Review: Osprey Duro 6l running pack

One of my kit reviewers, Seth Grotzke, has been testing the Osprey Duro 6l rucksack. The pack is part of the brand’s trail running collection.

Features include:

Soft, breathable mesh for back and straps
Front zipped pocket (behind left flask pocket)
Multiple zip pockets (one designated for optional internal hydration sleeve)
Multiple PowerMesh™ pockets
Pack-vest style fit with dual adjustable/removable sternum straps (not traditional clips)
Reflective graphics
Soft flask stabilising pouch
Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment
Stretch mesh side pockets
Twin Hydraulics™ 500ml Soft Flasks with extension hose and bite valve
Compatible with Hydraulics™ LT Reservoir
Weight: 0.31 kg
Retail price: £90
See Osprey.

Pros: What’s good about the Osprey Duro 6L?

Pack design: The Duro 6L has plenty of pockets. There is a zipped compartment for the integrated hydration reservoir; a zipped key pocket with divided mesh organisation; and a large zipped compartment for extra layers, snacks or emergency kit.

Everything is then held tight by a mesh outer pocket with buckles, ideal for keeping a windshell or any soggy clothes in the open air so as to facilitate drying.

On the shoulder straps there are dual flask pockets each with an additional stuff pocket and a zippered phone pocket beneath the left flask (which fits the iPhone 6s Plus).

Hydration: The Hydraulics™ hydration system by Osprey gives you the option of a reservoir, flasks or both reservoir and flask. I would probably only ever use both at the same time if I were to be heading to the mountains for an all day run with no water access.

The soft flasks with bite valves are nice because you don’t have to juggle bottles or pull anything out while running. They offer plenty of liquid with limited pressure, so you don’t have to really clamp down hard with your teeth.

While this product does not come with the Hydraulics™ reservoir, you can add it in and the quick release system works well. This allows you to pull out the bladder, fill, clean, etc. without messing with the hose.

It then has a magnetic clip for the hydration hose on on the chest strap to facilitate easy access and fastening while on the run.

Fit and Ride: The pack is relatively light (310 grams, depending on what size you opt for). The clips across the chest are easy to adjust on the move and adapt well to varying weights and sizes during the run.

The mesh fabric on the shoulder straps and fabric touching your back helps to increase airflow, making the warmer days a little more bearable.

Bits and pieces: As with the other elements of this pack, the zips are good quality. They include plastic loops for easy gripping even with cold fingers or gloves.

There are a couple elastic bands on the shoulders for various uses and function for running pole fasteners.

See what you can fit in this pack:

Cons: What’s not so good about the Osprey Duro 6L?

There are a few ways that the pack could improved. The mouth opening on the hydration flasks are small, making it difficult to add any powders to your flasks, especially while moving.

With all the options for pockets, there is not a dedicated watertight pocket or sleeve.

The pole integration is not easily accessible.

While the profile of the pack is relatively small, on really hot days it can still be excessive. If there were a way to trim that down some of it would really benefit those who struggle with the heat.