Osprey Questa Backpack (Prior Season)

For an Osprey pack, this is a 3-star, but Osprey packs are so good that I give it 4-stars overall.Was looking for a pack for the daily commute (drive and then walk or take bus; usually carrying laptop and lunch in bag, and sometimes heavy books). Have used Osprey packs for hiking and travel for years and LOVE them, so thought I'd try their 24/7 series. Ultimately ended up returning this one.PROS:-Osprey quality (and warranty)-Very sturdy top handle (might not fit on bathroom stall hooks easily)-Zippers seem to be quality and loops on pulls are nice-Padded laptop and tablet compartments (even on bottom)-LOTS of room (but can be compressed with straps)-GREAT organization. Laptop/tablet compartments are in main compartment (giving this less compartments than other Osprey 24/7 bags)-Non-scratch pocket for sunglasses-Whistle on sternum strap (though it would be hard to use if you were using the strap as intended, since it's built into the clip)-Front compression straps (Pro for some people. Not something I would use; I'd rather have a pocket)-Two water bottle holders (rather standard now, but I like that they are large enough for the wider bottles, but also could be compressed to secure smaller bottles/items)-Great color optionsCONS:-Straps. I hated them. They are thick and stiff (perhaps they would "break in", but I'm not willing to chance it) and dig into my (not very large) neck (and yes, I know how to properly adjust and wear a pack). They also scrape my arms if I'm not wearing long enough sleeves. Since I walk ~10 minutes from car to office, often in sleeveless shirts without a high collar, this will not work for me. They seem to be exactly like the straps on my friend's unisex Nebula - in both size and shape - so I'm not sure why Osprey put them on a women's fit pack. (This doesn't match what Osprey says on their website for their women's specific fit (pasted below). This is the biggest strike against this pack. I realize packs fit different people differently, and some people wear shirts with collars and long sleeves, so maybe they will work for you. I just can't wear a backpack that has straps digging into my neck and scraping my arms.-Sternum strap is *way* too low. The highest it can go would squish female-specific anatomy, and lower is on the ribs - below the sternum. It's exactly like the one on the unisex Nebula. This also doesn't match what they Osprey has on their website for women's specific fit (below).-Hip belt is not a hip belt. More of a waist belt, and also does not seem to be women-specific fit (exact same as on Nebula). With a light load I wouldn't use the sternum strap or hip belt, but with a heavier load I'd want at least one to help take the weight off the shoulders.So, although the con list is much shorter than the pros, for me, the uncomfortable fit was enough to return it.----------Photos of compartments are from front-most pocket in.----------------------From Osprey's website regarding women's specific fit:PACK'S SHAPEThe pack's shape is patterned to be more narrow and with added depth in the right places. This allows greater freedom of movement and increases stabilization by lowering the position of the load to a more optimal center of gravity. As a result, the load is more proportionately supported on the hips and along the structure of the back.HARNESSThe shoulder harness is designed with thoughtful angle changes and varying padding thickness to create an anatomical fit for a woman's neck, shoulders and chest. This is balanced with optimizing where the tension from the pack's load is carried. For women, our sternum strap is a key piece in equalizing the pressure across the shoulder harness. The padding used is also specific in order to be more comfortable when carrying a heavy load.HIPBELTThe hipbelt is designed with thoughtful angle changes and varying padding thickness to create an anatomical fit. The hipbelt is also narrower in height for better comfort so it doesn't dig into the ribs or upper thighs when scrambling or climbing. Most importantly, women's hips are more conically shaped with a larger difference between the waist and hip measurements. We sculpt and angle our hipbelts accordingly for comfortable load transfer and optimal support. Again, the padding used is also specific in order to be more comfortable when carrying a heavy load.

Love this backpack! It's very spacious and has plenty of pockets to keep items organized. It's deep so small items can fall to the bottom. The fabric is of great quality and it will last for years. I'm only 5'2" and the size was perfect. It never feels too heavy, even with 3 days of clothes, shoes, and makeup packed.

This backpack is amazing!! I had been eyeing it for over a month but everywhere I looked I either could not find the color I wanted or the price didn't seem right to me, then enter Amazon. They never disappoint, I was able to get a great brand backpack for a better price. This bag is perfect for me, I am about 5ft tall and this fits me perfectly without being to huge. Prior to this I had a high sierra which was great but was too large for my small frame, made me look like a little kid hahaha. I love that the laptop sleep Is slight raised from the bottom of the bag so it doesnt hit the floor when you set the bag down. It has plenty of storage for pens and lots of organization pockets, I also love the small pocket on the outside for your keys or glasses. It Is not only a comfortable bag to wear but it's really gorgeous! I deff recommend it for anyone that is in the fence about it, just get it. You will love it as much as I do!!

