Osprey Momentum 22 Rucksack – Commuter Gear Review

Here at CGR it’s not all play, play, play! This winter we’ve been testing out a great commuter pack from Osprey, the Momentum 22…

Performance *****

Features*****

Value for money ****

Osprey say: “The Momentum 22 was born to commute. It’s what we consider to be the perfect balance between performance and organisation, making it the ideal journey to work partner. The spacermesh harness and AirScape™ back system provide a carrying platform that is stable and well ventilated, perfect for hot summer rides. A separate laptop and tablet compartment keeps your electronics quick to hand and easy to access. Our unique Lidlock™ attachment provides the perfect place to quickly stow your bike helmet. In wet weather and heavy traffic the built in high-visibility rain cover provides protection, with the added safety feature of a bike-light attachment point. The simple but effective 20mm removable waist strap will keep your pack close and tight. The Momentum 22 also conforms to all EU carry-on size restrictions, providing you with a great travel pack when swapping pedal power for wing power.”

A departure from the usual CGR review, the Osprey Momentum 22 is aimed at those of us who want a more functional way to carry and protect all our necessary docs and equipment on our commute to work. Whether going by car, train, bicycle, running or walking, the Momentum 22 has been my go to, work pack this winter.

Osprey Momentum 22 on a cycle commute. Note the helmet holder for when you’ve arrived at your destination.

I work as a teacher and I usually take a laptop, some paperwork, stationary and some books to and from work on a daily basis. I also find the Momentum 22 a great pack for using as hand luggage on trips abroad, protecting my laptop, camera, external hard drive, docs and guidebooks.

I much prefer a rucksack over a briefcase or courier style shoulder bag for my commute to work. Granted it isn’t quite as smart but it’s way more versatile. If I cycle or run to work having a bag that carries well is crucial and the Momentum 22 carries brilliantly with comfortable shoulder straps, breathable mesh back and sturdy chest and waist straps.

As you’d expect from Osprey the pack is extremely well made and also incredibly well featured. Internal sleeves protect my tablet and laptop and there is also a separate document sleeve for keeping everything well organised. I like the fact that there is sufficient padding to protect your valuable items too. All the main compartments are accessed via high quality zippers which are easy to use with gloves on and the zippered pocket on the shoulder strap with the extendable key attachment clip is a really nice touch.

Osprey are sticklers for attention to detail on there packs and I really like the neat features such as LED bike light attachment point, internal organisation pockets and reflective graphics. The bright yellow rain cover is also perfect, stowing easily in the base when not needed but being really simple to deploy when it is.

Osprey Momentum 22 – hi-vis removeable rain cover, brilliant for our wettest winter on record!

As the nights are starting to get lighter I have been using the pack whilst cycling and have found it to be a very comfortable and stable carry. I really like the simple helmet attachment for when I have transferred from my bike to being on foot. The pack has a hydration port but it also has 2 mesh wand pockets with side compression which are useful for carrying water bottles or stuffing a light rain jacket.

I have carried the Momentum 22 whilst running as well and although I don’t really like to run with a heavy pack on I found it to be pretty stable and the Airscape mesh back panel to be amply breathable.

So, to conclude, the Osprey Momentum 22 is a superb pack for the active desk jockey or anybody wanting a reliable, functional and comfortable method of transporting their belongings to and from work, be it by train, foot, bike or car. Good work Osprey!

• RRP: £80
• For more information visit the Osprey Website.