Review: Osprey’s redesigned Duro and Dyna hydration vests
The Duro and Dyna vestpacks are versatile, offering multiple options for storing water, fuel and gear for trail adventures of any distance
Photo by:
Matt Stetson
Osprey has recently updated its line of Duro (for men) and Dyna (for women) hydration vests with a focus on lightness, breathability, usability and sustainability. All make great choices for trail runs or races of varying lengths.
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There are four Duro vests and four Dyna vests to choose from: from smallest to biggest, they are the LT, the 1.5L, the 6 and the 15. The LT comes with soft flasks, the others with a hydration bladder/reservoir. All are made of a sturdy but lightweight, breathable mesh fabric, overlaid with stretchy panels that make it easy to load and remove items from the pockets on the run. The front fasteners are adjustable and designed to be undone quickly with one hand. All come with a tiny attached whistle. Sizes for both are S/M and M/L.
Duro/Dyna LT
The Duro and Dyna LT vests are the lightest and most minimal. Suitable for relatively short trail runs, they come with two 360-mL soft flasks designed to fit in the highest pockets on the vest’s front panels, and it’s very easy to sip from them on the run without removing them from their pockets.
The lower pockets are for great for stashing gels, snacks, keys or whatever small items you need to carry, and we found that the long zipper slash pocket at the front is great for securing your phone. This is the only model without rear storage, though, like the other models, it has loops on each side and at the top for stashing trekking poles or other items.
Duro/Dyna 1.5L
The Duro and Dyna 1.5L is the next model in the series, and comes with a 1.5-litre hydration bladder/reservoir that’s easy to fill, stash and drink from on the run, since the hose attaches to the vest front with a magnet. There is also compact rear storage, suitable for stashing a light jacket.
Duro/Dyna 6
The Duro and Dyna 6 are a bit more substantial, with three pockets on each side plus the long zipper slash pocket in front, a 1.5L reservoir, plus a zipper pocket and an open pocket in the rear for extra storage. We did notice that the adjustable side straps have disappeared from the 6, though we found that the vest fit comfortably and snugly. Given that there appears to be more of the stretchy fabric covering the mesh than in the earlier model, we recommend it for cooler weather.
Duro/Dyna 15
The Duro and Dyna 15 are the most substantial trail running packs, with more substantial coverage and an extra fastening at the waist, to support the extra cargo you may need to carry. This model comes with a 2.5L reservoir, for longer, unsupported adventures and races.
The Duro packs come in Dark Charcoal Grey and Blue Sky (pictured) options, and the Dyna packs come in Verdigris Green or Slate Grey (pictured).
Osprey also makes the Duro/Dyna Belt for those who prefer a water belt rather than a vestpack for shorter outings; it comes with two 360-ml soft flasks. There is also the Duro/Dyna Handheld, which comes with a soft flask.
To its credit, Osprey is a leader in sustainable design; the main body fabrics in their vests are Bluesign approved and GRS (Global Recycle Standard) certified, and their DWR (durable water-resistant coating) is PFC/PFAS-free. The bottles and reservoirs are BPA-free.
Osprey Duro and Dyna vests are available for ordering here or here.
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