The Sirrus (Women’s) is known for its comfort on long hikes and for handling multi-day trips and pilgrimage routes with ease. Its main strengths are the women-specific fit and AirSpeed ventilation, which help keep your back dry on hikes of 10 miles or more. However, some users say the rigid frame and adjustable torso can cause discomfort for shorter women.
- DVSS Score: 86.7/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 239
STRENGTHS
- Adjustable Torso: Fits women from 4’11” up to 5’11” with custom shoulder and length adjustment.
- AirSpeed Frame: Fully functional mesh back panel creates airflow, eliminating back sweat during 4+ hours of hiking.
- 30 lb Carry: Distributes a fully loaded weight of nearly 30 lbs across the hips, maintaining comfort on long-distance treks.
- Proven Durability: Maintains quality and “looks brand new” after 1.5 years of constant use.
LIMITATIONS
- Frame Height: The rigid frame is “too tall” and protrudes for petite women under 5’3”.
- Harness Hotspot: The adjustable harness joint can “poke me in the back” where it connects to the frame.
- Hip Belt Pockets: The pockets on the waist strap are too small to fit a modern cell phone.
- Attachment Points: Minimal exterior loops are available for attaching bulky gear, such as a sleeping bag or snowshoes.
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Contents
Sirrus Secures 86.7 Despite AirSpeed Frame Risks
The Sirrus earns an 86.7 DVSS Score and is rated Excellent by many verified buyers. This score shows the pack is comfortable and durable for long-distance travel and hiking.
- DVSS Score: 86.7/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 239
- Average Rating: 4.70
- Ideal For: Multi-day pilgrimage/long-haul trekking for maximum comfort on the trail.
Most users are happy with how comfortable the pack is when carrying up to 30 lbs on hikes of 10 miles or more. The main complaint is that the rigid frame is too tall for women under 5’3”. The DVSS score reflects the AirSpeed suspension’s reliability, even though some users experience frame discomfort.
AirSpeed Suspension Eliminates Back Sweat During Long Hikes
The AirSpeed mesh panel keeps your back cool by allowing air to flow between you and the pack. Hikers in hot weather or on long hikes say the back panel works as promised. Many users see this mesh design as a big improvement over earlier Sirrus models.
The mesh frame is strong yet light, keeping the pack from pressing against your back. This makes day hikes more comfortable, even with a heavy load. The pack still feels “lightweight” when it’s full of gear and water.
Torso Adjustment Fits Heights Ranging From 5’4” to 5’11”
The torso can be adjusted in three ways to fit a wide range of heights, especially for women with shorter torsos. Women who are 5’4″ can get a good fit, avoiding armpit or neck rubbing. This adjustment helps spread a 30 lb load across your hips and shoulders.
One taller user, a 5’11” woman with a shorter torso, said this pack “blows all the others… out of the water.” The adjustments are easy to use, so you can make quick changes while hiking “on the fly.”
Internal Frame Pokes Back on Petite Users Due to Tall Design
The biggest issue is the internal frame, which petite women under 5’3” say is “too tall.” The rigid frame can stick up above the shoulders, causing a “weird fit.” Even after adjusting, the back support beam can rub against the neck.
The adjustable harness joint can “poke me in the back” where the strap meets the suspension panel. This hard spot can cause discomfort for some users, sometimes leading them to return the pack. Many customers recommend testing the frame fit for your torso length before buying.
Load Distribution Manages 30 Pounds Across 10-Mile Treks.
The pack is built to spread weight evenly and handles “around 30 lbs” without trouble. The strong, padded hip belt helps move weight to your hips, which is a big relief for people with back or shoulder pain. The way it wraps around your waist takes pressure off your shoulders and back.
The main problem is the hip belt pockets, which are “really small” and usually can’t fit a modern cell phone. This makes it hard to grab your phone or ID quickly while hiking or traveling. If you want easy-access pockets, you may find this frustrating.
Pocket Layout Secures Tent, Water, and Alternate Outfits
The pocket layout works well for multi-day trips. The side water bottle pockets are “super deep,” so bottles of different sizes fit securely. There’s also a large bottom pocket for shoes, which can hold an extra outfit too.
