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Osprey Zealot
By John Walter
The Osprey Zealot is one of the new packs that are targeting the "cross-over"
market, outdoor enthusiasts who participate in a wide variety of sports,
such as backpacking, skiing and climbing, and they want a pack to suit
them all. Sporting the new StraightJacket compression system and the Delrin
frame system, the Zealot is loaded with features that the "cross-over"
market will enjoy.
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The StraightJacket compression system is a unique approach to tackle
the problem of keeping the load of the pack over the hipbelt. Most traditional
compression designs are based on the idea that as you tighten the compression
straps, the pack will take on the shape of the contents. This invariably
makes the user try to pull the load forward over the shoulders instead
of on the hips. With semi-rigid foam panels inserted into the side of
the pack, the StraightJacket system pulls the pack itself around the contents
of the pack. When not full the side panels will fold over each other like
arms of a straight jacket, hence the name. The StraightJacket system also
allows for easy packing of the single compartment Zealot.
The Zealot has tubes for ice tools, a daisy chain on each side and one
on the back. Gear loops on the removable hipbelt and an optional crampon
pouch round out the features favorable to climbers. There are slots and
straps for skis on the sides and the three compression straps could conceivably
be used for a snowboard or snowshoes on the back, although the pack would
need to be pretty full. The top pocket removes and attaches to the hipbelt
to become a very comfortable fanny pack. It also has a zippered pocket
to accommodate a hydration unit. With numerous adjustment straps, the
fit on the Zealot is very customizable without being confusing.
The very first time that I used this pack I loaded it down. Packs tend
to expose their weaknesses under the stress of weight. So I thought that
a 5-day climbing trip to the Wind Rivers, loaded with climbing and backpacking
gear would be a good test. I packed hardware, food, sleeping gear, and
clothing inside and used the StraightJacket compression system to strap
my sleeping pad, 60 meter rope and helmet on the outside. I would be carrying
40+ lbs. over rocky trails and high passes to the Cirque of the Towers.
The first thing that I noticed was that I had a little bit of a difficult
time getting the fit right. After spending a little time with the adjustments,
I had a good fit. One of my partners commented that when by itself on
the ground the pack looked huge, but once on my back and facing me, he
could barely tell that I had more than a day pack on.
The only thing that I disliked about the pack became readily apparent.
As part of the Delrin frame system, the Zealot has a rod that helps support
the load. Part of this rod runs right behind my head, keeping me from
raising my head to look up. As a climber, I found this to be frustrating.
Climbing with this pack, especially while wearing a helmet could prove
difficult.
The pack was extremely comfortable. I never felt as though the load was
shifting and needed readjustment that I usually need with other packs.
The compression straps on the inside of the pack, combined with the cross
loading compression straps proved to keep the load in place over my hips.
The hipbelt is a good 4 inches wide without being the least bit bulky.
The belt also cinches down with an outward pull, opposite of other pack
manufacturers.
I used the Zealot again during a trip to the Escalante Canyons. Again
the pack performed great. I ended up carrying more than I needed because
I was worried that some members of my trip would not bring enough food.
Again I was impressed with the fit and comfort of the Zealot. Again the
only thing that I didn't like was the bar behind my head.
While the Zealot isn't a perfect pack, it is a very comfortable, functional
pack. At 4600 cubic inches, the Zealot fits into that 3-5 day niche of
packs that keep you from taking too much on your trip without being too
restrictive.
I tried hard to dislike this pack because of the bar behind my head,
but I couldn't. Even though I don't like the restrictive bar, I still
give the Zealot a thumbs up because of the comfortable fit, the plethora
of features, and the unique StraightJacket compression system.
John Walter is Climbing Editor at GearReview.com.
For more information, contact:
Osprey Packs
P.O. Box 539, 504 Central Ave.
Dolores, CO 81323
(970)882-2221
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