Gear Review: Osprey Lumina 60L

Osprey Lumina 60

Basic Specs

  • Volume: 54/57/60L (Women’s XS/S/M)
  • Weight: 1.799/1.874/1.949lbs (Women’s XS/S/M)
  • Weight Capacity: 10-30lbs
  • MSRP: $270
  • Also available in a 45L volume, and the men’s Osprey Levity

Circumstances of review

I tested this bag on a variety of training hikes in wooded areas along the coast of Maine, during the month of March. I was testing the bag, to determine if I wanted to take it with me on my upcoming CDT thru-hike attempt. I carried about 25lbs of gear to approximate the average maximum weight I expect to carry on the CDT (base weight=10.75lbs, plus four days worth of food, and 4L of water). Despite snow covering the ground, the weather was mostly dry, in the high 30s.

Pros

I am familiar with Osprey’s line of bags. I hiked the PCT in 2016 with their Ariel 65, and that was the right bag for me for that hike. I’ve paired down my gear since then, and when I had hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2017 I started out hiking with an ultralight bag from one brand, before ultimately switching in Virginia to a different brand’s ultralight bag. While I enjoyed the bag I summited Katahdin with, I was interested to try Osprey’s most ultralight offering since their Exo/Eja series. 

The Lumina kept that Osprey character that I previously enjoyed, with a comfortable suspension. I particularly appreciated the breathable mesh back panel with side ventilation. Even packed at close-to-weight-capacity, the bag stayed away from my back and sat comfortably. In hot conditions, I would especially appreciate this feature to save myself from a sweaty back. 

The side pockets are generous, and easily fit 2L of water on each side, plus my phone and umbrella. The pockets can be loaded from the top, or the side, making for easy access to whatever is stored inside. And as far as storage goes, I welcomed the presence of the brain on the pack. This is one of the features I occasionally miss on other ultralight bags, but often times find brains on traditional bags to be too bulky. The Lumina succeeds in having a brain that is just the right size to fit easy access items, like TP, headlamp, and a generous amount of snacks. Combined with the front pocket that easily stores raingear or other items you like to have access to throughout the day, you can easily pack this bag up in the morning, and not open the main compartment until you get to camp in the evening.

Cons

Despite this being an ultralight bag, it doesn’t have the feel of an ultralight bag. My other ultralight bag is of similar capacity and weight, yet when I tilt my head back I don’t hit it. With this Osprey pack, no matter how I packed it, I could still feel the top of the bag at the base of my head.

While the side pocket and front-loading pockets are great for storing items you may use throughout the day, there are no hip belt pockets. If you prefer stashing your phone and snacks in a hip belt, this bag is not for you. I have become used to this feature and kept reaching for my hip belt to find my beloved pouches were missing. I thought I would acclimatize to the change because the brain on the Lumina is easy to access, but a brain is still not nearly as convenient as wide hip belt pocket. If you are a hiker who doesn’t utilize hip belt pockets, this will not be an issue.

The main and bottom parts of the bag are made out of NanoFly 100D Cordura nylon and 100DUHMWPE Ripstop fabrics, while the accents are made of 30D Cordura Silnylon Ripstop fabric. Neither of these fabrics is waterproof, and feel flimsier than popular ultralight bag materials used in other brands, such as Dyneema Fiber and Robic nylon.

Overall / Value

It is a rare outdoor product that is the right choice for everyone, and this bag is no exception. There are other high-quality ultralight bags of similar weight and volume capacity that sell for less than the Osprey Lumina. Osprey itself makes the Eja 58, which retails for $50 less, and comfortably carries 10 more lbs; all benefits to consider, as it is still a lightweight bag weighing in at 2.6lbs (12 ounces more than the Lumina).

The bag is priced in the middle between the lower and higher priced ultralight bags. Depending on what type of style you’re looking for, volume, and weight capacity, the Osprey Lumina may be the right bag for you; especially if you’ve used Osprey bags in the past and enjoyed the experience.

Shop the Lumina 60 Here

 

Disclosure: this product was donated for the purpose of this review.

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

What Do You Think?