Article by Jeff Valliere
Osprey Duro 15 ($165)
SM/MD or LG/XL
Weight: 1.66 lbs or 1.709 lbs (depending on size)
Available now
Introduction/Specs/Features
The Duro 15 (15 liters) men’s trail running pack is the largest in Osprey’s trail running line-up, with the Duro LT, 1.5L and 6L as smaller capacity options.
Additionally, there is a parallel women’s line of trail run packs called the Dyna with the same size offerings as the Duro with the difference being they have a women’s specific fit. I chose the Duro 15 due to its larger size (note that only the L/XL is 15L, where the SM/MD size is actually 13L).
The Duro 15 is more like a pack than a light and streamlined running vest, but in order to securely and stably carry 15 liters (or 915 cubic inches), the added structure is very welcome in this instance.
The Duro 15 is chock full of pockets, with 2 large flask/stuff pockets in the front on either shoulder strap.
Below the bottle pockets are 2 smaller, but adequately sized stuff pockets, perfect for organizing smaller items and on the left side, there is a very generously sized zippered pocket which I designate for my phone.
This pocket is easily large enough to accommodate even the largest phones with a case. Additionally, there is a small whistle hanging in the zippered pocket.
On the waist straps, there is a very large zippered pocket on each side, plus a smaller outer stretch stash pocket (good for stuffing wrappers and such).
On the back, there is one large zippered main compartment with bladder sleeve (and bladder hanger), Then another nearly as large zippered pocket on top of that with a smaller side pocket inside and key clip.
Finally, on top of all of that, is a voluminous stretch mesh pocket that clips/cinches at the top.
This pocket can securely stash quick access items like a shell jacket or anything else you want to quickly grab on the go.
The materials are 100% recycled and are thick and durable with a very premium and high quality feel, yet without feeling overbuilt. The pack is breathable, comfortable and quick drying.
The Duro 15 comes with a 2.5L (85oz. bladder that is easy to use and fits securely in the pack with little fuss.
The chest straps are comfortable, adjustable and have stretch to them. While they work well and are easy to operate in warm temps and without gloves, they are difficult and futzy in the cold and (for me) impossible to operate while wearing gloves.
Even at the best of times, I need to slow down or even stop to get a good look at the attachment point to secure them, as it is very difficult to do it by feel and when in motion.
This is definitely not a big deal and only a minor nitpick, pretty much the only thing on this pack I would suggest Osprey change on future versions, as it would be nice to see a “normal” clip.
Fit/Comfort/Performance:
I am 5’9.5” and 145 lbs with a 38.5” chest and my chest size rides the line between the two sizes. After some debate, I went with the larger size, mainly for the flexibility to be able to wear this pack over layers without it feeling snug and also when loading up a 15L pack as I often do, filling it to the max can make it feel snug on your body.
It is adjustable enough that it fits me very well if just wearing a tee, yet also fits very well over any amount of layers/jackets I am wearing. If you are close in size to me and are debating which size to choose, I would suggest going with the larger size for this versatility.
Comfort is top notch, even when filled to the max, the Duro 15 accommodates the weight securely and remains stable with little bounce and freedom of movement is unencumbered.
I really appreciate the numerous pockets, making it easy to have a lot of items easily accessible when on the go. The pockets are intuitive in their layout, so it is easy to keep things organized.
The large zippered phone pocket is very nice, as I always have my phone along and like knowing that it is securely zipped, yet very easily accessible for quick pictures or to grab the phone to navigate.
Conclusions/Recommendations:
The Duro 15 has earned a top spot in my rotation for my longer run/fast hike adventures. For true fast running, I’ll choose a smaller, lighter pack (in the 5-12 L range. with a more clothing like fit/design) and for legit hikes or winter outings a larger pack, but the Duro 15 perfectly fills that in between void for fast hiking/running through the mountains, ideal for those days when you need more gear, more water and more stability when carrying added weight.
Quality/durability is as good as it gets and the design, features and layout of the pockets are very well thought out and hard to beat. I would highly recommend this pack and the entire Duro/Dyna line to trail runners and adventurers alike.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state and can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his 11 year old daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is a little over 5’9” and ~145 lbs.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'
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