Osprey Tempest 20L Women's Hiking Backpack WXS/S - Lightweight

In this review of the Osprey Tempest 20L Women's Hiking Backpack, the bottom line is clear: it is a lightweight, technically capable daypack built for women who hike, bike, or scramble on short outings and want a comfortable hipbelt carry. The pack's single biggest reason to buy is its womens-specific fit combined with an injection-molded AirScape backpanel and continuous-wrap harness that keep load transfer stable while moving. Reviewers who value breathable contact surfaces and practical attachments will find this model especially well suited to active day use.

Key Features

• Womens-specific fit: The continuous-wrap harness and hipbelt are shaped to match female contours for more comfortable hip loading on long miles.
• AirScape backpanel: The injection-molded AirScape backpanel and spacermesh over die-cut foam provide breathable cushioning that moves with the body on steep terrain.
• Helmet and light attachments: The LidLock helmet attachment and Blinkie light point make it easy to secure a bike helmet and increase visibility after dark.
• Pockets and organization: Two zippered hipbelt pockets plus an internal padded laptop sleeve give quick access to essentials and protect a small device on mixed-use days.
• Sustainable, durable materials: Bluesign-approved recycled high-tenacity nylon delivers a sturdy, environmentally conscious build for years of use.
• Multi-sport attachments: Dedicated attachments for trekking poles and an ice axe broaden the pack's versatility for hiking, peak-bagging, or biking.

Who It's For

The Tempest 20L is best for women who need a lightweight, technical daypack for hiking, short overnights, bike rides, or alpine scrambles where a secure hipbelt and breathable backpanel matter. It suits hikers who prefer to carry weight on their hips rather than their shoulders and who want quick access to snacks, a phone, and small layers.

Those who need large multi-day capacity, a full-frame load lifter, or an ultra-minimal running vest should look elsewhere; this 20L pack is intentionally compact and optimized for day use rather than extended backpacking trips.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable womens-specific harness and hipbelt that shift weight to the hips for long-day comfort.
• Breathable AirScape backpanel and spacermesh provide stable ventilation on warm hikes.
• Practical attachments such as LidLock helmet and Blinkie light make it a true multi-sport daypack.
• Two zippered hipbelt pockets and an internal padded sleeve add useful organization for small items and a device.

Cons

• At 20L the pack can feel small for users who frequently carry bulkier layers or longer food/water supplies.
• Some reviewers note differing opinions on size and design, so fit and capacity expectations should be confirmed before purchase.

Specifications

Brand	Osprey
Model	Tempest 20L Women's Hiking Backpack
Fit	Womens-specific WXS/S with continuous-wrap harness and hipbelt
Backpanel	Injection-molded AirScape with spacermesh over die-cut foam
Attachments	LidLock helmet, Blinkie light, trekking pole and ice axe-ready
Pockets	Two zippered hipbelt pockets and an internal padded laptop sleeve
Material	Bluesign-approved recycled high-tenacity nylon

Our Verdict

The Osprey Tempest 20L is a smart pick for hikers and cyclists who want a comfortable, durable daypack with a womens-specific fit and practical attachments. Its breathable AirScape backpanel and hipbelt pockets make it a versatile companion for active days, and the sustainable materials add long-term value. Buy it if you need a technical 20L pack that prioritizes comfort and multi-sport utility; look elsewhere if you regularly require higher volume for multi-day loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pack suitable for bike commuting?
The LidLock helmet attachment and Blinkie light make it suitable for bike commuting and day rides, though the 20L capacity favors lighter loads.

Can it carry a laptop?
Yes, it includes an internal padded laptop sleeve suitable for a small laptop or tablet for mixed-use days.

Is the material durable and eco-friendly?
Yes, the pack is made from bluesign-approved recycled high-tenacity nylon intended to be both tough and more sustainable.