out here on the east coast, i don't have too many options for scrambles/climbs like out in CO. but i have used it on scrambly hikes/climbs like the Billy Goat Trail and Old Rag. Old Rag has some narrow sections, when i hiked it with my Osprey Stratos 24 there were a couple spots I had to take the pack off to fit through. i can fit through those sections wearing the Duro. the front straps aren't particularly bulky, they can be if you have them loaded down with stuff, but i usually just keep my phone, a map, and soft flasks in them. at worst i may need to take the soft flasks out if the squeeze is that tight, or you could just stick to the bladder. the flasks can get loose and fall out as they get empty when you're leaning over a lot, there are restraining loops but i always forget to use them. the 15 also has hip pockets, so i stash my usual hip pocket stuff (sunscreen, snacks, etc.) there.easyridertme wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2019 11:06 amThe 15L Duro doesn't seem to have much of a weight advantage over other pack-in-a-pack options at like 26oz, but you make a great point about vest-style packs probably being a lot better for scrambling in terms of balancing gear weight and stability. What kind of climbs have you done with the packs? Do you get into any situation where the bulky front straps became annoying or problematic? (I'm imagining it being awkward in tight spots like chimneys and whatnot...)timisimaginary wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2019 10:28 amlately i've taken to vest-style trail running packs, i've got the 6L and 15L Osprey Duros. they make great scrambling packs. you can store stuff in the chest pockets, like soft flasks, phone, snacks, which can also help counterbalance gear stored in the back, and the vest-style fit keeps everything snug against your body, since they're designed to keep bouncing down during running. the 15L has plenty of room for layers, raingear, bivy, first aid kit, etc. and while it has some structure and padding, it still packs down pretty easily if you needed to fit it into a larger pack.
I'll bet Justiner could also shed some like on this with the UD vests/packs...
one advantage especially for the UD vests is how the back can cinch down so tightly, which keeps everything really snug to the body. the Duro cinches down too, but not as much (that's why i have the 6L too, in warm weather i'm not carrying enough to be able to cinch the 15L down all the way, but i have that problem more for trail runs where any little bounce can get annoying eventually).