and created My Thought Backpack that generously introduces endless ideas, top quality materials, and cutting-edge technology
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ever thought of such a dream-like story at least once.
The OSPREY Unlimited Airscape 68 we are introducing today is a mountain climbing backpack that is currently being considered the most advanced and most experimental in the world, with no compromises at all, packing the newest technologies, newest materials and newest designs (the manufacturer himself says).
It's been a year since it was released in 2022, and with countless unique and innovative features, it continues to have a unique presence in 2023 (including its outstanding price).
Is this a true "game changer" in backpacks? Or is it a "luxury item (a concept model in a broad sense)" for a very limited number of people by manufacturers who are a little too leaning forward? Of course, the answer cannot be decided on either one or the other. No matter how great a tool is, unless it is used in a way that is suitable for its purpose or purpose, it is merely useless.
So, what exactly is this backpack really "new" and "amazing (or unfortunate)"? If it's great, what kind of use and style will it fit? I've been carrying it on various trails over the past year, so I'll start reviewing it right away.
table of contents
- Main features of OSPREY Unlimited Airscape 68
- Main Specifications and ratings
- Detailed Review - Why is Unlimited Airscape 68 the "World's Most Advanced Backpack"?
- 1: Design and Fit - Perfect fit for any body type. An innovative adjustment system with no gaps in place
- 2: Comfort and stability on your shoulders - Load-bearing performance with unprecedented stability and comfortable carrying comfort
- 3: Weight and durability - Made from hybrid material for lightweight and outstanding durability -
- 4: Storageability and ease of use - All-star +α, the know-how that Osprey has cultivated over the years
- 5: Interesting points: Are non-standard weight and high prices really worth it? ~
- Summary: The most comfortable large backpack I've ever encountered
Main features of OSPREY Unlimited Airscape 68
OSPREY Unlimited Airscape 68 is a 70-liter hiking and climbing (and travel) backpack suitable for all seasons, and can be used for weekend tents to long-term expeditions over a week. With cutting-edge lightweight, highly durable materials, a high carbon stainless steel frame with excellent stability and excellent load transmission, a mesh lumbar pad that uses industry-first 3D printing technology, and a back panel that does not interfere with airflow, it is unparalleled in terms of carrying large amounts of luggage comfortably for long periods of time in harsh environments. Osprey's unique customizable fitting system allows you to quickly adjust and fit the entire backpack, including the length of the back and hip belt, to suit your body shape from the time you carry it on. In terms of storage, numerous pockets and attachments that allow you to easily access many items, including smartly pack and pack many items with ease of travel stress. Furthermore, the top lid, which is removed and quickly changes to an 18-liter daypack, is suitable for a variety of occasions in long adventures. Includes a rain cover and a custom airporter travel cover.
Favorite points
- The heavier the back frame and various pads that are more robust, comfortable and stable than any backpack.
- Accurate and simple fitting system including a cam lock rear adjustment mechanism that allows you to adjust the optimal back length while carrying it on your back
- Large hip belt pockets on both sides (stretch open pockets) that can be stored and easily accessible
- Wide open and easy to access front U-shaped access zipper
- A 18-liter top lid daypack that is too well made
Interesting points
- The backpack itself is heavy (it's assuming that the luggage is heavy, so I don't really bother you...)
- The highest price I've ever encountered for mountaineering backpacks (it's been even higher this year... tears)
- The robust and rigorous structure makes it suitable for long-term general hiking and trekking, but not for activities such as alpine (climbing), fast and light, or day climbing.
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | OSPREY Unlimited Airscape 68 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 68 liters (S/M), 72 liters (L/XL) |
| weight | Actual measurement: Approximately 2.9kg (including men's L/XL size, top lid and rain cover) |
| material |
|
| Models for women | can be |
| Size/Length of the back | Adjustable |
| Hydration sleeve | ◯ |
| Main Access | Top Front Large U-shaped Access |
| Rain cover | ◯ |
| Pocket attachment |
|
| evaluation | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Stability | ★★★★★ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality (ease of use) | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Detailed Review - Why is Unlimited Airscape 68 the "World's Most Advanced Backpack"?
