Osprey Mutant 38 Impressions?

Craggy George wrote: 
* How are people who climb, and have to determine the route, perplexed by straps?

Not perplexed, just hate faff. Two compression straps on the outside are good enough. If I can't fit everything in the pack I start tossing stuff out until it all does. I'm climbing in the north cascades mostly, in our bushwhacking you need a streamlined pack or you're going to fight the alder even harder. 

Anyone have or seen both the original and the 2018 pack to compare? I've seen a few used ones but they are generally the older version. Curious if its worth full price for the 2018 updates? Outdoor gear lab seems to like the updates but they seem minor overall 

Stever wrote: Anyone have or seen both the original and the 2018 pack to compare? I've seen a few used ones but they are generally the older version. Curious if its worth full price for the 2018 updates? Outdoor gear lab seems to like the updates but they seem minor overall 

I destroyed my original pack, and Osprey just sent me a 2018 version as a replacement (A+ customer service). Other than a few mostly cosmetic changes, they added a strap at the top for holding a rope when the brain is off and changed the side compression straps so they're more functional (although you still can't unbuckle the lower strap which is annoying). Those were my two big complaints on the old version so in my opinion it'd be worth it to go with the updated version. 

Alyssa K wrote:

I destroyed my original pack, and Osprey just sent me a 2018 version as a replacement (A+ customer service). Other than a few mostly cosmetic changes, they added a strap at the top for holding a rope when the brain is off and changed the side compression straps so they're more functional (although you still can't unbuckle the lower strap which is annoying). Those were my two big complaints on the old version so in my opinion it'd be worth it to go with the updated version.

How did you destroy it? I've heard great things about their customer service!

Stever wrote:

How did you destroy it? I've heard great things about their customer service!

It took a long ride down some scree in the Palisades. I wouldn't hold that incident against the pack's overall durability, though. 

I'm just about to try and warranty my 2016 38L for broken ice clips on the one side.  I planned on getting it done by Friday so I'll let you know how it goes.  

Alyssa K wrote:

I destroyed my original pack, and Osprey just sent me a 2018 version as a replacement (A+ customer service). Other than a few mostly cosmetic changes, they added a strap at the top for holding a rope when the brain is off and changed the side compression straps so they're more functional (although you still can't unbuckle the lower strap which is annoying). Those were my two big complaints on the old version so in my opinion it'd be worth it to go with the updated version. 

I have a Variant and the bottom compression strap doesn't buckle, either. Wicked annoying as it would makes strapping the rope down much easier, etc. They say these packs were built alongside pro mountain guides, but sometimes I wonder why they leave out obvious things that would make a pack above & beyond the rest. 

I have the older Mutant 38 and new 52 so I'll add to the comparisons. The new version has nicer/more durable material, better/simpler compression straps, and a rope strap under the brain. The new version lacks the small internal pocket (which I liked) and feels a little heavier (I didn't weigh because I have two different sizes so apples vs oranges). The new version comes in only one color (Fire) which is basically a navy blue with very light orange accents. The older version came in a black with blue straps and a lime green version. I am mentioning because color is either a non-issue or a huge issue (if you want a bright, easy to see pack) depending on the person.

The one significant difference that has not been noted above or in the OGL review is the new version has a "snow shed" fabric (borrowed from their ski line of packs, I assume) covering the foam on the back panel and shoulder straps. The older version had a light mesh over the same area. The new fabric is more durable and will shed, or not retain, snow better (I assume, I haven't used in the snow yet), but the old version is more breathable - so felt cooler and more comfortable, especially for warm summer missions. If using this pack in warm climates, I would consider the older version. For most people and applications, the new version is an upgrade.

Main point: I love this pack. It's simple and relatively cheap. It's been my main skiing, climbing & traveling pack for years. Removing the stays made it great for travel.
It lacks an avi pocket, but A-frames well.

The older model wore out on me in two ways after 3.5 years. The draw string area delaminated (too much time in the rain & snow?) and the lower section near the tool carry wore holes in the fabric.
I just warrantied and received the new model. I really respect how easy that was.

The newer model is reinforced where I had worn the holes. The rope carry strap is much improved. The side straps are improved.

Excellent feedback...I will wait to see if I can find a new one on sale, or just pick up a used one. I'm astonished at the warranty and the success people have had!

Reviving this thread, as I am trying to decide between the 38 and the 52. OGL says the 38 can carry enough stuff for multi-day trips, but I am wondering if it's big enough to serve as a general backpacking pack for minimalist 2-3 night outings. Anyone?

I would say yes, it's plenty for 2-3 night trips as long as you're smart with packing and have light(er)weight gear. I bought mine specifically because of it's versatility for backpacking/climbing/wintersports.

Competent Leader wrote:

Temps?

Nothing that won't be comfortable in my "0 degree" bag, so probably no colder than 20ish. Most of my winter trips utilize AT shelters, I only carry an OR Helium bivy for emergency use. Summertime, I may bring a tent, but the rest of the sleeping kit is obviously smaller in that case.

Tapawingo Markey wrote: I would say yes, it's plenty for 2-3 night trips as long as you're smart with packing and have light(er)weight gear. I bought mine specifically because of it's versatility for backpacking/climbing/wintersports.

What do you usually carry for a 3-night trip? I pack pretty light and have reasonably lightweight gear, but I may carry a DSLR camera which takes up a surprising amount of room. 

If the 38 ltr can really hold enough stuff for a single night out I'd be amazed. Rack, rope,  extra clothes, food, water, shelter, sleeping bag, helmet, shoes? I feel like it would be a challenge even  putting all that into a 50 liter pack.

I feel like every pack out there advertises itself as roomy enough to hold way more than it actually does. Unless you have shit all over the outside flopping all over and getting snagged on every tree branch you pass.  

Really too many variables in locations, gear and style to answer that question intelligently IMO. Manufacturers don't even measure size consistently. Order both or haul your gear to the nearest REI for a test fit.

FWIW two observations -

1) I've always needed more space than online reviews suggest for multi day trips. I'm tall so my gear is a bit bigger, the weather in the Northeast is pretty demanding so you need more stuff, I eat a lot, I pack too much stuff because I'm not enough of a hardass etc...

2) my Osprey packs have always been bigger than the stated capacity suggests. My 40L Variant was more like 50L. That said I don't have the new Mutant

Ira O wrote: If the 38 ltr can really hold enough stuff for a single night out I'd be amazed. Rack, rope,  extra clothes, food, water, shelter, sleeping bag, helmet, shoes? I feel like it would be a challenge even  putting all that into a 50 liter pack.

I feel like every pack out there advertises itself as roomy enough to hold way more than it actually does. Unless you have shit all over the outside flopping all over and getting snagged on every tree branch you pass.  

I thought the same thing, but OGL swears they used the 38 for trips that would usually require a 50L pack. I guess I was hoping someone else would chime in with "holy shit this thing is huge for a 38L pack".

It depends on the time of year really. But a 3 season clothing layer system, either sleeping bag (10 degree and 30 degree down bags), BA FlyCreek UL 2p tent, BA Air Core Ultra pad, food for 2-3 days (usually hanging food, so no bear can), Jetboil with small fuel canister, nalgene. No camera outside of my iphone but I could see this being squeezed in somehow or rigging an external system for it.  If it's full on winter you'd definitely be pushing it due to the bulkiness of the clothes system and the addition of avalanche gear.

I'll also add you just mentioned backpacking, which I think this has plenty of space for 2-3 day trips. If you're adding climbing gear it'd definitely be pushing it but probably still doable.

Being able to split a tent with someone else goes a long way too.