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Osprey Renn 65 Review

Get back to basics with this comfortable and affordable pack that can handle heavy loads with grace while providing adequate ventilation
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Osprey Renn 65 Review (The Renn is a comfortable and affordable pack, making it one of our top choices for female backpackers who want a...)
The Renn is a comfortable and affordable pack, making it one of our top choices for female backpackers who want a solid pack without breaking the bank.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Price:  $190 List
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Manufacturer:   Osprey
By Ally Arcuri, Meg Atteberry  ⋅  Apr 30, 2024
83
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 14
  • Comfort - 40% 9.5
  • Ease of Use - 25% 7.0
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio - 20% 8.5
  • Adjustability - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Osprey Renn 65 features a trampoline back panel that is likely more universally comfortable than many backpacks that have huge lumbar pads. With a banging suspension system and a straightforward approach to backcountry outings, this pack is our no-brainer recommendation for many people. By taking a simple approach in constructing this pack, Osprey created a versatile and comfortable backpack that is suitable for quick overnights or multiday slogs. Though a few features lack the tech that we've seen on other packs, for the price and weight-to-volume ratio, the Renn is one of our easy-to-recommend picks. If you want a user-friendly, affordable backpack to accompany you in the wilderness, this is our pick for you. Get the scoop on how it stands up to the competition in our review of the best women's backpacking backpack.
REASONS TO BUY
Ultra comfortable and well-ventilated
Spacious and fits a bear can horizontally
Affordable
Durable
Low center of gravity
REASONS TO AVOID
Set torso adjustment points
No back stash pocket
Brain is difficult to access
Rugged textiles lack flexibility
Editor's Note: This article was updated on April 30, 2024, to reflect the changes made to the Renn 65, and new testing and comparisons to our current lineup.

Compare to Similar Products

 
osprey renn 65
This Product
Osprey Renn 65
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Backpacking Backpack for Women
Top Pick Award
Most Versatile Women's Backpacking Pack
 Top Pick Award
Best Organizational Systems
Price $189.60 at Amazon
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$259.95 at Backcountry
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$199 List
$138.93 at REI
$179.97 at Amazon$246.50 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A comfortable, roomy, durable pack that is friendly on your wallet and your body while you hikeThis women's pack is comfortable and well-designed, including near-effortless adjustment options, a trampoline mesh back panel, and a removable brainFrom ultralight overnights to meandering multiday excursions, this lightweight and affordable pack can be adjusted to adapt to different types of demands - all in an extremely straightforward wayFull of neat features, cavernous pockets, and a well-padded back panel segmented by an airy, mesh chimney making it great for warm hikes in the backcountryA well-cushioned, but somewhat heavy pack that is chock full of useful pockets - all of which are intelligently placed for optimal organization
Rating Categories Osprey Renn 65 Osprey Eja 58 REI Co-op Flash 55... Big Agnes Garnet 60... Deuter Aircontact C...
Comfort (40%)
9.5
9.5
6.5
7.5
7.5
Ease of Use (25%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.5
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%)
8.5
8.5
8.5
6.0
5.0
Adjustability (15%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.5
7.5
Specs Osprey Renn 65 Osprey Eja 58 REI Co-op Flash 55... Big Agnes Garnet 60... Deuter Aircontact C...
Advertised Volume 65 L 55 - 58 L 55 L 60 L 60 + 10 L
Measured Weight 3.6 lb 2.7 lb 2.7 lb 3.8 lb 4.9 lb
Overall Weight-to-Volume Ratio 0.89 oz/L 0.79 oz/L 0.79 oz/L 1.01 oz/L 1.12 oz/L
Volumes Available 50, 65 L 38, 48, 58 L 55 L 60+7 L 45+10, 60+10 L
Sizes Available One size, extended fit one size; adjustable torso XS/S, M/L, adjustable torso XS, S, M, adjustable torso One size, adjustable torso One size, adjustable torso
Organization Compartments Lid, side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment Lid, mesh side pockets, front stretch pocket, dual zippered pockets on hip belt, main compartment Lid, double side pockets, front pocket, hip belt pockets, shoulder strap phone pocket, main compartment Lid, hydration bladder pocket, 2 stretch mesh side pockets, a front quick-stash pocket and a front zip pocket with key keeper Lid, mesh side pockets, front stretch pocket, zippered top pocket, inner stretch compartment, bottom compartment with zippered divider, internal valuables pocket, dual zippered pockets on hipbelt
Measured Volume (main compartment) 40 L 45 L 45 L 50 L 50 L
Access Top, bottom Top Top Top Top, panel
Women's Specific Features Women's specific fit Women's specific fit Women's specific fit Women's specific fit Women's specific fit
Hydration Compatible Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rain Cover Included Yes No No No No
Sleeping Bag Compartment Yes No No No Yes
Bear Can Compatible Yes - Vertical and Horizontal Yes - verical and horizontal Yes - Vertical Yes - Vertical and Horizontal Yes - Vertical and Horizontal
Main Materials 600D polyester 100D high-tenacity recycled ripstop nylon 100D robic ripstop nylon; bluesign approved Recycled high-tenacity Mipan regen robic nylon 235D recycled polyamide

