Osprey backpacks and bags are designed to be water resistant to protect your gear from rain and splashes. However, they are not completely waterproof. Here is a quick overview of Osprey’s water resistance:
Are Osprey backpacks waterproof?
No, Osprey backpacks are not waterproof. They are water resistant. This means they can withstand light rain and splashes but are not impenetrable to water.
What makes Osprey backpacks water resistant?
Osprey uses high quality water resistant fabrics and coatings to make their bags shed water. Key features include:
- Durable water repellent (DWR) coatings on the fabrics
- Fully taped seams to seal out moisture
- WaterTight zippers that seal out rain
- Stormflap over zippers as extra protection
- Heat-embossed logos that don’t penetrate the fabric
How water resistant are Osprey backpacks?
Osprey states their bags are “highly water resistant” but not submersible. Based on my experience, their claim is accurate. In light to moderate rain, an Osprey backpack will keep your gear dry.
In very heavy rain, some moisture may soak through the fabric over time. But overall, Osprey’s DWR coatings and construction methods are some of the best at shedding water.
Do you need a rain cover for an Osprey backpack?
For most conditions, no you do not need a separate rain cover. Osprey’s water resistance is good enough for light and moderate rain.
However, in extremely heavy rain or storms, a rain cover can provide an extra barrier against soak-through. Many Osprey packs come with a built-in rain cover.
How to wash and maintain Osprey’s water resistance
To keep an Osprey backpack water resistant, it’s important to wash and re-apply DWR treatment periodically. Here are some tips:
- Wash in a front-loading machine with a DWR reviving wash like Nikwax Tech Wash
- Use a warm, gentle cycle. No fabric softener.
- Air dry only. Do not put Osprey packs in the dryer.
- Spot clean stains with a DWR spray like Nikwax TX Direct
- Re-apply DWR treatment 1-2 times per year to maintain beading
Osprey’s warranty and water damage
Osprey has an “All Mighty Guarantee” that covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the pack. However, this warranty does not cover damage from water exposure due to the pack’s water resistant, not waterproof design.
Conclusion
To summarize:
- Osprey backpacks are highly water resistant but not waterproof
- Their DWR coatings and construction shed rain and splashes very effectively
- A rain cover provides extra protection in heavy storms
- Proper washing and DWR re-application helps maintain water resistance
- The Osprey guarantee does not cover water damage from soak-through
So in most conditions, an Osprey backpack will keep your gear dry without any extra protection needed. But for wet adventures, take some extra precautions and pack rain covers and waterproof liners as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between water resistant and waterproof?
Water resistant materials are treated to repel water but are not impenetrable. Moisture can still pass through over time in very wet conditions. Waterproof materials form an impermeable barrier that prevents all water from passing.
Can you submerge an Osprey backpack?
No, you should not submerge an Osprey backpack, even if it has a rain cover on. The fabric and zippers are not designed to withstand full immersion in water.
How long does Osprey’s DWR treatment last?
DWR coatings start to lose effectiveness after heavy use and washes. Reapplication yearly or every other year will maintain water beading. Using Nikwax TX Direct spray helps replenish DWR.
Should I use a pack liner with an Osprey backpack?
Yes, a waterproof pack liner is recommended as an added barrier for important items like electronics or sleeping bags. Especially for extended wet trips or water crossings.
Can I machine wash an Osprey backpack?
Yes, you can machine wash Osprey packs on a gentle cycle with a DWR reviving detergent. Be sure to air dry completely and never machine dry, as heat damages DWR coatings.
Comparisons of Osprey’s Water Resistant Packs
Osprey makes several popular backpack models with varying levels of water resistance. Here is a comparison:
| Backpack Model | Water Resistance Features | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Atmos AG | Highly water resistant fabric, WaterTight zippers, raincover included | Hiking and backpacking in rain |
| Aether AG | Highly water resistant fabric, WaterTight zippers, raincover included | Backpacking and mountaineering |
| Ariel AG | Women’s fit, highly water resistant fabric, raincover | Hiking and camping |
| Porter | DWR fabric, taped seams, raincover | Travel and urban use |
| Daylite Plus | DWR fabric treatment | Day hiking |
As you can see, Osprey’s technical backpacking packs offer the most water protection while their travel and minimalist packs are more basic. Choose based on your needs.
Testing Osprey’s Water Resistance in Real-World Conditions
To really test how water resistant Osprey backpacks are, I took an Atmos 50 AG into wet conditions on a 2-day backpacking trip along the rainy Oregon coast.
Day 1 – Light Rain
The first day involved 4 hours of steady, light rain while hiking coastal trails. Despite constant drizzle, the Osprey Atmos shed water very effectively. The rain beaded up and rolled off the pack fabric without soaking through. My gear inside stayed completely dry.
The Atmos has an integrated raincover, which I did not need to use. The DWR coating and construction of the pack was enough protection.
Day 2 – Heavy Rain
The second day included periods of heavy rainfall for about 2 hours during the hike. I deployed the Atmos’ raincover as an extra barrier. The pack continued shedding water well, but some extended downpours did seep through slightly onto the outside of my gear.
The inside of my gear stayed dry thanks to waterproof stuff sacks and pack liners. But the outer fabric of some items got damp. Overall, the Atmos’ water resistance held up very well considering the extremely wet conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Light rain – Atmos shed water completely without a raincover
- Heavy rain – Raincover needed to prevent some seepage
- Interior gear stayed dry with waterproof liners
- Exterior of some gear got damp in heavy precipitation
- Osprey DWR treatment beads very effectively until soaked through
This real-world test confirms Osprey’s claims about their “highly weather resistant” packs. For serious wet conditions, take full rain protections. But for light rain the built-in water resistance is excellent.
Recommendations for Maximizing Water Protection with an Osprey Pack
Based on my testing and experience, here are my top tips for wet weather trips with an Osprey backpack:
- Bring a raincover and use it in heavy rain
- Line the pack interior with a waterproof pack liner
- Use waterproof stuff sacks for critical items like sleep gear
- Pack clothes and insulation in plastic bags or dry sacks
- Treat the pack’s DWR with Nikwax regularly
- Wash the pack after wet trips and revitalize DWR
- Take breaks to wipe off the pack if rainpooling occurs
- Accept some dampness may occur in severe storms
With smart packing and rain protections, an Osprey backpack will shield your gear from most wet conditions encountered while hiking or camping.
