Osprey
Mutant 38
Best technical pack for alpine climbers and mountaineers.
Built for long days spent summit-seeking at elevation or climbing steep rock and vertical ice, the Mutant 38 is form-fitted to help you accomplish your pursuit. Developed with the help of local guides and athletes, its close-to-body fit and refined feature-set promotes safety and stability in even the worst of conditions. New colors, advanced fabrics and refined features make the latest iteration of Mutant 38 even more formidable. The whole Mutant family benefits from the addition of lightweight, recycled NanoFly® and robic fabrics for impressive durability and lower environmental impact.
$210.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
137
/ 12980
#137 in Backpacks
Price vs Category Average
+97%
Above average
Load Range
1030.513
/ - lbs / - kg
Who it's for
- Technical climbers needing specialized gear attachment points
- Mountaineers requiring gear that survives abrasive rock and ice
- Backpackers carrying heavy loads on long, demanding approaches
Who should skip it
- Organized travelers who prefer multiple pockets and dividers
- Casual hikers seeking a versatile pack for everyday use
- Solo trekkers who need quick, on-the-go hydration access
Performance breakdown
Technical Climbing Utility
Dual ToolLocks and rope compression make this a true alpine specialist.
Load Stability
Close-to-body fit ensures minimal shifting during high-intensity vertical movements.
Durability
Recycled NanoFly and high-tenacity nylon withstand abrasive rock and ice.
Winter Performance
Snowshed backpanel and glove-friendly buckles excel in harsh, freezing conditions.
Weight Efficiency
Stripped-down design balances essential features with a lightweight carry profile.
Ergonomic Comfort
Atilon framesheet provides necessary support without sacrificing essential pack flexibility.
Key Specs
Load Range
10 - 30 lbs. / 5 - 13 kg
Volume
36 L (S/M)
Dimensions
24.8H X 11.8W X 10.2D IN. (S/M)
Weight
2.52 LBS. / 1.14 KG (S/M)
Main Fabric
bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 210D high-tenacity nylon, DWR treatment made without PFAS
Lining Fabric
bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 210D nylon, DWR treatment made without PFAS
Bottom Fabric
bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 420D nylon
Backpanel
Atilon framesheet with dual aluminum stays, Snowshed fabric, Ridged EVA foam
Features
- Removable webbing gear attachment straps
- Front panel daisy chain loops, compatible with Voile straps
- Three-point haul system
- Snowshed fabric backpanel
- Dual ToolLocks with bungee tie-offs
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Lightweight, glove friendly buckles
- Rope attachment/internal compression
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Osprey Mutant 38 for its exceptional quality and specialized design tailored for alpine pursuits. Reviewers frequently highlight its robust construction and thoughtful features, such as the ice tool attachments and rope carry system, which enhance ease of use in challenging environments. The pack's reliability and comfortable fit, even when fully loaded, contribute significantly to its high regard among climbers and mountaineers. Its durability is a standout feature, ensuring it withstands rigorous conditions season after season.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is designed specifically for technical climbing. It features dual ToolLocks with bungee tie-offs for ice axes and an internal compression system that doubles as a secure rope carry.
The Mutant 38 includes removable webbing gear attachment straps, allowing you to strip down the pack's exterior when you need to save weight or reduce snag points during a climb.
No, the pack uses a specialized Snowshed fabric backpanel designed to prevent snow and ice from accumulating against your back, keeping your layers dry and comfortable.
Yes, the Mutant 38 includes an internal hydration sleeve, allowing you to easily route a hose for hands-free water access during long days in the mountains.
This pack is strictly designed for mountaineering and climbing and does not include a laptop compartment or organization features suited for daily commuting. It is optimized for technical gear and a close-to-body fit during active movement.
The Mutant 38 is designed to carry a load range of 10 to 30 pounds. Staying within this range ensures the suspension system remains stable and comfortable during technical ascents.
Still have a question?
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