The Osprey Heritage Simplex: Worthy of the Re-imagined Classic

Presented by Osprey

If you’re feeling a bit of déjà vu upon seeing Osprey’s Heritage Simplex pack that’s because it’s a re-release of one of their original designs. But rather than ride on the coattails of one of their classic, most beloved packs, they’ve given this one some updates that include recycled materials, a laptop sleeve, and more, making it one of our new go-to favorites when it's time for some adventure.

Features

Osprey’s Heritage Simplex 20L pack is not just a blast from the past. It’s been upgraded and enhanced with recycled bluesign® approved high tenacity robic nylon. (In other words, it’s made with sustainable materials and is not only tough enough to be used as your everyday pack for school or work but it can also double as a daypack for hikes.) Versatility is this pack's middle name. In fact, the padded laptop sleeve that we mentioned earlier doubles as a spot for a hydration reservoir so that you can easily transition from work to play. Osprey’s Heritage Simplex pack also is coated with a PFC-free DWR which means you can feel safe knowing that whatever is inside your pack isn’t going to get ruined by a little water.

Performance

I tested this pack out on a number of different hikes on some of our favorite trails in Asheville, North Carolina and I was really pleased with how it performed. I mean, it’s one thing to like the way a piece of gear looks (and yeah, I’m stoked on the Blueberry colorway in these photos), but that’s only part of the equation. It’s got to perform. And this pack does just that.

The shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hipbelt are easy to adjust and work nicely with the padded, mesh back panel (the part of the pack that comes into contact with your back) to carry your load comfortably. As for the compartments, the main compartment is nice and roomy. It's big enough to hold a rain layer, a hat, snacks, bug spray, treats for your dog, etc. with room to spare. There’s a handy little key clip on the inside, too, so you can open your pack as much as you need to without worrying that your keys will accidentally fall out. In addition to the main compartment, there’s also an additional front panel pocket with a vertical zipper that makes it really easy to get into without taking the pack all the way off your back. Lastly, the daisy chain and adjustable loop on the front panel of the Heritage Simplex allow you to easily carry a set of trekking poles or, as Osprey suggests, an ice axe. (I used these features to carry a collapsible tripod and my dog's water bowl.)

Recap of the Osprey Heritage Simplex

Good gear often goes unnoticed. It gets the job done and helps you make the most of your adventures. Bad gear, on the other hand, can lead to discomfort or even injury. Great gear, though? Great gear is hard to overlook in that it makes a noticeable difference in your outdoor experience. In the best of cases, it helps enhance your time outside, is something that you enjoy using, something that looks cool, and is made with sustainability in mind. This pack falls into that last category, great gear, and is likely to be a pack we reach for time and time again.

All photos by Caroline Whatley. You can keep up with Caroline and Erin via their blog Authentic Asheville and their IG accounts: @carolineperdue, @e.mcgrady, and @authenticasheville.