1: Design and Fit - Perfect fit for any body type. An innovative adjustment system with no gaps in place
A masterpiece by a legend from the backpack world
What surprised me about this backpack is, of course, shocking price, but I think it's packed with new elements, and I think it's amazing that new ideas are being born. The true and passion of Mike Pfortenhauer, a legend who is currently active in backpack design for nearly 50 years, is a creator and is still active in the design of backpacks.
That's supposed to be the case too. Mike has been designing backpacks for all purposes, from mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, through hiking, and travelling around the world for over 50 years, but his latest work, the Unlimited Backpack series, is a hugely unthinkable concept that is hard to imagine for a typical company, "pursuing design ideas and technology with no cost," and is a soulful work that has brought his long-standing concept to fruition with elite staff around the world over two years of development. Thinking about it using common sense and making statements that raise the hurdles for a product is not usually anything but a risk, and it is not something that can be done without being very prepared or very confident. It's not necessary to speculate from that point on, but it's a backpack that you can only feel the spirit and seriousness of.
I'd like to move on to a specific review after this introduction, but first of all, it follows the design of a traditional mountaineering backpack (it's unlikely to be satisfied with this stable shape, which has been completed through its long history). Personally, I personally find it a good impression of the simple, lean silhouette and the calm, modern coloring that gives it a sense of security.
On the other hand, if you flip the pack over and look at the back, you can get a glimpse of some unfamiliar parts, such as the mesh lumbar pad (to be described later) using 3D printing technology on the lumbar part of the waist harness, a three-dimensional rear panel made from a combination of different materials on the back, and an unusually thick road lifter on the shoulder (a strap that attracts the space between the backpack itself and the shoulder strap). These are clearly different from any other product on the market, and anyone who has seen a little mountaineering backpack will soon notice this extraordinary atmosphere.
An innovative adjustment system that allows anyone to easily complete the optimal fitting while standing
In any case, the exterior may not be that surprising, but this is where it surprises you. What made me fall in love with this backpack was the incredibly exciting fitting system.
It goes without saying that fitting a backpack is important, and it is said that it is so true that it can be heard at manufacturers and mountain shops.
However, if I wanted to complete the adjustments for all parts of this fitting work, I would have to more or less remove the backpack and then adjust the parts on the back (while guessing it was about this size).
But the Unlimited Airscape 68 it can really be done surprisingly easily and accurately. The concept of the system, labelled "fit on the fly (or the autolift mechanism)," means "fitting (on the spot) while you are on your own," and is a groundbreaking adjustment system that allows you to adjust all sizes, including the back length, from when you are standing on your back. Osprey has already seen some of its roots in high-end models such as E-Ser Plus
Seeing is just a surprise, and in the video below, I actually filmed myself fitting the waist harness, shoulder harness, back length, road lifter, and sternum straps from a completely uneven state (especially at the moment when "Step 3" in the video fills the gap between the shoulder and shoulder harness and the length of the back fits).
To further explain in the photo below, the steps from "1: Tighten the hip belt" to "2: Tighten the shoulder strap" are the same as those in a regular backpack, but Unlimited Airscape 68 you can adjust the back length of the backpack to your own size by pulling the camlock back length adjuster at the back of the armpit. What's great about this method is that normally you'll have to put down the backpack, adjust the length, and then carry it again, so it's difficult to understand whether the length really suits you, but you can adjust the length while still carrying it on your back, allowing you to adjust the length perfectly to a more accurate fit that suits you. If you feel any discomfort even a little while walking, you can quickly adjust the fit again as many times as you like. It's definitely more "easy, accurate, and more satisfying" than ever before, making it absolutely amazing.
