Tested: Osprey Duro 15 Hydration Pack
Despite my best efforts to destroy it over two months of use, I was unsuccessful.
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Triathlete magazine’s August 2017 issue is all about taking your triathlons off-road with all the advice and gear you’ll need to get you there. Find our hydration pack options for the bike or run in the issue, on newsstands now, and read a complete review of the Osprey Duro 15 below.
Despite my best efforts to destroy it over two months of use, I was unsuccessful—the Duro 15 held up beautifully. This bag had exponentially more features than the other hydration packs I tested, but each was very well thought out. I loved the modular dual-sternum straps—the ability to quickly take them on and off with one hand was unique to Osprey’s design.
The biggest surprise over my miles with the Duro 15 wasn’t so much that it kept gear in place when it was full (I did a couple of 10-mile runs with a Chromebook laptop and a hardcover book…don’t ask), but I was shocked at how stable it felt when it wasn’t filled to the brim. Simply put, Osprey went nuts with suspension straps, allowing stowed stuff to be secured from every conceivable angle. With so much adjustment, it’s likely that Osprey added some extra weight, but I’d take stability and load comfort over a few ounces any day.
Not only did the Duro 15 perform well while running, I used it for more than a few hikes. Despite lacking the support that an actual daypack would provide, it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. While I probably wouldn’t recommend doing any serious hiking with a heavy load in the Duro 15, ir certainly does double duty in a pinch.
While initially a concern, the thinner fabric, mesh and zippers—more lightweight than what’s found on most of their bags—remained whole, and I wasn’t able to find any weakness despite the thrashing I gave the bag. And though I struggled to find a use for the insane amount of pockets on the Duro 15, that’s hardly a major complaint.
This is a very big bag with a very wide range of uses, built by a brand with more experience making packs than anything else we tested. I threw everything I had at this bag, but still never found any real faults. As a bonus, it comes with Osprey’s unmatched “All Might Guarantee” that says it will repair or replace any damage or defect for life—definitely worth the price.
Verdict: Good for life.
$140, Ospreypacks.com (770g for M/L, 2.5L hydration, 15L pack space)