Our Analysis and Test Results

For a budget-friendly backpack, the Renn 65 will appease veteran and novice backpackers alike. Its awesome weight-to-volume ratio and exceptionally comfortable back panel make for a women's backpack that we recommend to anyone looking to take an uncomplicated approach to backcountry life. Recent updates to the Renn have made it even more user-friendly and versatile at a competitive price.

Performance Comparison


osprey renn 65 - the updates to the renn have made it an even more functional and...
The updates to the Renn have made it an even more functional and versatile backpacking backpack.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Comfort


The exceptional comfort and rugged suspension system of the Renn are noticeable from the moment you strap this pack onto your body.


The adjustable Airspeed Suspension system allows torso adjustments while maintaining the full mesh back for plenty of air movement. Unlike most packs, laden with pillowy pads and rigid cushioning down the back panel, the Renn only offers taut mesh. The airy mesh sits flush against your back as you hike, but your gear sits slightly away from your body. Osprey has redesigned the shoulder girdle, stripping back some of its bulk, allowing for an even more comfortable shoulder feel.

The updated adjustment system of the Renn makes it easy to adjust on the fly.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

This is where the suspension system shines bright. Typically, packs that force the load close to your body prevail, but the lateral load-hauling architecture of the Renn allows the trampoline back panel to function well beneath heavy loads. The wider main compartment acts with the suspension system to distribute weight across your hips. The result is a suspension system that keeps the sweat at bay while making loads feel light and airy. The Renn's suspension system outperforms some of the pricier packs we tested and feels well-balanced beneath light, medium, and heavy loads.

osprey renn 65 - the osprey renn, pictured on the right, has an impeccable suspension...
The Osprey Renn, pictured on the right, has an impeccable suspension system that combines with its back panel to create a natural bounce and rhythm while hiking.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

This pack truly shines in its ability to distribute weight laterally instead of vertically. That makes the Renn extra suitable for smaller framed people since the pack's height doesn't tower over you when fully loaded. It feels like your pack weight is hugging you instead of pulling you backward. The lower center of gravity aligns with how most women naturally carry weight, adding stability on uneven trails.

osprey renn 65 - the width of the renn helps distribute weight across the hips...
The width of the Renn helps distribute weight across the hips, making this a suitable pack for shorter-statured people who don't like their bags towering above their heads.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

The shoulder straps offer ample padding and don't squeeze together, making it an excellent option for women with broader shoulders or bigger busts. The hip belt is a simple design, just dense foam padding covered in a softer mesh material that we found extremely forgiving for different hip sizes and angles. The padding doesn't extend to provide cushion for wider hips, but the webbing can accommodate curvier bodies. With recent updates, the hip pads have become thicker, wider, and longer, allowing the hip belt to accommodate a wider variety of body shapes with ease. The lateral weight-holding design means that the load rests heavier on the sides and backs of the hips. Since it doesn't pull back at all, the webbing didn't pinch in or put too much pressure on the lower abdomens of our curvy testers. Both beginners and seasoned female backpackers will benefit from having the weight distributed low around your body instead of just stacking weight up your spine.

osprey renn 65 - the improved width of the hip belt pads help create a slightly more...
The improved width of the hip belt pads help create a slightly more size-inclusive pack.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Ease of Use


The updated Renn boasts a few new bells and whistles, figuratively speaking. The addition of external straps and loops adds versatility to the exterior of the Renn without overcomplicating it. Osprey kept the slanted water bottle holsters and the dual-entry main compartment. The result is a streamlined pack that provides the basics and is easy to use while in the backcountry.


