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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve found the 38-litre variant perfect for wild camping and backpacking trips in the summer when I can pack light. Inside the (single entry point) main pocket, I can just fit a three-season down sleeping bag, sleeping pad, two-man tent, a few extra items of clothing, cook system, and a few days of food. This makes it perfect for overnight and weekend camps, or longer trips where I can resupply en route. There\u2019s also a stretch mesh pocket on each side for water bottles, and a removable floating lid with two zip pockets \u2013 one larger storage pocket and a smaller mesh pocket on the inner. The reinforced stretch pocket on the front is very spacious given the size of the pack \u2013 I can easily fit a map and hardshell with room to spare. Thankfully, Osprey has now reintroduced hipbelt pockets to this range. I can squeeze an iPhone 11 into these, but you\u2019d struggle with anything bigger, especially given the pre-curved Exoform hipbelt. However, the curve on the hipbelt helps it sit flush to the hips, and I\u2019ve noticed much better load transfer away from the shoulders compared to my other Osprey bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThis is my first time using a pack with a suspended back panel. I\u2019d always been wary of its centre of gravity falling too far behind me but, despite my initial hesitancies, I\u2019ve been impressed by the AirSpeed suspension system and the ventilation it brings. There\u2019s about 5cm of space separating the tensioned mesh panel and the main body of the pack; this brings a noticeable airflow that\u2019s much appreciated on warm hikes. Whilst this ventilation may not be a priority in the cooler months, Osprey has included a single ice axe attachment in addition to the Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment. Between this and its lightweight, Osprey has opened it up for use as a winter hillwalking day pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Eja weighs in at a mere 1.2kg for the M\/L size. This is about as light as any framed pack on the market with an adjustable back system and full ventilation. To achieve this, Osprey has utilised 100D nylon for most of the pack. This isn\u2019t the toughest, but I haven\u2019t had any issues so far. In fact, I find myself treating this pack with a bit more caution due to the mesh back panel anyway, but this is certainly no bad thing, and snagging the mesh has not yet resulted in it ripping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDespite its minimal weight, Osprey has suggested a load limit of 10kg and with this kind of load it feels like the lightest and most comfortable pack I have carried. It\u2019s certainly not the ideal use case, but I\u2019ve also used it to carry my climbing gear into the crag. I really appreciate the carry system on longer walk-ins, and it only begins to feel less stable as the weight creeps up beyond that limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The women\u2019s specific design goes well beyond a colour scheme; the pack is narrower and deeper to lower its centre of mass, in line with women\u2019s body shapes. The shoulder straps also sit narrower, as is often the case with women\u2019s specific bags. The LightWire alloy frame is curved for an anatomical fit and wider at the bottom. This is exaggerated even more so than in the Exos packs – to sit well on the hips and transfer load away from the shoulders. All of this combines to make a backpack that doesn\u2019t rub or cause pressure points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWith a flexible mesh back panel, two sizes in each pack, and 10cm of torso length adjustability, the Eja will fit a variety of people. If you\u2019re unsure which size you\u2019re after, or need a hand adjusting the pack to fit, feel free to pop into one of our stores. We offer a backpack fitting service and are always happy to advise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOverall, Osprey\u2019s latest Eja range offers a fully featured pack with a brilliant carrying system and ventilation. It also comes with the reassurance of Osprey\u2019s \u2018All Mighty Guarantee\u2019 and their improving green credentials (the Eja is made from 100% recycled nylon ripstop).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As with most lightweight kit, it comes at a slight cost of durability and a couple of much missed additions (namely, a rain cover). But, for anyone looking to move towards lighter backpacking gear, the Eja is a perfect solution without sacrificing comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n