Osprey Europe - Archeon 45 Mens, Stargazer Blue

Product Information

The main compartment is uncluttered and contains just the pouch for a hydration reservoir with a hook-and-loop strip hanger. The drink tube exit is central, allowing the tube to be routed down either the left or right harness strap.

Sustainability” is an oft-spoken buzzword in the outdoor industry these days, and I’m wary of undeserving platitudes. But the Archeon 45 isn’t a poser. There is no hipbelt or sternum strap, so all the weight is borne on the shoulders and the straps can slide if you’re moving over anything like technical terrain. There are two movable foam pads on the straps to provide some comfort, but carrying a full load over any long distance without the support of a hipbelt caused some discomfort. If you’re not putting your bag up to the ultimate tests, you may not need the extra protections offered by Osprey and can focus on something more stylish.The twin side compression straps work well in their primary function, squeezing down a part-full load. I like the metal hooks here, and the elastic retainer neatly holding the spare webbing tail, but for attaching bulkier items like a foam rollmat a bit more length in the straps wouldn't have gone amiss. Other features include a sleeve for a hydration bag (Osprey's own Hydraulics Reservoir obviously fits well) and a whistle on the sternum strap. The harness straps are quite wide and have ventilated foam padding. The sternum strap’s height can be adjusted using four different daisy chain loops. This involves unhooking each side and repositioning in an alternative loop, which is less convenient than anchors that slide up and down on rails. The hipbelt is a wide webbing strap with elasticated retainer loops for excess length.

The manufacturing process follows responsible chemical management strictly audited for compliance and adheres to the Bluesign Restricted Compliance List. Additionally, Osprey updated its Factory Code of Conduct following standards set by the Ethical Trading Initiative and audits factories to enforce compliance with Worldwide Ethics Alliance guidelines. The great thing about the Archeon is that it features dual ice axe loops, which let you stow this handy piece of equipment when you’re not using it. These are at the bottom of the front panel, so you will be able to access the items inside the main compartment even when the axes are stowed. Trekking Pole Loops The lid is a floating design, enabling it to be raised a little to allow extra space to be used in the main compartment. There’s also a strap for retaining rope under the lid. It has a good sized main compartment and a floating lid that can be raised a little to allow extra gear to be accommodated if necessary. Side sleeves can often be flimsy or undersized, but the Archeon's are great, with plenty of depth to securely hold a big water bottle, and a useful combination of a stretchy top section for easier access and a nylon bottom part for toughness (think trekking pole tips and the like).The metal frame can be removed to save a little weight by unfastening a hook-and-loop strip in the main compartment and sliding the frame out. An ice axe is a must-have equipment for those nasty winter climbs, but it’s a nightmare to have to carry it around everywhere. And it can be pretty sharp, so you can’t exactly store it inside your main compartment – it will go Freddy Krueger all over your stuff.