Review: Osprey Duro 6l running pack

First seen on FionaOutdoors

If your gift for orientation frequently extends your short runs into survival expeditions, you may be in the market for a hydration vest. With plenty of cargo capacity, a great hydration system, and comfortable fit, Osprey vests have been providing peace of mind for runners who like to get lost in mountains. The Duro 6L is a solid part of their trail running product line.

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Features

  •       Weight: 0.31 kg
  • Soft, breathable mesh for back and straps
  • Front zippered pocket (behind left flask pocket)
  • Multiple zip pockets (one designated for optional internal hydration sleeve)
  • Multiple PowerMesh™ pockets
  • Pack-vest style fit with dual adjustable/removable sternum straps (not traditional clips)
  • Reflective graphics
  • Soft Flask stabilising pouch
  • Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment
  • Stretch mesh side pockets
  • Twin Hydraulics™ 500ml Soft Flasks with extension hose and bite valve
  •       Compatible with Hydraulics™ LT Reservoir
  •       Retain price: £90

Pros: What’s good about the Osprey Duro 6L?

Pack Design:

The Duro 6L has plenty of pockets. There is a zippered compartment for the integrated hydration reservoir, followed by a zippered key pocket with divided mesh organization, and then a large zippered compartment for extra layers, snacks, or emergency kit. Everything is then held tight by a mesh outer pocket with buckles, ideal for keeping a wind shell or any soggy clothes in the open air so as to facilitate drying. 

On the shoulder straps there are dual flask pockets each with an additional stuff pocket, and a zippered phone pocket beneath the left flask (which fits the iPhone 6s plus). 

Hydration:

The Hydraulics™ hydration system by Osprey gives you the option of a reservoir, flasks, or both reservoir and flask. I would probably only ever use both at the same time if I were to be heading to the mountains for an all day run with no water access, and felt up to carrying that much water weight.

The soft flasks with bite valves are nice because you don’t have to juggle bottles or pull anything out while running. They offer plenty of liquid with limited pressure, so you don’t have to really clamp down hard.

While this product does not come with the Hydraulics™ reservoir, you can add it in and the quick release system works well. This allows you to pull out, fill, clean, etc. the bladder without messing with the hose. It then has a magnetic clip for the hydration hose on on the chest strap to facilitate easy access and fastening while on the run.

Fit and Ride:

The pack is relatively light (.31 grams, depending on what size you opt for), and rides very well. The clips across the chest are easy to adjust on the move and adapt well to varying weights and sizes during the run. The mesh fabric on the shoulder straps and fabric touching your back helps increase airflow, making the warmer days a little more bearable.

Bits and pieces:

As is with the other elements of this pack, the zippers are good quality. They include plastic loops for easy gripping even with cold fingers or gloves.

There are a couple elastic bands on the shoulders for various uses, and function for running pole fasteners.

Here is a short video of what you can fit in the Duro 6L:

Cons: What’s not so good about the Osprey Duro 6L?

A few ways the pack could improve:

The mouths on the hydration flasks are small, making it difficult to add any powders to your flasks, especially while moving.

With all the options for pockets, there is not a dedicated watertight pocket or sleeve. 

The pole integration is not easily accessible.

While the profile of the pack is relatively small, on really hot days it can still be excessive. If there were a way to trim that down some it would really benefit those who struggle with the heat.

Conclusion

Over all, I was pleased with this pack and would recommend it for someone:

  • looking for a comfortable and versatile hydration vest
  • who will be running races or hiking for multiple hours at a time
  • wanting an adjustable pack made of quality materials

Who should look elsewhere?

  • someone who is looking for something to merely hold their phone and a water bottle 
  • someone needing the next size up for multi-day excursions

I enjoyed testing this pack and plan to use it regularly for training and running in the mountains.

Score
Design 8.5/10
Features 8/10
Performance 8/10
Value 8.5/10
Total 8.5/10

Other packs you may want to consider:

If you want the larger Osprey Duro 15L pack

If you want a larger Dynafit 15L pack

All images except where stated Seth Grotzke.