Trying to find a model new mountain bike hydration backpack? I actually like my Osprey Raven! Dive into this honest consider to see if it’s the becoming pack for you.
There are two camps of mountain bikers: people who placed on hip packs and people who select backpacks. I fall firmly throughout the backpack-loving crowd. I merely don’t uncover hip packs to be comfortable, notably since I drink numerous water and should fill my 2+ L hydration reservoir.
So now that I’ve established that I actually like backpacks, what’s the right backpack for mountain bikers? I’ve tried numerous them, nevertheless the one which wins the award in my e-book is the Osprey Raven 10L (that’s the Osprey Raptor 10L for the blokes). This pack is especially designed for mountain bikers with a ton of good choices like an built-in software program roll, LidLock helmet attachment, and a bike-specific winged shoulder harness for all-day comfort on the trail.
I’ve been using the Osprey Raven for various years now and I gained’t be swapping it for one factor else anytime rapidly. On this put up, I share my honest concepts of the Osprey Raven (and Raptor) that may enable you resolve if that’s the mountain biking pack for you.
Osprey Raven 10 at a Look
$165
The Osprey Raven 10 and Osprey Raptor 10 are made for mountain bikers with a thoughtful design and durable constructing. Listed below are only a few key choices:
Osprey Raven/Raptor execs
Osprey Raven/Raptor Cons
The Machine Roll
The built-in software program roll is admittedly the marketing stage for the Osprey Raven and Raptor on the subject of mountain biker-specific choices. It’s located in a separate compartment on the bottom of the pack and has various small and large mesh pockets to take care of all your devices and small spare parts organized.
There are two choices of the software program roll that I really like:
- There’s a fabric sq. on the end of the roll to place out your small parts out on so that they don’t get misplaced throughout the filth, sand, or vegetation.
- Your entire software program roll is removable by a hook/loop system. That may be very good so that you just don’t ought to swap all of the items out for many who resolve to utilize a definite pack for the day or it’s time to throw it throughout the laundry.
I protect most of my mountain bike pack requirements throughout the software program roll so that I on a regular basis know the place they’re they usually’re merely accessible.
Pockets & Group
I need pockets. Quite a few pockets. For snacks, for miscellaneous devices and spares, for a further layer, and for my keys, and so forth… I wish to protect points organized and my Osprey Raven 10L doesn’t let me down.
This pack is designed with:
Hydration Reservoir
I drink numerous water and I like to do big-mile rides, so I solely seek for hydration packs which have a 3L hydration reservoir functionality. Every the 10L and the 14L fashions of the Osprey Raven and Raptor assortment can match a 3L reservoir. Keep in mind, you can on a regular basis fill your bladder half-full and even swap it out for a smaller reservoir, nevertheless you can’t stuff a 3L reservoir proper right into a pack that was designed to carry a 2L one!
One good attribute related to the hydration reservoir is the clip that retains the bladder from sliding down. I moreover similar to the prolonged zippered hose ‘tunnel’ – no additional threading the hose through small holes and channels like I wanted to do in my Dakine packs!
The reason that I give this attribute 4/5 stars is because of Osprey has had a little bit little bit of a problem with hydration reservoir prime quality… the one which acquired right here with my pack leaked and I needed to get it warrantied. My dad’s new Osprey reservoir he purchased (separate from a pack) moreover leaked. Osprey is sweet about sending out new ones, but it surely absolutely’s a bit annoying to ought to bear that course of. I hope they get the usual administration scenario found rapidly.
Comfort & Match
Comfort is massive referring to mountain bike backpacks, correct? I do know I don’t have to placed on an uncomfortable pack for various hours whereas pedaling my bike! I’m not merely saying this, nevertheless the Osprey Raven 10L might be probably the most comfortable pack I’ve tried.
The cyclist-specific winged harness type does an unimaginable job of distributing weight and holding the sternum strap helps protect stress off the shoulders.
The one time I don’t uncover the Osprey Raven comfortable is after I’m doing jumps and drops or considerably rowdy downhills. It does shift spherical a bit and I need to tighten the straps to an uncomfortable diploma to cease the pack from jostling spherical. Nonetheless for normal, frequently utilizing this isn’t an issue.
Males’s vs Women’s vs Extended Match
The Osprey Raven/Raptor assortment is obtainable in only a few fully totally different fashions that may enable you get the becoming match:
- Osprey Raven: That’s the women’s mannequin. It has a barely shorter torso measurement than the Males’s Raptor, a narrower shoulder width, and repositioned hip belt pockets to accommodate for wider hips.