*By the way, I noticed it after I took the video, so I'd like to add that you can adjust the waist harness length while still standing, but I've already done it with this video. As shown in the photo below, you can quickly adjust the size of the waist harness by shifting the part that is held in velcro.
This unique adjustment mechanism allows the back length to be fitted while carrying it on your back, and also pulls the load closer to your back (for reference, the mechanism of the back length adjustment mechanism is shown in the photo below). Furthermore, the load lifter that connects the shoulder and the main unit is automatically set to the optimum length and angle at this point, so there is no need to adjust it again.
Pair it with an adjustable length hip belt that gives you an instant, even more snug fit, no matter how unfamiliar you are. Moreover, this does not waste weight, and for now there are almost no disadvantages to using this mechanism. Once you know this, all the fittings on your regular backpack look like they were from the previous era, and it will be difficult to return to the original feeling.
2: Comfort and stability on your shoulders - Load-bearing performance with unprecedented stability and comfortable carrying comfort
Not only is the fitting, but the surprises still end when you actually start walking. Honestly, the heavier the load, the better I feel I can now say with confidence that this backpack can walk more comfortably than any large backpack I've ever been carrying. It is also believed that the industry's first back structure creates this comfortable, stable, unique feel.
For example, the lumbar pads are used for the first time in a backpack using Carbon's advanced DLS 3D printing technology (although adidas was the world's first running shoe ). At first glance, this pad looks similar in pattern, but if you look closely, the shape and density of the lattice have slightly changed, which makes the elasticity slightly different (photo below. In other words, the strength of the cushion is slightly adjusted depending on the part!). As you can see, this pad is designed to pass through air and not absorb water, making it extremely dry.
In other words, to put it simply, this lattice-like cushion of various densities allows evenly dispersing impacts in this critical area where the load is most applied, reducing the feeling of pressure on the lower back, providing exquisite softness, excellent breathability, stable support, and difficulty slipping.
Furthermore, my personal favorite is the frame structure that provides outstanding load resistance and stability, focusing on the waist to prevent excessive load from being felt as much as possible due to the weight.
The overall structure is first of all, there is a robust, flexible, lightweight thermoformed polycarbonate frame sheet that covers the entire back, and a lightweight and rigid high carbon stainless steel frame is integrated around its surroundings, but what's surprising is the point where the bottom edge of this frame extends (connected) into the middle of the hip belt (the part along the dotted line in the photo below). This allows the load to be transmitted to the hip belt no matter how heavy the load is, allowing you to place it firmly on your hips without any strain around your waist. Incidentally, the official website in the home country states its maximum load capacity is 30kg, indicating that it has enough capacity to withstand even a full-scale traverse for several weeks.
When I walked in the Northern Alps last year with about 20km of luggage, this allowed me to walk around my shoulders as if I had carried several kilometers of luggage on my shoulders.
Furthermore, the hip belt that accepts the load has moderate stiffness, is not too hard or too soft, and has a silicon grip on the inside, providing an exquisite condition that is "strong, gentle, and does not slip."
In addition, the thermoformed polycarbonate frame sheet (EVA pads arranged along the groove) that provides comfort on the back surface, the calculated grooves provide both moderate rigidity and breathability, and while keeping the center of gravity close to the body, it minimizes stuffiness caused by heavy sweat. Just because the air vents are good doesn't mean it's cold in winter, so it can be said to be a comfortable back all year round.
3: Weight and durability - Made from hybrid material for lightweight and outstanding durability -
Not only are they innovative constructions, but also the fabrics and materials used in backpacks are naturally being tried hard.
The main fabric is a 210 denier hybrid fabric that is woven with a double ripstop grid (double lattice) made of UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) into high-tenacity nylon fibers, which have significantly improved abrasion resistance and tear strength than regular nylon. UHMWPE is a lightweight, highly durable fiber that is now well known for its ultra-light products, known by the so-called "Dyneema." In other words, what makes this fabric great is that it is easy to use (although it is a high-spec type of nylon) and the protruding weight versus durability of Dyneema.
