Osprey Renn 65 Backpack Grey

Good fit, and comfortable to carry even with quite some weight in. A nice big main compartment. I'm not 100% convinced of the internal top to bottom divider, tricky to fix and things can slide past into the bottom compartment when fully packed, but that is usually not a disaster and it will keep things vaguely organised. In a perfect world it would have a big zip opening as well as the zipper at the bottom for the bottom compartment, but all in all this was a great purchase, a lot fits in and it's comfortable. the small zipped belt pockets are good for keeping small things handy such as keys or train tickets. My phone was too long and straight to fit in the zipper side pocked, as it is bent around the hip. But that can go into the top zip. A water bottle or even ... MoreGood fit, and comfortable to carry even with quite some weight in. A nice big main compartment. I'm not 100% convinced of the internal top to bottom divider, tricky to fix and things can slide past into the bottom compartment when fully packed, but that is usually not a disaster and it will keep things vaguely organised. In a perfect world it would have a big zip opening as well as the zipper at the bottom for the bottom compartment, but all in all this was a great purchase, a lot fits in and it's comfortable. the small zipped belt pockets are good for keeping small things handy such as keys or train tickets. My phone was too long and straight to fit in the zipper side pocked, as it is bent around the hip. But that can go into the top zip. A water bottle or even shoes fit well in the roomy side packs.

The new frame design of the Renn 65 is easily adjusted at the back to suit different sized people. The pack is reasonably light weight, sturdy, comfortable and is big enough to fit all necessary equipment, food etc for several days of hiking. It took me a while to realise that the barrier which separates the interior into two compartments can be lengthened to produce one large area. This is handy when carrying bigger items eg tents.

I always buy Osprey branded bags as they last for gap year, after gap year! Needed something smaller for this adventure, so picked this up after a fitting at the shop. Seems to be good quality again and best price at the time. Love the colour too. Rain cover is illuminous green and tucks away nicely. Water bottle side pocket is a mesh and has access points from the top and side, so should make it much easier to access whilst still wearing the bag.Only criticism is the back adjustment has set slots to use, rather than the sliding, fully adjustable fit I'm used to. This is likely to make the final tiny tweaks a little harder, but seems to fit well currently.

Didn't work for me

I got this as my first pack ever, on my first 12 day backpacking trip. Obviously the quality was great, being an osprey. It just was not comfortable for me. I wasn't able to get fitted since all stores were closed (because covid). So this being an adjustable pack, I took my chances. The mesh back panel creates space between the pack and your back, which is theoretically nice for airflow, but created an odd feeling weight distribution where the weight was pulling me backwards and causing lots of friction (leaving a huge welt on my collar bone) on the front of my shoulders. When the pack is adjusted to the tallest setting, that leaves no space for the suspension straps to be in the correct 45 degree angle position. They were level to the top of the shoulder, making ... MoreI got this as my first pack ever, on my first 12 day backpacking trip. Obviously the quality was great, being an osprey. It just was not comfortable for me. I wasn't able to get fitted since all stores were closed (because covid). So this being an adjustable pack, I took my chances. The mesh back panel creates space between the pack and your back, which is theoretically nice for airflow, but created an odd feeling weight distribution where the weight was pulling me backwards and causing lots of friction (leaving a huge welt on my collar bone) on the front of my shoulders. When the pack is adjusted to the tallest setting, that leaves no space for the suspension straps to be in the correct 45 degree angle position. They were level to the top of the shoulder, making them ineffective. Maybe my torso was just too long for this particular pack (it's possible I measured myself incorrectly) but I just couldn't adjust it enough to feel right. I switched to my friends ULA Circuit pack about halfway through the trip and never looked back! I was just SO much more comfortable with the weight close to my body rather that floating behind me.For reference, I am 5'7" 150 lb. Broad shoulders and hips and large chested. Torso is 20" I believe.One more thing, it would be great if there was at least a mesh pocket on the back of the bag. There are loops to attach elastic lashing cord to...but no lashing cord.The hip belt was very comfortable, the water bottle access pretty good and the attached rain cover came in handy. Really wish this had worked for me.

Good value for money, lacks some essential features

It's a decent backpack for the price. Lack of outside straps and side access zips. Might be a problem for the trail if you're a frequent multi day hiker / backpacker, I'd recommend investing in a higher model like the Aura. That's what I'm planning to do. Also, Renn is too wide for my build. I prefer a narrower taller backpack.