The purple color is nicer than shown on the website. I bought this backpack after using the previous model extensively for 2 years. I really like the design of this backpack, with all the compartments and pockets. It works very well for my extensive foreign traveling.

I purchased this backpack over a year ago. Been using it more as a GHB but this weekend, I used it for a short 5 mile hike to an elevation of 4000ft. I loaded it will approx 12lbs of gear. I was beyond impressed with its backpack strap comfort, back comfort and chest strap (did not use the hip strap). I had a little difficulty reaching my water bottle with a one handed technique while still on the move but, honestly, I think it was more from tightening the pouch strap over the water bottle too tight. LOVED all of the various organization compartments to keep stuff organized. This is my 1st Osprey product and it's a GO for me.

My favorite backpack of all time! Love how it can hold a 22oz insulated Klean Kanteen and a 32oz nalgene for the day. The organization in front is amazing and helps so much. The birch White color is beautiful.

Purchased for my 11 year old daughter her review: Very comfortable, a lot of room, like the many pockets, love the color. Water bottle holders on side of backpack is perfect. Straps are sized perfect not to big and bulky. Bungie net in front perfectly holds running, basketball shoes for practice. perfect backpack for a 6th grader.

As always great quality, these packs really do last and the warranty is truly lifetime. I own 6 ospreys for different activities and they are great quality. If it gets dirty it easily washes and maintains its color vibrancy. At $50 its a great deal too. The Questa has a lot of room and options. I bought this for my daughter going into first grade. She was very excited to get her first osprey like her daddy.

Absolutely brilliant backpack, I use it for being out and about with my toddler. The grey is a nice neutral colour and the orange lining makes everything easy to find. Bungee at the front is super handy for storing extra layers. Shoulder straps are shaped to accommodate chest area and fit is narrower than men’s backpacks. Straps and back are padded and comfy. The side pockets are perfect - they can accommodate my 32oz klean kanteen water bottle but also my daughter’s little kid kanteen which can be secured in the roomy side pocket with a compression strap. Front little pocket with scratch proof lining is great for phone and sunglasses. Middle pocket has lots of little compartments for lip balm, card wallet, sun cream etc and space at the bottom for extras like reusable shopping bags etc. Back pocket has space for laptop and tablet but I don’t use it for that, instead these compartments are great for first aid kit, spare change of clothes, changing mat. There is a zipped pocket that is the perfect size for nappies (even cloth which are bulkier) and another that is perfect for wipes. And still lots of space left for lunchboxes, book, coats and hats etc. Very pleased with the purchase but my favourite thing is the key hook in the middle pocket, no more rooting through trying to find keys.

I fell in love with the colour of this bag as shown, but this is probably the biggest misrepresentation I've ever seen when online shopping! In reality the body of the bag is a fairly light army greyish green. I personally don't like it one bit.I've still given a five star rating as the bag itself is fantastic. The women specific fit makes a real difference. I'm 5'5 and I have a fairly small frame, so I find the majority of bags uncomfortable. Even when full this bag sits really nicely on my back.The internal organisation is great. Lets you have all your little bits and bobs organised neatly.The mesh pockets on the side are super stretchy and even accommodate my 1 litre Klean Kanteen.Highly recommend this bag for daily commutes, weekend trips etc

Fantastic quality rucksack for day-to-day use. Really like how big the front pocket is, as well as the main compartment.Just note: the picture shows pink elastic but it's actually purple to match in with the bag (I personally preferred this though, hence why it hasn't affected my star rating).

Fantastic backpack I use this bag daily for taking my teaching materials to school it is great for keeping everything organised with all the pockets. Great design and very durable highly recommend.

The Questa 27 was purchased as part of my Southern India trip and is the best pack ever. The number of pockets, including secret ones are second to none. Used as part of my general day pack, as well as a 3 night stay in Kerala Backwaters. (clothes, toiletries, medicine and shoes) all fitted perfectly for my 3 night stay. Regularly use as a weekend bag now back in the UK. This will definitely be travelling to North America with me in September.