From what I've used for at least a year, the surface of the fabric is actually very densely woven, so it's not easy to get caught and is very resistant to wear (of course, because it's a ripstop fabric, it's resistant to tearing), and there's no need to worry about it breaking or breaking.
It also has a durable water-repellent finish and repels water well, making it very resistant to rain. Of course, if you are likely to be exposed to heavy rain, there is a rain cover at the bottom of your backpack, so there is no need to worry about that.
4: Storageability and ease of use - All-star +α, the know-how that Osprey has cultivated over the years
With a large backpack, as much as its strength against heavy loads, is its storage capacity, which allows you to efficiently pack bulky items, and ease of access, which reduces the stress of putting them in and taking them out.
In this respect, this backpack has the all-star incorporating the convenient storage and usability that were found in various Osprey backpacks, while adding new elements unique to this model, making it a culmination of the packing know-how they have cultivated over the years.
First of all, the main storage is one air chamber, but the bottom has a strap (compression divider for sleeping bags) to secure the sleeping bag, making it essentially 1.5 air chambers. In addition to opening the rain cover and taking out the luggage from above, there is also a wide U-shaped front access zipper (which has become common recently) (photo below). However, since this U-shaped zipper digs widely all the way to the top of the side panel, there was an unparalleled approach that it is easy to put in and take out from the side, as well as take out from the front.
When accessed from the top, it is easy to open by simply pulling the tab.
The tip of the U-shaped zipper digs widely all the way to the top of the side panel, so if you set the zipper on the side, you can access it from the side.
The rain cover has two pockets with smooth zippers that have been reinforced with laminated reinforcement. At the top, you can store small, thin items such as maps and mobile phones, as well as car keys in the included red key clips, and at the bottom there is room for small items that are slightly bulky.
It is already familiar to Osprey's large backpacks, but by removing this rain cover, you can convert it to a rather authentic 18L daypack (photo below). The shoulder strap is also cushioned and even comes with an adjustable sternum strap, making it quite comfortable. Not only is it suitable for side trips such as short peak attacks while traversing or collecting water to water areas, but it also functions as a carry-on bag for carrying on board when traveling by plane.
External pockets are also packed with exciting features. First and foremost, the storage area was a huge mesh stretch open pocket on the side (left of the photo below).
It can be found on both the left and right, with the right being larger, and the left being smaller, but it's still a little larger, but the pocket is slightly closer to the waist and the mouth is large, making it easy to access. However, the entrance is loose and there is no chance of things falling off easily, making it a very easy-to-use pocket.
There is also a moderately sized pocket on the left of the hip belt with a zipper (right in the photo below), so it is convenient to store smartphones, handkerchiefs, lip balms, etc. there.
Next, the front has a zipper pocket that can be accessed from the left and right sides (photo below). It can be used to store slightly larger items such as jackets, hats, gloves, food and maps. However, when I actually used it, it was slightly smaller and it tends to be confused as to which one I put it in, and it's not very easy to use. Personally, I was a bit disappointed that I wished it would have been combined with one large pocket rather than splitting it into two.
A side compression strap is connected to the flap that covers the zipper of this pocket, and you can combine it with the lower strap to secure long objects on the sides and compress the pack capacity (photo below). Snowshoes can also be secured to the side straps. Additionally, the reinforced ski loop allows you to secure the skis on the side using an A-frame method, making them fully considerable for use in the snow season.
The bottom part has a strap to secure the mattress and a storage pocket for the rain cover (photo below). You don't always use the mat or rain cover, but it's safe to say that there's something.
Furthermore, there are two secure loops on the front that secure the axe and poles (photo below). Moreover, there is even a consideration to store this loop inside when it is not necessary, and although these parts are small, they can be said to give off an indescribable quality.
The convenient "Stow on the Gotrekking Pole Attachment" is also a must-have for male spray backpacks, and can be used to secure the pole to the side of your body when you want to temporarily close the trekking pole while walking (photo below).
