When I needed a new pack for short tours and sidecountry exploits I turned to Osprey. The Osprey Kamber 22 Backpack packs a lot of features in a low profile design that was exactly what I was looking for to use on quick backcountry sessions.
Osprey Kamber 22 Features:
- Made from a combination of 420D nylon packcloth and nylon mini check dobby
- Available in small/medium 20L or medium/large 22L (tested)
- Hydration compatible with insulated hose sleeve
- Front panel access
- Pockets galore with dedicated tool sleeves
- Diagonal ski carry
- Horizontal or vertical snowboard carry
- Stowable helmet carry
- Ice axe loops
- Recommended for hauling up to 25 lbs
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 8in
- Weight: [small/medium] 2lb 10.4oz, 2lb 12.6oz
- MSRP: $150
Kamber 22 is feature-packed
The Osprey Kamber 22 Backpack is the mid-size pack in the Kamber line up, coming in at 1,343 cu in for the medium/large model. This gives you enough capacity for short tours while staying low profile for when you are riding the resort. The pack isn’t too bulky when riding chairs or swinging it onto your lap.
The features that were most important to me were a low profile design, easy tool access, helmet carry, and a comfortable fit. The Kamber 22 ticked all of the boxes for me, and then some.
Rescue tool access is quick and easy with front panel access. Osprey included three zippers, which is awesome because if you are in that moment then no matter which side of the pocket you look at, you’ll have a zipper to pull to open the panel. One of the zippers is also colored red to stand out even more.
Inside you’ll find two sleeve pockets for your probe and shovel handle with the main compartment for your shovel blade. The sleeves are open at the bottom giving you more leeway with the length of probe and handle, allowing full use of the pocket depth. My T-handle shovel fit in there just fine, but a longer D-handle may not.
Wearing a helmet is must for me. I’ve rung my bell too many times to want to take chances skiing without one. I overheat easily and have developed the skill to sweat profusely. Skinning in a helmet doesn’t work for me. The Kamber solves this problem with a dedicated helmet sling. You have two options, top carry for front carry to accommodate is you are strapping your sticks or board to the pack. I couldn’t ever get the top carry to work for me, the straps weren’t quite long enough with the pack loaded. I have a big head and wear an L/XL helmet, this could be a factor.
As it was, the front helmet carry worked like a charm. The sling is big enough to carry your lid securely without worry about it slipping out on the ascent — no matter how much bushwhacking may be involved.
My pro tip on getting the helmet attached is to connect one of the helmet sling straps first, slide your helmet in, then connect the second strap! This will save you the frustration of the helmet sliding around. When not in use, the helmet sling stows securely in a velcro pocket for quick stow and go.
Outside of the safety compartment you’ll get one large main compartment, with hydration sleeve. It was roomy enough for me to fit skins, the 10 essentials, puffy, gloves, small thermos and water bottle with some room to spare. If you use a hydration bladder when touring, I recommend not going larger than 2L or else you’ll lose a lot of volume.
The Kamber 22 packs in 5 additional pockets. You’ll find a zippered, mesh pocket in the avy tool storage pocket and one in the main compartment. The hip belt fits two zippered pockets, perfect for snacks, your phone (if it’s not plus-sized), or whatever else you want. I was able to fit a small Gorillapod and cell adapter in these. Then you’ll also find a fleece lined goggle pocket, which served as double-duty to keep my goggles protected on the ascent and my sunglasses/beanie on the descent.
As expected, Osprey nailed the contoured shoulder straps and back panel on this one. And, all adjustments were easily-reached and used with or without gloves.
The Good
- Perfect size for short tours or sidecountry excursions
- Solid feature set: quick access for rescue gear, plenty of carry options, lots of pockets
- Classic Osprey comfort on display
- Goggle pocket came in handy
- Affordable price tag
- Large top handle
The Bad
- Never got top helmet carry to work with my helmet
- Longer shovel handles might not fit, be sure to measure
- Hydration bladder can take up valuable space
The Bottom Line: Osprey Kamber 22
The Osprey Kamber 22 is great pack for sidecountry and short tours with plenty of features to support your backcountry touring needs. It’s comfortable and capable enough for everything I threw at it.
Buy now: Available at Backcountry.com
