Last Updated: April 4, 2022
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Osprey Pandion 28 Review – A Daypack For Those Who Hate Sweat

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Osprey Pandion 28

The Osprey Pandion 28 backpack is hot off the press and ready for those of you who finally want a backpack you don't sweat all over when doing some sport. View Latest Deal

Deuter came up with this idea back in 1985, and now Osprey is it to their packs – the “trampoline style” mesh ventilation back panel that lets the air flow behind you while you are busy doing what you do (hiking, walking, traveling, cycling!). Goodbye sweaty backpack!

The other awesome feature that Osprey is adding to a lot of their day packs like the Pandion is the “kickstand“. Just like on your bike, you can put this bag down on the floor, and it won’t tip over! How awesome is that :>

Of course, there are also the usual “Osprey”  features in this bag which make it worth the price…

  • Dedicated padded laptop/tablet sleeve
  • Scratch-free top pocket (for glasses, phone, etc)
  • Roomy front organization pocket;(with lots of mesh pockets)
  • Adjustable padded shoulder straps
  • Removable hip straps
  • Sternum strap (with emergency whistle)
  • Other pockets: 2x side water bottle, front stash pocket
  • 5 colors: black, gray/red, red, blue, green

Pros

  • Great harness for the active - to help reduce sweat on your back
  • Kickstand feature keeps your pack upright on the ground
  • Dedicated laptop padded pocket can easily fit a 15.6" laptop
  • Front organizer for tablet, cables, phone, pens, etc
  • Lots of other pockets for all the rest of your gear
  • Quality materials backed by a great warranty
  • 5 attractive color choices

Cons

  • Hip straps are not padded and if you carry a lot of weight it might be uncomfortable
  • The pack is a bit heavier than others from Osprey due to things like the Kickstand and back mesh (they add weight)
  • There are some active user features like the back mesh and bike light attachment BUT no rain cover or helmet holder.

Product Information

  • Bag Dimensions: 21.6 x 13 x 11.0 inches
  • Weight: 2.56 lbs
  • Material: 210D Nylon Oxford
  • 5 colors: black, gray/red, red, blue, green

Who Is This Backpack For?

Osprey Packs Pandion Daypack, Black, One Size

This is a great day pack for you if you tend to get active when you are out and don’t like to have a wet back (from sweat). It also has lots of space for your gear, including laptop/tablet, as well as organizational space for lots of other small-medium-sized items.

So, it suits travelers, cycling commuters, walkers, and other active people who have lots of stuff to carry.

Because it does not have a fully-fledged hip belt, I would not recommend it for long hikes, but for a day out it is perfect.

If you want even more details, keep on reading below…

The Osprey Pandion 28 Features

Osprey Packs Pandion Daypack, Black, One Size

Let’s get into more detail on each of Pandion’s features so you can figure out if it is right for you.

Laptop Sleeve

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Osprey understands that your laptop and tablet are important and has created a dedicated sleeve for them. It is padded (so protects) and also right at the back (so balances the load where it counts).

There is plenty of space in this pocket, so you could fit both a laptop and a tablet and some people even like to throw in other accessories in there too.

Top Pocket (Scratch Free)

You don’t always have your glasses or phone case with you and Osprey have realized this. So, they have added a “scratch-free” pocket that is designed to protect your sensitive items.

It is at the top/front of the pack and actually quite roomy, despite being one of the smallest pockets on this pack.

Of course, you can throw anything you like in there as it’s a handy spot for things like wallet/purse, keys, phone, etc.

Front Pocket and Organizer

Rather than throw everything in the main compartment of your pack, Osprey has created a deep front pocket with lots of organizational features.

Three wider mess pockets right at the top help you find a place for the smaller items (pens, keys, maybe even your phone or calculator?).

There is also a zippered pocket below that for things you can’t afford to lose.

And the bottom of this pocket is deep enough to put other things like books, pads, maybe a kindle or iPad, etc. It’s up to how you organize your gear (and what you are doing with the pack of course).

Other Handy Pockets

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No backpack is complete these days without a couple of elastic mesh pockets on the side for your water bottle. And even if you aren’t carrying water, they double as perfect spots for things like bike locks, tripods, umbrellas, etc.

The Pandion also has a handy front stash pocket which I personally find useful for things like a light rain jacket or pack cover, maybe your bike lock, or other things you want quick access to (and would rather not throw inside the pack).

Shoulder Straps, Carryon Strap & Padding

Osprey Pandion Mesh Harness

The big benefit of the Pandion over a lot of other packs (including many of Osprey’s) is the separated back mesh. By having a curve in the back panel the mesh sits on your back, but the pack does not. So, air flows through easily allowing your back to stay as cool as it can while exercising.

There are also two well-padded straps with mesh as well (to help wick moisture away).

There are also simple sternum and hip straps to help secure the load. This helps relieve your shoulders and align the pack when you are carrying a heavier load.

And, if you don’t like the hip straps, you can remove them. Always good to know.

The one big downside of such a simple hip strap though is that if you are carrying a lot of stuff, it will not be comfortable over a long period of time. If that is what you intend to do, you will want to look for a more serious padded hip strap to help bear the load.

Below is a quick feature video from Osprey, and below are a lot more details on the pack features.

Kickstand – It Stands On Its Own

Osprey has started adding this feature to a lot of backpacks this year, and I love the idea.

It is a simple metal frame on the bottom that helps the pack sit upright on its own. No more putting your bag down at work, in a cafe, or inline and finding it flat on the floor 2 seconds later! Unless you load it in a really weird way, this will keep it upright in almost any situation! Pretty cool.

Warranty

Osprey packs are focused on the higher end of the market because they provide great features, materials and stand by them with a lifelong warranty. So, if you want to invest in a pack, Osprey is a great brand to buy.

The Osprey Pandion backpack has 5 color options:  Black, Armour Gray (with red accents),  Red,  Blue & Green.