The hydration sleeve is in a place where you can put it in and take it out from the outside of the backpack (photo below). There are two zipper sliders at the entrance, so the hose can be positioned on either the left or right side, and the shoulder harness's hose attachments are also on the left and right sides, making it a detailed design.
The sturdy buckles used in the backpack are sturdy Delrin YKK buckles, and all the zippers (and of course, this one is also made by YKK) have large tabs that are easy to use even when the pull handle is gloved (photo below). The benefits of not paying attention to cost are also here.
And finally (I've never actually used it) the Unlimited Airscape 68 comes with a large travel cover that can easily store this backpack (photo below, quoted: Lost Arrow official website). It is true that if you store it in a travel cover when you leave it at the airport, you can protect your hip belt, buckles, and straps, making it a great option for trekking to afar or long-term expeditions.
5: Interesting points: Are non-standard weight and high prices really worth it? ~
It's just heavy. The actual L/XL size of the men I own is 2.9 kg. In fact, it is the heaviest of the over 60 liter backpack I have ever carried. It could be considered a direct competition, for example, GREGORY's Bartolo 65 costs around 2.2kg. Incidentally, UL series such as the Granite Gear BLAZE 60 are about 1.4kg, which is more than twice the weight difference.
However, despite this weight, when carrying a dozen kilograms of weight on my shoulders, personally, I was more than the latest version of Bartolo (compared to the actual experiences of two testers, including myself). For this reason, when trekking with heavy loads above a certain level, this weight is more than offset by comfort and convenience, so I don't think there's any need to worry about it.
On the other hand, in situations where you don't need that heavy load, this weight can literally become a burden, so even if a backpack is packed with advanced features, it is unlikely that you can fully utilize its functionality.
Summary: The most comfortable large backpack I've ever encountered
When looking for a backpack, each person will be different to each other depending on the style and purpose they are oriented, and the fit varies slightly depending on the body type, so there is no way there is a great backpack that will satisfy everyone. In that sense, it's not surprising that some people don't need this most advanced backpack. For example, people who prefer day trips to low mountain hikes, people who want to fast pack with light luggage, or people who prefer technical variations of mountain climbing, etc., are not suitable for activities that go beyond the boundaries of heavy burdens, long distances, and trekking.
However, except in such cases, the Unlimited Airscape 68 is the "strongest" large trekking backpack, with a wide range of versatile features and a wide range of comfort and stability that can be secure no matter how heavy your luggage is, making it the "strongest" large trekking backpack at the moment. The cutting edge materials and technology that are not cost-effective, and its development and ideas can still be described as impressive as ever, allowing new technologies to be embodied as functions that can be used to ensure they are fully appreciated. This is because of Osprey's belief in always being particular about practicality and custom fit, and the know-how he has cultivated over the years.
If you're a typical mountain climber who wants a backpack for hiking or trekking, wants to go on a long traverse in the summer, or wants to be on the winter use, or wants to have a larger backpack, this backpack is definitely the most reliable player on the market today.
However, although I personally am truly satisfied, I honestly don't have the confidence to be able to say that this unusually high price is worth the price for everyone (although of course I think I'm just able to be satisfied normally). That's why it's a must-have for someone who needs to be some kind of lean forward, such as someone who will spare no value to enjoy the outdoors safely and to the fullest, or someone who needs to be leaning forward to enjoying the world's most amazing quality backpack.
Incidentally, Osprey has the Unlimited Anti-Gravity 64 as a sibling to the Unlimited series. This one basically shares the same concept, but it seems that it is intended to be a slightly lighter target, with a clamshell-shaped design that can be used for three seasons. Personally, I would like to recommend Airscape, which can cover a wide range of situations, from light hiking to snowy mountains and more hard scenes.
In any case, if you're preparing for a big adventure this summer, you'll surely be able to meet your expectations. Have a great trip with your new partner.
