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The Soelden range of backpacks are Osprey’s top of the line skiing/ski mountaineering packs. They encompass a 22l, 32l and 42l capacity as well as a 32l Pro version that incorporates an Alpride E2 Airbag System. Women’s fit version the Sopris come in at 20l, 30l and 40l with an Alpride E2 Airbag System equipped 32l Pro version.
This review is looking at the Soelden 32 from a slightly unusual angle as I was using it as a combined backcountry Nordic skiing pack and travel pack. With this in mind there are some aspects of the Soelden that I can’t really comment on. A trip to Norway relying on public transport and planning on using the amazing DNT hut network meant that luggage had to be kept to a minimum and there could be no redundancy. The Soelden 32 luckily would fit in the airlines’ (SAS + Norwegian Air) carry on allowance and together with a very minimalist ski bag meant no excess baggage and easy left luggage storage. Result! Shortly after my test period Osprey released an updated Soelden lineup which I’ll refer to where things have changed but in brief updated ski-compression strap buckles, updated fabric and bigger ski slots.
The Soelden 32 has all the expected features for a ski touring pack. The main pack is accessed by a U zipped back panel which gives you excellent access the contents easily with the pack layer on the ground without getting snow on the back panel or harness. This makes it easy to ferret around for that all important piece of kit or moral boosting chocolate bar as well as making the Soelden 32 a cinch to pack for travelling – almost suitcase like. Alongside the main compartment there is a decently sized external top pocket that will easily accommodate goggles, spare gloves, snacks etc. Within the main compartment there is another ‘top’ pocket complete with key clip which is ideal for those valuables that you’re unlikely to need during the day; car keys, wallet, earbuds and the like. Two additional side drop in pockets within the main compartment are aimed at radio and flask – for me these became flask and lunch pockets 😉 There is the Osprey ‘Hydroclip’ to allow you to hang a drinks reservoir along the back panel but no dedicated H2O port so you’ll need to feed the hose out through a gap in the U zipper. Additionally the Hydroclip is rigged to the main body of the pack so when you open it the reservoir lies over your kit, presumably this is a reasonable compromise to allow the convenience of the opening back panel. On the front panel of the pack is the avalanche tool pocket for your shovel and probe. As already mentioned I was using the pack for Nordic touring and avalanches were not really a consideration in the terrain I was skiing – I did have a shovel I case I opted for one of the DNT huts that were not provisioned or staffed and so might be less frequented/buried. The pocket works well using an J shapped zip with one of the compression straps giving additional security at the top. Talking of the compression straps there are two upper fastex opening straps with two lower ‘ski-slots’ that can be adjusted by ladder lock buckles. These ski slots have been enlarged for the 23/24 season to accommodate even wider planks. The upper buckles are an augmented fastex style to prevent slippage which worked fine with my admittedly very light skinny skis however the new Soelden line has an even better buckle design which certainly feels easier to operate with more of a simple additional cam on the buckle. A minor detail perhaps but it shows Osprey’s dedication to refining and improving even the minor details of their products – there was no problem with the original buckle in my usage, it was just a little stiff/awkward at times but it is easy to imagine many companies would have just persisted with the design.
Besides the side compression straps there are a pair of secret front panel straps tucked away to allow a snow board to be carried or provide a diagonal ski carry if the ski slot A frame carry is not to your liking. On the Soelden 42 there are twin ice axe loops neatly tucked away that will allow traditional axe and hammers to be carried easily. On the 32 you use the sleeve that the front lower compression strap is tucked into – this works reasonably well but with both you’ll probably want to rig a bungie to secure the axe shaft if you’re using a short, 45cm or less, tool. Finally there is a single hip belt pocket on the left that I used to hold a couple of waxes, cork block and compass. On the right there is a gear loop for your essential glacier travel screws, slings, pully, Microtraxion etc.
Osprey are renowned for the carrying comfort of their packs and the Soelden maintains this tradition. The harness is fairly simple but beautifully executed. An eva back panel with a single aluminium stay and lightwire frame manages the load transfer and support. Comfortably contoured but unrestrictive shoulder straps that include load lifters to snug the pack in close for stability together with a shaped hip belt keep the load close. Together this adds up to a comfortable and stable carry even with a pretty much full pack – just what you need irrespective of your ability, or lack thereof in my case!
The pack itself is constructed from bluesign® approved high tenacity nylon and DWR treatments made without PFAS inline with Osprey’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and minimising environmental impacts.
Overall the Soelden 32 performed admirably and it was difficult to find fault. The a couple of minor niggles I found have been addressed for the 23/24 season apart from the reservoir carry arrangement. As a climber and trail runner weight is always a consideration and perhaps I need to re calibrate for skiing. The 22/23 season Soelden weighs in at 1.2kg for its 32 litres which gains you an incredibly comfortable and robust pack and to be fair it is the same as a similar packs from Rab and lighter than the equivalent Ortovox model! Incidentally the Soelden 42 comes in at 1.5kg for the AW 23/24 model and bear in mind these are actual weights on my Salter scales not ‘quoted’ weights on a website… Osprey are moving to ever more eco friendly fabrics which together with their robust build quality, their Almighty Guarantee and repair service make them a safe ethical and economic purchase for the long term.
Pros
- Excellent stable carry
- Fits in many airline carry-on allowances
- Versatile ski carry; diagonal/A frame and even splitboard/snowboard
- Eco friendly fabric + Osprey’s ‘Almighty Guarantee’
Cons
- Reservoir arrangement
SRP 32l £170 (42l £190)
Disclaimer – CGR reviewers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising. We are a bunch of keen climbers and outdoor enthusiasts that accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item. The reviewer will often keep the sample after reviewing it for both hygiene reasons and more often they’re in no fit state to return!
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