If you have done any scrolling or clicking through The Broke Backpacker website, you’ll probably notice that we have reviewed a lot of different Osprey backpacks. It is clear that we are fans of these backpacks because of their durability versatility and smart design. I am excited to take an in-depth look at this truly unique product – welcome to my Osprey Ozone Duplex review!
Osprey has created gender-specific backpacks with this Ozone series – including many identical features – the only major difference is color and size.
There are certain travel regulations and standards that we are required to comply with in the 21st century. These regulations have created a new breed of travel attire and accessories. Between TSA security, carry-on regulations, and other inherent travel risks (depending on where you go) it is important to have a backpack that is more than a place to store your stuff, it needs to be a reliable travel companion.
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
Among all the travel backpacks I have reviewed, this one is indeed special and offers a wide range of use for the far-reaching traveler. Ultimately, there are some features that are consistent with other Osprey backpacks. Osprey has a formula that works and they try to stick with what they know.
Having said that, I have been using Osprey backpacks for years and this is a variation that I have never seen before. Osprey has combined features from other backpacks on the market to create a one of a kind travel backpack that will suit the needs of any traveler.
For the purposes of this review: I am reviewing the women’s Osprey Ozone Duplex 60.
Check out the men’s Osprey Ozone Duplex 65.
Let’s get to it…
Quick Answer: Women’s Osprey Ozone Duplex 60 Specs
Volume >> 60 liters
Dimensions >> 20.1 x 13.8 x 9.1 Inches
Weight >> 4 lbs
Fabric >> 210 D Nylon
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Join REI Today!Osprey Ozone Duplex Review: Key Features and Performance Breakdown
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
Overall, a bag like this has a specific use. Its features allow for flexibility in how the traveler decides to use it. Unlike most Osprey backpacks, this is not designed for an extended backcountry adventure.
There are some specific features that make this a unique travel backpack. To provide some context, let me describe to you what items I pack for my travels.
- Laptop
- Cords to charge all the electronics I’m burdened with in the 21st century
- iPhone
- Wallet
- Toiletries
- “X” days worth of clothes
- Hardshell rain layer
- Puffy jacket (except in the summer season)
- Shoes
- Sandals
- Snacks
Daypack vs. Cargo Pack
For years Osprey has been making daypacks and travel bags, finally, they merged both into one. Creativity, design, and ingenuity all merged into one product. So who cares? Why does this matter?
Oftentimes, you can find both a reliable daypack and cargo duffel for hundreds of dollars each. The Osprey Ozone Duplex goes for $220 retail, total. Ultimately that’s 60-65 liters of storage, which means you can fit a lot of shit into both of those bags.
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
What’s unique about this product is the fact that you can consolidate everything into one backpack. Until you board the flight, detach the cargo bag from the day pack, now you have your personal item and a carry-on. This is critical since more airlines are now charging for carry-ons. This feature alone is like an airline hack in itself.
Now that you have a little context as to how the pack works, I’m going to break down the Osprey Ozone Duplex section by section.
Daypack Breakdown: The Laptop Compartment
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
The laptop compartment is built for the modern traveler. Overall, the padded compartment and velcro strap can accommodate a laptop, small tablet, notebook, and book with some room to spare.
Because the majority of the space is in the cargo compartment, the daypack would be ideal for only fitting essentials. The intention of this design is to leave the cargo bag in your accommodation and keep essentials with you while you’re out and about.
Keeping Osprey’s intentions in mind, this would work well for that purpose. Overall, the laptop compartment works well for just that, keeping your work essentials organized while you’re out exploring. Or simply leaving your place of stay to get some exploring in.
Laptop Compartment Score 4.6/5
Miscellaneous Compartment
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
Short, sweet, and to the point. Literally, there isn’t a ton of room in there since the pocket is not very deep. Again, let’s focus on Osprey’s intentions of this compartment while they were designing the pack.
The miscellaneous compartment is accessible with the cargo pack attached and allows you to keep your quick access items organized. The two mesh pockets inside would work well for storing charge cords and a snack. Stash some pens or pencils in there and a mesh zipper to keep loose items consolidated.
In addition to the miscellaneous compartment, there is also a “Bonus miscellaneous pocket”. There is a small hidden pocket between the shoulder straps and the laptop compartment, ideal for hiding travel essentials like your passport or plane tickets. It’s inconspicuous but easy to access with a fully loaded cargo backpack. I call this the “bonus pocket” because it’s so small I wouldn’t want to go give it its own section in this review, but it’s worth noting that its there.
Miscellaneous Compartment Score 4.8/5
Support and Comfort
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
One of the key features in all Osprey backpacks is the adjustable frame sheet. Whether you have a longer or shorter torso, you can adjust the frame sheet up to 4 inches.
Padded shoulder and hip straps work very well with a loaded backpack. Ultimately, laptops and heavier items should be stored closer to the body to accommodate for proper weight distribution.
The Osprey Ozone Duplex uses a LightWire frame to support and distribute the load on a fully loaded daypack and cargo bag. I must say, I was worried that a fully loaded backpack would feel “back heavy”, but that is not the case and overall the support of the hip and shoulder straps along with the LightWire back frame allows you to maximize space and comfort with this backpack.
Support and Comfort Score 4.8/5
Cargo Pack Breakdown: The Main Compartment
The main compartment of the Osprey Ozone Duplex is the meat of the backpack. This compartment is where you’re able to stash the majority of your content.
Inside the main compartment are two internal compression straps, which allows you to pack to the brim. The internal compression straps allow you to secure your stuff in place, so if it takes any abuse during your travels it all stays safe and secure.