The main body of the Renn has an optional flap to create a sleeping bag compartment at the base. It also has two sets of vertical clips on the exterior, so you can attach a tent, closed-cell sleeping pad, or whatever you want on the outside. Aside from these straps, the Renn doesn't offer much external storage beyond the standard. The lack of external storage means that we found ourselves opening the lid and drawstring to get into the main compartment throughout the day. The pack's large, blank front panel led our testers to wonder why Osprey left such a blank canvas that could have been a large, stretchy pocket for our extra layers. Ultimately, the simplicity of the design won us over as we dialed in organizational systems to suit this blank slate of a backpack.

osprey renn 65 - the added loops are helpful, but the renn is lacking the exterior...
The added loops are helpful, but the Renn is lacking the exterior mesh pocket that most backpacks have.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

The lid on the Renn isn't removable, but the straps extend enough to allow you to move it out of the way when you need to access the main compartment. The vertical straps that attach the lid also act as an external compression system, helping to secure your load for optimal weight distribution. The brain isn't super flexible, and its opening is a bit stiff, making it difficult to over-extend this compartment to fit extra gear. The zipper is long, though, spanning the full length of this compartment, which aids in accessibility. The Renn's hydration reservoir sleeve is wide and deep enough to fit the largest of bladders, and the large, dual side pockets allow you to carry anything from 40-ounce water bottles to extra food or even a tent. The mesh pockets both have vertical slits and horizontal ones, allowing you to grab your water bottle without removing the backpack. The wide hip belt features two deep pockets for stashing various small items. While the pockets are deep, they are a little too short to fit most smartphones, though an iPhone mini fits with room to spare. The oval shape is restrictive, and the textile lacks stretch, so large phones are hard to wedge in.

osprey renn 65 - the larger hip belt padding is nice, but the pockets are still a bit...
The larger hip belt padding is nice, but the pockets are still a bit too small and stiff for large phones and additional quick-draw items.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Weight-to-Volume Ratio


The Renn weighs 3.7 pounds and has a 65-liter capacity, making its volume-to-weight ratio better than many others we tested. The Renn doesn't handle ultra-heavy loads quite as well as other packs, but most packs made for enormous loads weigh a few pounds more when empty. Most packs built for heavy lifting are lined with much more padding, making the backpack heavier, bulkier, and sometimes more complicated.


The width of the Renn is its crowning glory in this metric. From the moment you open the drawstring of the Renn and start feeding gear into its gaping mouth, it becomes obvious that this style of pack is different from the rest. Full-sized bear cans can fit horizontally, which isn't the most common feature among this size of pack. The lateral load-carrying style helps secure the weight in the right place and helps it feel less cumbersome as you move. Call us old-fashioned, but we appreciate that the back panel exists without fancy swivels. Even when fully loaded with gear, we love the sensation of hiking without a swivel in the shoulder padding, which often causes us to list to one side.

The wide mouth of the main compartment makes packing and unpacking quick and easy.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Adjustability


The adjustability of the Renn 65 has been upgraded, and our testers are so here for it.


Gone are the days of hoping you adjusted your pack correctly at home while it was empty. Osprey incorporated an easy-to-use system with five set adjustment points. To adjust the height, you simply remove the bilateral clips from their security points and slide the shoulder padding up or down. This is an easy adjustment to make on the trails, providing an element of versatility and surefire comfort to the Renn. Unlike many of the higher-priced models we tested, the hip belt has no adjustability beyond tightening the webbing itself. While the range allows users between 26 and 48 inches to fit in the hip belt, the padding will end up behind the iliac crest for women with larger hips. As previously mentioned, the weight distribution allows this to be fairly comfortable, but we understand that curvier women might prefer a pack with adjustable hip padding.

osprey renn 65 - we recruited short and tall friends to test each pack's...
We recruited short and tall friends to test each pack's adjustability. While a bit difficult to fine-tune, the Renn was a pack that each tester found comfortable enough for long-distance excursions.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Should You Buy the Osprey Renn 65?


If you want a back-to-basics backpack that is super comfortable, perfectly priced, and going to be with you for the long haul, look no further because the Renn is all of those things. Trail nerds who want ultralight packs will find this pack to be too heavy and spacious, while super-haulers may prefer a pack with an overbuilt suspension system and padding to match.

osprey renn 65 - though it might be low on organization features, the renn offers...
Though it might be low on organization features, the Renn offers plenty of space for stashing the essentials.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

What Other Women's Backpacking Backpacks Should You Consider?


If you want an excellent organizational experience while backpacking, opt for a pack like the Deuter Aircontact Core for specified compartments and nifty organizational features. The Renn holds up as a pack that can handle a ton of weight, but sometimes the extra padding of a pack like the Gregory Deva 60 is more akin to what you'd prefer. Finally, if the comfort of the Renn intrigues you, but you want a slightly higher-scoring pack, we adore the Osprey Eja 58 — a comfortable, well-ventilated, and lightweight backpack for women.

Ally Arcuri, Meg Atteberry