Ferrino Osa 32 Review

Premessa

The Ferrino Osa 32 is a light and functional ski mountaineering backpack that takes its name from the italian acronym ‘Optimal Ski Alpinist’.

The Turin-based company has proposed a completely new model, designed for demanding ski mountaineers who are looking for a high-performance product suitable for even intensive use.

Technical features of the Ferrino Osa 32

• Volume: 32 litres
• Dimensions: 68 x 21 x 30 cm
• Weight: 1,150 Kg (1 Kg without the waist padding)
• Fabrics: Nylon Ripstop
• Top ‘roll-up’ closure system with Velcro for security
• Water repellent front zip closure system
• Front and internal side pocket for carrying objects
• Inside front pocket for shovel and probe
• Rear pocket with key hook
• Front and side ski holder system
• Double ice axe holder
• Chest strap with emergency whistle
• Side compression straps
• Material loops on waist belt
• Concealed gear loops
• Compatibility with H2 Bag hydration system and external helmet holder
• Removable waistband
• Integrated Recco reflector
• Manufacturer country: Vietnam
• Link to the manufacturer

Test mode

I tested the Ferrino Osa 32 backpack during the month of April 2024, carrying out three ski mountaineering day trips in the Lagorai Alps. I also tested it during a day of ski mountaineering along dedicated routes.

Ferrino Osa 32 on-site test

First impressions

The first time you pick up the Ferrino Osa 32 you immediately appreciate the simplicity of the backpack’s design: few frills and a clean, practical look, without any style excesses. The bag mode suggests a very large stowage capacity.

The roll-up top closure and the full-length vertical zip give the impression of quick access to the contents.

The materials immediately appear high-quality and durable.

The space organisation in the Ferrino Osa 32

The volume of the Ferrino Osa is 32 litres and I was really impressed by the amount of material it can hold.

The construction is sack-like and the organisation of the spaces is therefore composed of a main compartment that has a double access route.

The first is the upper ‘roll-up’ closure system, equipped with a safety Velcro that allows quick and effective closure.

The second is a long zip that runs the entire length of the backpack, placed frontally and somewhat offset on the right side.

This zip guarantees an almost total opening of the compartment and has a water-repellent front zip to keep the stowed material completely dry.

Inside the backpack we find two smaller compartments: a zipped side pocket, useful for storing various items, and a front compartment for shovel and probe.

The latter, located on the back, is a pocket covered by a pull tab where the instructions for SOS signals are also printed. Inside is space for the shovel, while on the side, there are two elastic bands to hold the handle and probe.

Although this compartment is a pocket dedicated exclusively to the self-rescue kit and is very easy to open because of the strap, in the case of a full backpack one must first remove the material in front of it. This inevitably results in the loss of a few seconds and the risk of losing the materials removed from the backpack.

This is objectively a limitation in the functionality of the backpack in an emergency, only partly mitigated by the fact that the full-length front zip allows the contents of the backpack to be quickly emptied.

With regard to the external organisation of the space of the Ferrino Osa 32, there is a small side pocket where you can store your skins bag, for example, and a larger pocket at the top with a useful key holder.

Just below the latter is a small hinge containing the diagonal ski loading system.

Functionality and accessories

The Ferrino Osa 32 is equipped with two removable ‘anchor’ straps that can be positioned at different points of the backpack using narrow loops.

When placed on the side, these allow you to close the top of the backpack by turning the bag flap downwards.

This results in a more enveloping closure, which is especially useful when descending.

The lumbar belt has two thin, comfortable side straps with material loops.

These two straps are removable for better use when wearing a harness.

A very strong aluminium hook secures the waist belt.

The Ferrino Osa 32 features the classic dual ski loading system: the side and front (or diagonal) loading system.

In both cases the skis remain firmly in place, without excessive movement that disturbs balance.

In the front fastening, the upper strap is well stored in the pocket above the left shoulder, avoiding unnecessary tinsel when not in use. The lower loop, on the other hand, is adjustable, allowing skis to pass easily.

A double attachment system for the ice axe, with clips for the blade, enriches the Ferrino Osa 32. The handle strap keeps the ice axe very stable and the latter does not interfere with the hinges.

Finally, the Ferrino Osa 32 is equipped with the integrated Recco reflector.

Comfort and stability of the Ferrino Osa 32

The Ferrino Osa 32 has a padded, ergonomic back that adapts to the back and guarantees a truly optimal fit.

While testing, I appreciated the even weight distribution for both shoulders and hips.

The backrest is very comfortable, giving an effective wrap-around feeling over the entire length of the back.

The shoulder straps have good padding and rigidity, as do the removable parts of the hip belt.

The stability of the backpack is very high, also guaranteed by the side compression straps that stabilise the load.

Especially skiing downhill, the backpack, even if fully loaded, remains firmly in place, without excessive and annoying movement.

Recommended for

Although the company also presents it as a freeride backpack, the Ferrino OSA 32 has a distinctly ski mountaineering vocation. Starting with the litre capacity, which for freeride use is a little excessive, while it is perfect for classic one- or two-day ski mountaineering, even with mountaineering equipment in tow.

It is a product that will appeal in particular to lovers of minimalism, who prefer backpacks without too many frills and pockets. But, at the same time, it can offer everything they need, even when they have to carry their skis.

Solid, quality materials go hand in hand with a reasonable weight and excellent stability even downhill.