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
In addition, the main compartment has a large mesh pocket. Between the compression straps and the large mesh pocket, all of your stuff will stay safe and secure. This is critical when you have a fully loaded backpack, having your load shift around makes it harder to carry. In the event that you need to grab something from inside your pack, you won’t have to explode your contents to find it.
Osprey decided to include a small “liquids pocket” located in between the back frame and the main compartment. It’s a small feature worth noting, but not large enough for it to get its own section. Have you ever wanted to brush your teeth in the midst of a long international flight? Ultimately, this allows you a have a quick-access spot to stash your toiletries so you don’t have to go digging around.
Main Compartment Score 4.6/5
Carry Support
In my opinion, carrying a bag as a duffel is far less comfortable than carrying it as a backpack. Again, just my opinion. However, the support system included with the cargo bag minimizes the discomfort associated with carrying that bag duffel style.
The strap itself it just a sling with no padding. In addition to the sling is a padded handle. Overall, what makes the carrying easy for the cargo bag is the external compression straps. The straps allow you to compress the contents of your cargo bag so it isn’t flopping all over the place.
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
The convenience of carrying the daypack with the cargo bag slung over your shoulder is what Osprey was striving for. Again, to me, duffels aren’t that practical. But what is practical is the overall design of the Osprey Ozone Duplex and how the daypack and cargo duffel can be used together or carried separately.
Carry Support Score 4.5/5
- Highly functional
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Women’s colors that aren’t pink or purple
- Smart design
- Compact even when fully loaded
- Straps can be cumbersome to adjust
- Cargo compartment can be tough to access when combined with daypack
- Duffel straps aren’t that comfortable
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Buy on REI!Osprey Ozone Duplex vs. the Competition
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
There are literally tons of travel backpacks out there, so many I can see how folks may get overwhelmed as they research the best travel product for themselves. The first and most important thing I ask everyone to consider, is how do you plan on using your travel bag? What are your specific needs? What is your price range? Answering these questions will help you better come to conclusions.
An option for the travelers out there looking for something a little smaller the Tortuga Travel Pack would offer a great option for you. The maximum size capacity for this backpack is 40 liters, which is definitely smaller than the Osprey Ozone Duplex backpack; however, what lacks in size is made up of high-quality design and functionality.
Another great option for adventurous travelers out there is the Black Mile, Mile One travel bag. This 55-liter duffel bag/backpack is made of Dyneema, a super strong and ultralight material. Black Mile takes pride in its minimalist design philosophy. If you’re looking for a product with less “moving parts” and something simpler, then the Mile One Travel bag would make a great option for you.
If you scroll through a reputable website like REI, you’re going to find some products with unique resemblances to the Osprey Ozone Duplex backpack. Osprey makes another backpack just like it called the Fairview. However, Gregory also makes the Deva travel back with a removable daypack. Sound familiar? The only difference is that it is slightly bigger 70 liters; however, it sits right around the same price as the Ozone Duplex.
Osprey Ozone Duplex 60
- Liter Capacity > 60 L
- Weight > 4 lbs
- Rain cover included > No
- Price > $220
Osprey Ozone Duplex 65
- Liter Capacity > 65 L
- Weight > 4.1 lbs
- Rain cover included > No
- Price > $220
Osprey Farpoint 70
- Liter Capacity > 70 L
- Weight > 3.92 lbs
- Rain cover included > No
- Price > $200
Osprey Fairview 70 Pack
- Liter Capacity > 70 L
- Weight > 4.5 lbs
- Rain cover included > Yes
- Price > $230
Tortuga Setout Backpack
- Liter Capacity > 45 L
- Weight > 3.9 lbs
- Rain cover included > No
- Price > $199
REI Co-op Ruckpack 60+
- Liter Capacity > 80 L
- Weight > 4 lbs
- Rain cover included > Yes
- Price > $199
Gregory Deva 70 Travel Pack
- Liter Capacity > 70 L
- Weight > 4 lbs. 11.5 oz.
- Rain cover included > Yes
- Price > $247.73
Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack
- Liter Capacity > 75 L
- Weight > 4 lbs. 15.3 oz.
- Rain cover included > Yes
- Price > $247.73
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Osprey Ozone Duplex Final Thoughts
Among all the travel bags out there, it is clear that the Osprey Ozone Duplex is trying to create something unique. There are some other packs that exist in the market that have a removable daypack, but none are of this style or quality.
Although I believe that the Osprey Ozone Duplex is a high-quality travel backpack, there are definitely some “cons” to the pack itself. Personally, I am not a huge fan of duffels, they certainly have their purpose and functional use but if I had to choose between the two I would go with a backpack every time. When fully loaded, the shoulder and hip straps can be a bit cumbersome to adjust.
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
Having said that, there are certainly a lot of good qualities about the Osprey Ozone Duplex. First, it has a simplistic and minimalistic design. I like that the daypack didn’t have a lot of added features in its internal compartments. When it is fully packed, the load stays close to the body which makes it easy to carry. Also, for a 60-liter pack I can sure cram a lot of shit in there and not have to think twice about it.
Overall, the Osprey Ozone Duplex travel backpack is by no means perfect. Which is okay. I feel strongly about Osprey’s high-quality design, implementation, and durability. Ultimately, that is why I continue to use and abuse their packs over all my years of travel and backcountry adventures.
For the versatile traveler that is known to beat up their gear through the normal wear and tear of everyday life. I definitely recommend the Osprey Ozone Duplex for you.
Now what you’ve been waiting for – our overall score for this epic backpack. We’re rating the Osprey Ozone Duplex 60 with a deserved 4.7/5 score!
Photo: Tres Barbatelli
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
