Osprey Renn 65 Extended Fit

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.

Comfy and spacious but hard to organize

I've used this backpack on several multi-night treks in various conditions and am generally happy with it. I'm 5'6" 150 lbs and find it comfy with up to 35 lbs which meets my needs for multi-night trip sharing gear with others. It's super durable and roomy and water bladders fit great in the bottom zippered area.HOWEVER! I find it really annoying that it doesn't have a few more pockets / organizers. It has a zip pocket on the top, and as others have noticed all your stuff will fall out if the zip is open and the pack is upright. I really wish it had a few more easy-access pockets for essentials I want during the day without having to unpack the whole thing.It also doesn't stand up when full, just has to lie on its front, which is fine but also kind of ... MoreI've used this backpack on several multi-night treks in various conditions and am generally happy with it. I'm 5'6" 150 lbs and find it comfy with up to 35 lbs which meets my needs for multi-night trip sharing gear with others. It's super durable and roomy and water bladders fit great in the bottom zippered area.HOWEVER! I find it really annoying that it doesn't have a few more pockets / organizers. It has a zip pocket on the top, and as others have noticed all your stuff will fall out if the zip is open and the pack is upright. I really wish it had a few more easy-access pockets for essentials I want during the day without having to unpack the whole thing.It also doesn't stand up when full, just has to lie on its front, which is fine but also kind of annoying.All in all generally happy with it but when it's worn out would probably buy something else.

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.

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!

MAJOR FLAWS for a comfortable pack

PRO: Overall carries weight comfortably for a 3+ pound bag.Is wider rather than taller, which is good for short people who like to wear hats.CONS: No back stretchy panel - this is a huge oversight.Brain is not removable - another big oversight - and also designed pretty annoyingly. Zipper is hard to access. With no back panel and an annoying brain, the day-to-day on the trail is difficult. I have had to SEW a stretchy panel to the back - it’s ugly and weak, but better than nothing.Very torn about whether to keep it.

Ouch! Not for me.

I was excited for this pack, but after using it for a weekend backpacking trip, I am returning it. The shoulder straps are very painful, bruised my clavicles, and made it difficult for me to take heavier breaths as I was hiking. The waist belt bruised my hips. And the hard bottom of the frame also dug into the back of my hips. Overall, the pack was extremely uncomfortable for me. My boyfriend traded packs with me on the hike back out and he agreed that it was very uncomfortable. The top storage compartment is not very convenient either. Some of my items kept falling out when I would stop to open the pack and get something out/put something back in. Could definitely use some more pockets, even though they had small ones on the waist/belt straps. The mesh on the back ... MoreI was excited for this pack, but after using it for a weekend backpacking trip, I am returning it. The shoulder straps are very painful, bruised my clavicles, and made it difficult for me to take heavier breaths as I was hiking. The waist belt bruised my hips. And the hard bottom of the frame also dug into the back of my hips. Overall, the pack was extremely uncomfortable for me. My boyfriend traded packs with me on the hike back out and he agreed that it was very uncomfortable. The top storage compartment is not very convenient either. Some of my items kept falling out when I would stop to open the pack and get something out/put something back in. Could definitely use some more pockets, even though they had small ones on the waist/belt straps. The mesh on the back for breathability is so-so. While I could tell that there was a little more air flow, I was still very sweaty as my shirt was still sticking to me between my skin and the mesh. Overall, I'm disappointed that this pack didn't work out, especially since I've heard such great things about Osprey products. But I'm grateful that I took it on a shorter trip to test it out first. If you decide to purchase this pack, I recommend first trying it on a shorter outing to make sure it works for you.

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.

Renn 65 vs. Ariel 65

I have an osprey ariel 65 and was looking to downsize to the renn and save about a pound. Renn was nice, and I was willing to cut back on all the bells and whistles that the Ariel affords. But when I loaded the Renn up with 30-35 lbs., it quickly became evident that the Renn wasn’t going to cut it. This pack tops out around that weight and it showed. Pack didn’t ride comfortably with that weight, shoulder straps pulled down and the hip belt, though situated well on my hips tranfserred pressure to the tops of my pelvis. I think if you are really traveling light, under 30 pounds this pack could work well. I will keep my Ariel 65 for my bigger treks with heavier loads. The Ariel 65 is highly adjustable, supremely comfortable and will carry the heaviest loads. I believe ... MoreI have an osprey ariel 65 and was looking to downsize to the renn and save about a pound. Renn was nice, and I was willing to cut back on all the bells and whistles that the Ariel affords. But when I loaded the Renn up with 30-35 lbs., it quickly became evident that the Renn wasn’t going to cut it. This pack tops out around that weight and it showed. Pack didn’t ride comfortably with that weight, shoulder straps pulled down and the hip belt, though situated well on my hips tranfserred pressure to the tops of my pelvis. I think if you are really traveling light, under 30 pounds this pack could work well. I will keep my Ariel 65 for my bigger treks with heavier loads. The Ariel 65 is highly adjustable, supremely comfortable and will carry the heaviest loads. I believe the Renan’s sweet spot is around 25 lbs. of gear. Anything more I would go with the beefier and better structured Ariel 65