User Review: Osprey Crescent 90

Osprey Crescent 90
Above: The current Crescent 90, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed March 2, 2006 by seahiker

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Design: internal frame, top loading
Size: 90L, 5500 cu in
Number of Pockets: 4
Max. Load Carried: 60 lbs
Height of Owner: 6' 3"
Price Paid: $200 eBay

This is for the Crescent 90 which was discontinued in 2005 for the Crescent 85. The Crescent 90 uses titanium struts and a detachable pocket (doubles as day pack) held on by straps; the Crescent 85 uses heat treated aluminum struts and does away with the detachable pocket pack, in favor of easier main compartment access, construction simplicity, lighter weight, and a new custom fit belt.

The Crescent 90 is my main pack when out with one of my boys, as I need the capacity to carry extra supplies such as extra 1st aid and water. Therefore the loads tend to be heavy. The Crescent 90 handles heavy loads well. The belt does not give out and the load is well distributed by the suspension. The pack is quite adjustable to make it fit and spread the load to the right places and holds it rigidly. I have no complaints about its performance. I have used lesser packs and would not go back from this level of performer. (If you ever loaded up a $130 pack and had it tugging your shoulders for 50 miles in mountains you'd feel the same about spending enough for a really good one).

The titanium struts are a good thing and seem indestructible. The detachable pocket pack is a fiddly sort of thing, and while I like the extra space, messing with the straps that hold it on is a nuisance. The model redesign that changed this feature in favor of a pack front access panel was likely a good move. (I thought I'd want the option to detach the pocket pack but then never used it that way.)

Osprey customer service is very helpful and replaced a lost strap promptly. They also offered good phone advice about fit and function when considering a purchase.

If you have a chance to pick up one of these used, you will get a top performer for probably much less than current models, and I recommend you go for it; it might outlast you. If you want a new one, I suspect the Crescent 85 is as good a performer as it is basically the same frame design with an improved (custom moldable) belt.

Where to Buy

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