, but my back pretty much liked the back panel.
Apart from the back panel, I loved the top load compartment! The opening is not tight and it comes with a zippered mesh pocket underneath too. I realized how convenient a mesh for an inside pocket is, no need to open all pockets when looking for small stuff.
Last but not the least, I got what I want (which I complained with my Renn 50), a better internal divider at the bottom part of the main compartment. It's not just a little fabric anymore with a hole on both sides. Instead the fabric is strapped securely on both sides. And did you see the mesh front panel? Look how my light jacket is conveniently tucked in!
What I don't like about Osprey Ace 50:
To be fair, I don't have anything to complain about from this pack. It has everything I wished Renn 50 have. And I am currently loving this pack, even the bright color grows on me. There's just one thing I find odd... the straps. I don't know if it's just me or it's just an illusion that this pack looks like it has more straps compared to Renn 50.
I know that straps are an essential part of the pack and they can break or fix your whole hiking experience when not done/adjusted correctly. And I am not complaining, it just overwhelms my sense of sight from time to time.
And last but not the least, which is not entirely the pack's fault - the pack has a tear already *sobs again*. I noticed it even before we started so I tried to be more cautious during the hike (though it's hard to be cautious). Now I am a little worried that the fabric might not be able to last long if I bring this with me on tougher hikes.
Overall Backpack Review:
In summary, I LOVED the pack. I told myself that I am not replacing my Renn 50 anytime soon but it is now at the back door lol. I find Osprey Ace 50 more effective for me - from packing and during the hike itself. It gives me that level of comfort and convenience in ways that Renn 50 couldn't deliver (front panel, top load compartment, and the internal divider).
There you go and that ends my Osprey Ace 50 backpack review! If this pack is entirely unfamiliar to you, it's now your chance to check this out!
Disclaimer:
Osprey Ace 50 is gifted to me by @outdoorgeargcc which is being handled by Ramrod Outdoor. The backpack is my prize for winning their #10DaysofChristmasGiveaways contest during the holiday season. However, all opinions stated in this post are my own.
Osprey Renn 50 is too big for your needs? Check out my new daypack instead, my Deuter Futura 32!