The built-in rain fly comes in its own easy-to-reach pocket, and you can fit a little more than just the cover in there. You can get into the main compartment with a side zipper, so you don’t have to undo all the top buckles. Some users wish there were more exterior straps for bulky gear, such as snowshoes or a tent.
Pack Maintains Quality Despite 1.5 Years of Constant Use
The pack is known for its high quality and durability. One user said there were “No issues. No holes. No grumpy zippers” after 1.5 years of use. It held up “great” after six days of hiking in Canada and “still looks new.” Another buyer has used a version of this pack for six years with no problems.
The Sirrus is tough enough for long trips, and it handles trains and buses better than wheeled luggage. Even when packed light for a Camino de Santiago trip, the pack stayed comfortable and “never bounced around.”
Sirrus Distributes 30+ lbs for Long-Haul Trekking.
The main challenge on multi-day trips is staying comfortable without getting back sweat or shoulder pain. The Sirrus addresses this with its rigid AirSpeed frame and adjustable harness. The frame helps move weight and keeps air flowing.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: Water reservoir (e.g., Camelbak) fits easily; Cell phone does NOT fit in hip belt pockets.
- Gear: Tent (strapped to the bottom); Multiple items of clothing for a 3-night trip; Full winter hiking gear.
- Result: The pack stays comfortable even with “almost 30 lbs on my back,” but you’ll need to keep your phone in a main pocket rather than in the hip belt.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You are 5’4″ or taller.
- You carry loads approaching 30 lbs.
- You need maximum back ventilation.
✗ Skip This If You:
- Are 5’2″ or shorter due to the frame height.
- Require an exterior pocket large enough for a smartphone.
- Need multiple external loops for a sleeping bag/snowshoes.
- Look for a flexible, unstructured pack instead.
Long-Haul Hiker’s Sirrus: Airflow-First Carry Despite Hip Pocket Limits
This type of user values how well the pack keeps their back cool during a 10-mile day. The frame gives the support needed for long trips like the Camino, where you carry the pack every day. People who pack “light” for a month say the pack “never felt heavy.”
The main risk is that the single rigid frame may not fit shorter torsos, leading to pressure points. The pack distributes the weight well, but the frame needs to match your body size for comfort.
Petite Traveler’s Sirrus: Secure 30lb Fit But Frame Height Can Poke Back
This user needs a pack that accommodates a small torso but is frustrated by how high it sits on their shoulders. The adjustable shoulder and waist straps work for someone who is 4’11”, but the frame is still too long. For smaller users, it feels “very uncomfortable and bulky.”
The upside is a tough, well-organized bag that fits in an overhead bin. The downside is the pack’s height, which can “rub my neck raw” if you’re a petite woman with a short neck or torso.
Sirrus Excels for Multi-Day Trekking
The Sirrus is best for long, high-mileage treks that require good ventilation and balanced weight distribution. Its quality and durability mean it will last through long trips, even when carrying a tent and a 30 lb load.
The biggest drawback is the frame length, which doesn’t work well for women under 5’3” and can cause pressure points. This pack is best for women of average to tall height who often carry heavy loads and want to avoid back sweat.
Size Selection Guide: Matching Load to Capacity
The Sirrus comes in four sizes, so you can pick the right one for your trip length and how much you carry. The 24L is good for carrying the basics on the Camino trail. The 34L and 36L are popular for multi-day trips up to four days.
The biggest 44L pack works well for long trips like Havasu Falls and gives you lots of space without “cutting into armpits” if adjusted right. If you pack light and only need the basics for a day, reviewers suggest the 24L size.
- 24L Capacity: Ideal for Day Hikes or Minimalist Carry-On.
- 34L Capacity: Best for 3-4 Night Trips or Extended Pilgrimage Trekking.
- 36L Capacity: Excellent volume for Month-Long Travel requiring an overhead bin fit.
- 44L Capacity: For Heavy Loads and Multi-Day Havasu Falls/Basecamp Hiking.
Check the price and availability of the Sirrus and explore the Best Overnight Backpacks (35L-54L) for more reviews.