Great Value for the Price

I really love this pack. It's the second one I've used as I've only been backpacking for about 2 years. It is the perfect size to accommodate all of the things I need, but it's not so large that I over-pack. I've used it on weekend trips on the PCT, a 5-day trip in the Sierras and on a 4-day Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon hike. I could fit a small Bear Cannister in the pack and my tent was on the outside of the pack for the 5-day trip. I am more of a minimalist when it comes to what I put in my pack, so some people might need a larger pack for longer hikes. Sometimes the chest strap feels too high, so I would like a lower option for that, but I am 5'4", so that might not be a problem for someone who is taller. I've used the bladder reservoir as well and it works great. I ... MoreI really love this pack. It's the second one I've used as I've only been backpacking for about 2 years. It is the perfect size to accommodate all of the things I need, but it's not so large that I over-pack. I've used it on weekend trips on the PCT, a 5-day trip in the Sierras and on a 4-day Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon hike. I could fit a small Bear Cannister in the pack and my tent was on the outside of the pack for the 5-day trip. I am more of a minimalist when it comes to what I put in my pack, so some people might need a larger pack for longer hikes. Sometimes the chest strap feels too high, so I would like a lower option for that, but I am 5'4", so that might not be a problem for someone who is taller. I've used the bladder reservoir as well and it works great. I haven't used it in the rain yet, but I don't forsee any problems. When the pack is heavier (30 lbs), I do feel soreness on my hips, but when I can keep it lighter (last trip 24 lbs) I have no soreness from using this pack. I also like that there aren't a lot of compartments so I'm only looking in a few places if I don't remember where I put something.

High quality backpack at great price

I bought the same backpack last year our eldest daughter and she loved it. I bought the same one again for our younger daughter. Despite big differences in height, the backpack is very adjustable to their size. The younger is 10 and the older is 13. The pack has all the adjustments that you need. We’ve used this pack for a one week hiking trip, and it worked extremely well. Lots of room, no malfunctions, and it looks great!

Juan de Fuca Trail tested!

Just tested this bag on a 5-day trip on the 47km Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island, BC. This bag was just the right size for my back country gear. Having recently upgraded from a 38L daypack, I was struck by the sheer comfort (and lightness) of this pack, even when carrying 35 pounds (~30% of my body weight). It's easy to shift weight down to the hips and away from the shoulders. I was concerned I might miss the stretchy front pocket that my daypack has and this one does not, but I didn't. There are enough external pockets (waist pockets x2, a good-sized upper pocket, and access hatch to a sleeping bag area with removable interior "shelf"). The two side water bottle pockets have two options for storing bottles - a "sideways" option for easy grabbing on the go, ... MoreJust tested this bag on a 5-day trip on the 47km Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island, BC. This bag was just the right size for my back country gear. Having recently upgraded from a 38L daypack, I was struck by the sheer comfort (and lightness) of this pack, even when carrying 35 pounds (~30% of my body weight). It's easy to shift weight down to the hips and away from the shoulders. I was concerned I might miss the stretchy front pocket that my daypack has and this one does not, but I didn't. There are enough external pockets (waist pockets x2, a good-sized upper pocket, and access hatch to a sleeping bag area with removable interior "shelf"). The two side water bottle pockets have two options for storing bottles - a "sideways" option for easy grabbing on the go, the other more "upright". This pack keeps it simple yet still provides ample customizability with all of the adjustable straps and frame adjustment options. Despite dragging this thing through dusty dirt, rock, tree bark, and having sap drip on it, it seems easy enough to clean and has aired out nicely post-trip. Super glad I grabbed this before my big trip and I look forward to lots more backpacking adventures!

Pack is robust and well built but cushioning could be improved

Like with most Osprey packs I've tried on, the build is solid and the materials are excellent. However, the cushioning on the hip belt is virtually none and especially towards the edges where it feels sharp that it digs into my hips. If you're particularly bony or have wide hips compared to your waist, this causes rubbing, chaffing and sore spots very easily. I usually have to place a sock between my hips and belt to make it more comfortable but I wish Osprey would add more padding all around the edges so that it fits more snug and padded comfort, especially for packs larger than 55L, you're going to be carrying 17kg+ so it'd squash any light padding down to nothing on the first go.There are a bit too many straps that I'd like to be able to remove such as the inner ... MoreLike with most Osprey packs I've tried on, the build is solid and the materials are excellent. However, the cushioning on the hip belt is virtually none and especially towards the edges where it feels sharp that it digs into my hips. If you're particularly bony or have wide hips compared to your waist, this causes rubbing, chaffing and sore spots very easily. I usually have to place a sock between my hips and belt to make it more comfortable but I wish Osprey would add more padding all around the edges so that it fits more snug and padded comfort, especially for packs larger than 55L, you're going to be carrying 17kg+ so it'd squash any light padding down to nothing on the first go.There are a bit too many straps that I'd like to be able to remove such as the inner compartment flap, and the top lid compartment is a bit tight when the pack is full. It'd be good to also have removable hip pockets as I rarely use them.Seven Horizons were great to use and delivery was excellent.

Super comfy, a bit squeaky

Life changing how much more comfortable this pack is than my 20 year old, beaten up family pack. No more shoulder pain! But downside is that the frame is super squeaky. I've messaged Osprey about it and they gave some advice but also say it can be replaced under warranty, which I will probably do