REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Large storage volume
Solid hydration system
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited organization
Poor back panel ventilation
Osprey Skarab 18 Review
An all-around pack that successfully blurs the line between hydration pack and daypack
The Skarab provides a big 18-liter volume in a reasonably light package.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
RELATED: Best Hydration Packs of 2024
Our Verdict
The Osprey Skarab 18 has you covered with reliable all-around performance in a large-volume hydration pack. With a daypack-sized 18-liter storage volume, a well-cushioned back panel, and a dedicated reservoir sleeve with a 2.5-liter HydraPak hydration system, the Skarab is a solid choice for hiking, scrambling, travel, or general daily use. During our testing, we used it as a daily gym bag, a carry on for weekend trips, a daypack for long track meets, as well as a carry-all bag for our local bike rides and neighborhood walks. While there are lighter packs and more fully-featured packs, the Skarab can do it all with comfort and versatility.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on September 6, 2023, to share information on some updates to the Skarab 18.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Osprey Skarab 18 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Large Capacity Hydration Pack |  Best Bang for Your Buck | Excellent Value for Minimalists | ||
| Price | $95.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $120 List $120.00 at Amazon | $97.18 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $80 List $59.93 at REI | $64.95 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This larger capacity pack serves double duty as a hydration pack and daypack at a fair price | The biggest pack in our review carries large loads comfortably and is made for all-day hiking and biking | If you're looking for a mid-volume, lightweight pack with easy to access storage look no further than the comfortable and well-thought-out Evoc Ride 12 | A simple, effective design that is great for lighter loads | This minimalist, lightweight pack allows you to carry the basics and stash a layer |
| Rating Categories | Osprey Skarab 18 | Deuter Compact EXP 14 | Evoc Ride 12L | Gregory Nano 18 H2O | CamelBak Classic Li... |
| Ease of Drinking (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Filling (20%) | |||||
| Comfort (20%) | |||||
| Storage (20%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Ease of Cleaning (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Osprey Skarab 18 | Deuter Compact EXP 14 | Evoc Ride 12L | Gregory Nano 18 H2O | CamelBak Classic Li... |
| Pack Size | 18 L | 14 L | 12 L | 18 L | 2 L |
| Bladder Capacity | 2.5 L | 3 L | 2 L | 3 L | 2 L |
| Measured Weight | 25.5 oz | 41.6 oz | 24.0 oz | 25.6 oz | 14.5 oz |
| Waist Belt | Removable 3/4" webbing | Padded with two zippered pockets | 1" webbing with light padding at back and 2 pockets | Removable 3/4" webbing | None |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The previous Skarab is featured on the left, and the new Skarab is shown on the right.
Skarab 18 Updates
Since we tested the Skarab, an updated model has been released. The two packs are very similar, but the new model features bluesign-approved materials and has updated water bottle pockets. Our review text and photos still tell our account of the previous Skarab, but note that our affiliate links point to the updated version.
Since we tested the Skarab, an updated model has been released. The two packs are very similar, but the new model features bluesign-approved materials and has updated water bottle pockets. Our review text and photos still tell our account of the previous Skarab, but note that our affiliate links point to the updated version.
The Skarab 18 is a large-capacity hydration pack with a high-quality 2.5-liter hydration system. The 18-liter pack volume is among the largest in our lineup, providing enough space for a puffy jacket, a pair of shoes, or a gourmet lunch. While not necessarily standing out in any one category, this pack is a solid performer across the board.
Performance Comparison
The Skarab is a comfortable choice for hiking and all-around use as a daypack.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Ease of Drinking
The Skarab 18 is outfitted with a 2.5-liter hydration bladder made by HydraPak for Osprey. It also has a magnetic drinking hose attachment point that keeps the hose secure and easily accessible while on the move.
The Osprey Hydraulics LT hydration system is a high-quality performer.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Like on the other Osprey packs in our lineup, the HydraPak bite valve can deliver you your water with comfort and efficiency. While we had no problems with this hydration system during our testing, we noted that it's not quite as impressive as some of our top-ranked hydration systems. And although the 2.5-liter reservoir is adequate for most day outings, we would have preferred a larger 3-liter reservoir on what is one of the largest backpacks in our lineup.
Ease of Filling
The Skarab scores towards the bottom of our lineup in the ease of filling category. While it comes with the wide-mouthed opening HydraPak 2.5-liter bladder, it lacks some convenient features like quick-release drinking tubes, and an easy-to-use hydration compartment. While the hydration compartment is in an easy-to-reach location, we found that the hanging clip is too short, making it difficult to remove and replace the bladder.
While the hydration sleeve is easily accessible, the hanging clip is a little short, making removal and replacement a bit challenging.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Comfort
The Skarab is a comfortable pack with its foam-padded back panel, padded shoulder straps, and balanced load-carrying ability. While not as comfortable in hotter weather as some higher-end models with better mesh back panels, the Skarab is a suitable choice in a variety of conditions, as long as temps don't rise too high.
The foam back panel is very comfortable but not very breathable.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Storage
With 18 liters of storage space, the Skarab is among the largest capacities in our lineup, with plenty of volume to serve you not only as a hiking and biking hydration pack, but as an all-around daypack, gym bag, or travel bag. While we love the huge main storage compartment with its giant U-shaped zipper, we are a little disappointed with the lack of external zippered pockets. There is one internal mesh zippered pocket for stashing valuables, but this makes it a little inconvenient to grab your phone or camera, and it would be preferable to have an external pocket that is a little more easily accessible.
The larger capacity of the Skarab 18 comes in handy for doubling as a gym bag.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
While we were pleased with the overall storage volume of the Skarab 18, there are other models available with similar overall capacities that have additional pockets and options for organization that keep your necessities within reach.
Weight
At a measured 25.5 ounces (1.6 pounds), the Skarab 18 scores well as a lightweight, full-size hydration daypack. While it's not as light as some of the minimalist options that we've reviewed, it's much lighter than many other fully featured packs.
The lightweight versatility of the Skarab makes it a solid choice for hiking and biking.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Ease of Cleaning
Similar to the ease of filling category, this pack comes away with average scores in the ease of cleaning category. While the HydraPak bladder has a nice large opening for easy cleaning, the bladder and hose system is a little tedious to remove from the pack, and the drinking hoses lack quick-release buttons. While removing the hydration system is a little more difficult than others, once the system is removed and disassembled, the bladder itself is easy to clean.
The lack of quick-release drinking tubes makes disassembly for cleaning a bit more tedious.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Value
The Skarab is not the lowest-priced pack in the lineup but certainly comes with a smaller price tag than a lot of the higher-end models. While there are similar designs with a few extra features that are less expensive, we think that the Skarab is a capable pack for a reasonable price.
Conclusion
With one of the largest volumes in our lineup and one of the top-performing HydraPak hydration systems, the Osprey Skarab 18 is a solid general-use pack for the town or the trail.
—
Nick Bruckbauer
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