Osprey Flare

Terrific, wonderful pack. The structure really supports the weight. I liked this pack so much I immediately bought another, slightly smaller Axis model for town use. The only trouble with the Flare is that the 3 outer pockets are mesh, as are some inner pockets. The mesh on on outer pocket tore in the first summer; I don't know whether a mouse nibbled it or what - there was nothing pointed in it when I discovered the tear. I am using the Lifetime Guarantee to send it for repair. I fear this will happen again.

I'd also recommend: recommend Osprey, not necessarily this model

Overall a great pack. Wish the front small pocket was bigger to hold miscellaneous small stuff. If it's not completely full of stuff the pack tends to be saggy and doesn't really stand on it's own (if that makes sense). Wish there were more pockets to hold small stuff. If I take my keys, mints, pens, charger cords, Mifi, smartphone, earbuds, other little small items with me; the small pockets get full easily and I have to put the rest of the small items in the bigger pockets. These items just move all around in the bag and things get disorganized. The bag has the small front pocket and then a small zippered mesh pocket in the main compartment. Still not really enough to store small stuff. But overall, I love this bag. I have a petite frame 5'4, 100 pounds and the 24 liter bag is a great size and fit. It's so lightweight, you barely feel the pack. I live in SF where they charge you for a bag when you go to shopping. I carry this pack around and am able to carry my groceries in it. I take it to the mall and was able to go to several stores and place clothes, shoes, clothes for my son, and many other small items in the pack without it weighing me down. Another thing I would add are more reflective hits on the pack. I have mine in carbon grey but noticed they don't make this color anymore. If they do make the above improvements and sold it in a grey color; I would buy another one just because I think the above suggestions would make it the best everyday pack in the world!

Wow, do I LOVE this backpack. I wanted something for trips to the zoo, Disney World, bike rides etc. with my 6 year old. It is perfect for that. A great size to fit all our stuff, water bottles, light jackets, lunch/snacks etc. while it is very functional I have to admit I really love it because it is all that and attractive. The purple color is bright (I wanted that so I was easier to spot in a crowd) but not too bright. I previously had a bag with a cross body strap that bothered my shoulder after a couple of hours. That issue is gone with this bag it is very comfortable! Try it you will love it!

I bought this backpack after trying out at least 15 packs for a trip to Costa Rica. I needed comfort and room. I am a 5'1" 120 pound fiftyish woman, so I was concerned about finding something that fit me well. All of the adjustments and features on the Osprey worked well for me. I particularly like the little stretchy pocket on the front and the ability to carry the two water bottles on the side. The purple color was a surprising hit with me too, and I kept this pack over a slightly more expensive Osprey that I liked a little bit better because the color was so great.