- Osprey Raptor: That’s the boys’s mannequin. It has a barely longer torso measurement than the women’s Raven and a wider shoulder harness width.
- Osprey Raven Extended Match: That’s for greater larger-bodied female riders. It has longer sternum and waist straps and extended shoulder straps.
Air circulate
I sweat tons. I indicate tons! I get it from my dad… So, good air circulate is significant to me. Whereas I’m not at all going to find a mountain bike backpack that provides me wind tunnel air circulate, the Osprey Raven does do a fairly good job at holding my once more ethereal and funky.
The Raven/Raptor assortment is designed with an AirScape™ Backpanel. That’s primarily a layer of mesh over a panel of ridged foam air circulate channels. It’s not so good because the 3D-tensioned once more panel of the Osprey Mira, it does protect the pack close to the physique, which is what you want when bombing downhill.
weatherproofness & Sturdiness
The outer shell of the Osprey Raven is produced from sturdy nylon (partially recycled). It moreover has a sturdy water repellant (DWR finish), which helps thrust again light rain. That being talked about, it’s undoubtedly not waterproof.
My best critique for the Raven and Raptor is that it doesn’t embrace – and even have the selection of shopping for individually – a waterproof cowl. Nonetheless, I assume we really shouldn’t be utilizing throughout the rain, so… And, I actually don’t know of any mountain bike pack that does embrace a rain cowl.
Is that this pack for you?
The Osprey Raven and Raptor are among the many many best hydration packs for mountain bikers. I’ve tried numerous packs and my Osprey Raven 10L is up to now my favorite. I actually like the entire thoughtful touches and choices that make it cyclist-specific and I can attest that it’s comfortable to journey with, even on large mile days.
The place it does fall transient is for bike park or rowdy utilizing, nevertheless often these are lap form of days, so it’s simple to stash a water bottle someplace shut and depart the pack at home.
Within the occasion you’re looking out for a cosy and durable pack with quite a few group and good air circulate, the Osprey Raven or Raptor is an efficient choice!
The best way it compares
The Osprey Raven and Raptor are an unimaginable select for riders preferring a hydration backpack. I personally love my Raven 10L and don’t suppose I’ll be swapping it out anytime rapidly. Within the occasion you’re not supplied on this pack, though, listed beneath are only a few additional to ponder.
Nonetheless buying spherical? Strive my put up on the Most interesting Hydration Packs for Mountain Bikers for rather more selections.
FAQs & Particulars
Q: What makes the Osprey Raven & Raptor mountain bike-specific?
There are only a few choices that make the Osprey Raven and Raptor mountain bike-specific:
– The software program roll that is located in a separate compartment on the bottom of the pack
– The winged harness, which is especially designed for comfort in a biking place
– The LidLock clip for carrying your helmet
– The AirScape once more panel for fantastic air circulate
Q: What’s the excellence between the Raptor and Raven?
The Raptor is the boys’s mannequin and the Raven is the women’s mannequin. The Raptor has a barely longer torso and a wider shoulder harness, nevertheless other than that the two packs are the an identical.
Q: Should I get the 10L or 14L?
I initially ordered the 14L because of I want to be prepared with devices and totally different requirements, notably after I’m utilizing alone. Nonetheless I ended up sending it once more to get the smaller 10L pack. For frequently utilizing, the 10L must suffice. In the event you’re guiding or instructing and wish to maintain a major assist gear or doing notably prolonged rides, you may have to go together with the 14L
Q: What is the extended match?
The extended match model for the Osprey Raven is new for 2024. It’s designed for larger-bodied women to boost match and luxurious.
Retailer the Raven & Raptor at
What mountain bike pack do you utilize? Have you ever ever tried the Osprey Raven or Raptor? What are your concepts on it? Depart a comment below!
Was this put up helpful?
buy me a espresso!
I actually like writing regarding the places I’ve biked and scary you to get out and uncover the world by your self two wheels. If this put up has been helpful, take into consideration displaying your thanks with a small donation. It helps me protect TWW going. Thanks and protect your wheels spinning!
Thanks for sharing your insights on the Osprey Raven. I’ve been considering a new hydration pack, and your detailed review really helps in making a decision.
Interesting take on the Osprey Raven. I appreciate the breakdown of pros and cons; it’s useful to know what to expect before purchasing.
I have always been a fan of backpacks over hip packs as well. Your experience with the hydration reservoir leaking is concerning, but overall it seems like a solid option.
Good review! The features you mentioned, especially the tool roll and organization pockets, sound practical for long rides.
I found your comparison between the Raven and Raptor models particularly helpful. It’s great that you highlighted specific needs for different body types.