On the lookout for a brand new mountain bike hydration backpack? I really like my Osprey Raven! Dive into this trustworthy evaluation to see if it’s the correct pack for you.
There are two camps of mountain bikers: those that put on hip packs and people who choose backpacks. I fall firmly within the backpack-loving crowd. I simply don’t discover hip packs to be snug, particularly since I drink a number of water and must fill my 2+ L hydration reservoir.
So now that I’ve established that I really like backpacks, what’s the perfect backpack for mountain bikers? I’ve tried plenty of them, however the one which wins the award in my e-book is the Osprey Raven 10L (that’s the Osprey Raptor 10L for the fellows). This pack is particularly designed for mountain bikers with a ton of nice options like an built-in software roll, LidLock helmet attachment, and a bike-specific winged shoulder harness for all-day consolation on the path.
I’ve been utilizing the Osprey Raven for a number of years now and I received’t be swapping it for one thing else anytime quickly. On this publish, I share my trustworthy ideas of the Osprey Raven (and Raptor) that can assist you resolve if that is 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 considerate design and sturdy building. Listed here are just a few key options:
Osprey Raven/Raptor professionals
Osprey Raven/Raptor Cons
The Device Roll
The built-in software roll is admittedly the promoting level for the Osprey Raven and Raptor by way of mountain biker-specific options. It’s positioned in a separate compartment on the backside of the pack and has a number of small and huge mesh pockets to maintain all of your instruments and small spare elements organized.
There are two options of the software roll that I actually like:
- There’s a cloth sq. on the finish of the roll to put out your small elements out on in order that they don’t get misplaced within the filth, sand, or vegetation.
- The entire software roll is detachable by way of a hook/loop system. That is very nice so that you don’t need to swap every part out should you resolve to make use of a special pack for the day or it’s time to throw it within the laundry.
I hold most of my mountain bike pack necessities within the software roll in order that I all the time know the place they’re and they’re simply accessible.
Pockets & Group
I want pockets. Plenty of pockets. For snacks, for miscellaneous instruments and spares, for an additional layer, and for my keys, and so on… I like to hold issues organized and my Osprey Raven 10L doesn’t let me down.
This pack is designed with:
Hydration Reservoir
I drink a number of water and I love to do big-mile rides, so I solely search for hydration packs which have a 3L hydration reservoir capability. Each the 10L and the 14L fashions of the Osprey Raven and Raptor sequence can match a 3L reservoir. Bear in mind, you’ll be able to all the time fill your bladder half-full and even swap it out for a smaller reservoir, however you’ll be able to’t stuff a 3L reservoir right into a pack that was designed to hold a 2L one!
One nice characteristic associated to the hydration reservoir is the clip that retains the bladder from sliding down. I additionally just like the lengthy zippered hose ‘tunnel’ – no extra threading the hose by means of small holes and channels like I needed to do in my Dakine packs!
The explanation that I give this characteristic 4/5 stars is as a result of Osprey has had a little bit of an issue with hydration reservoir high quality… the one which got here with my pack leaked and I wanted to get it warrantied. My dad’s new Osprey reservoir he bought (separate from a pack) additionally leaked. Osprey is nice about sending out new ones, nevertheless it’s a bit annoying to need to undergo that course of. I hope they get the standard management situation discovered quickly.
Consolation & Match
Consolation is large on the subject of mountain bike backpacks, proper? I do know I don’t wish to put on an uncomfortable pack for a number of hours whereas pedaling my bike! I’m not simply saying this, however the Osprey Raven 10L is essentially the most snug pack I’ve tried.
The cyclist-specific winged harness form does a fantastic job of distributing weight and preserving the sternum strap helps hold strain off the shoulders.
The one time I don’t discover the Osprey Raven snug is once I’m doing jumps and drops or notably rowdy downhills. It does shift round a bit and I must tighten the straps to an uncomfortable degree to forestall the pack from jostling round. However for regular, on a regular basis driving this isn’t a difficulty.
Males’s vs Girls’s vs Prolonged Match
The Osprey Raven/Raptor sequence is out there in just a few completely different fashions that can assist you get the correct match:
- Osprey Raven: That is the ladies’s model. It has a barely shorter torso size than the Males’s Raptor, a narrower shoulder width, and repositioned hip belt pockets to accommodate for wider hips.
- Osprey Raptor: That is the lads’s model. It has a barely longer torso size than the ladies’s Raven and a wider shoulder harness width.
- Osprey Raven Prolonged Match: That is for bigger larger-bodied feminine riders. It has longer sternum and waist straps and prolonged shoulder straps.
Air flow
I sweat loads. I imply loads! I get it from my dad… So, good air flow is necessary to me. Whereas I’m by no means going to discover a mountain bike backpack that offers me wind tunnel air flow, the Osprey Raven does do a reasonably good job at preserving my again ethereal and funky.
The Raven/Raptor sequence is designed with an AirScape™ Backpanel. That is primarily a layer of mesh over a panel of ridged foam air flow channels. It’s inferior to the 3D-tensioned again panel of the Osprey Mira, it does hold the pack near the physique, which is what you need when bombing downhill.
weatherproofness & Sturdiness
The outer shell of the Osprey Raven is comprised of sturdy nylon (partially recycled). It additionally has a sturdy water repellant (DWR end), which helps thrust back mild rain. That being stated, it’s positively not waterproof.
My largest critique for the Raven and Raptor is that it doesn’t include – and even have the choice of buying individually – a water-resistant cowl. However, I assume we actually shouldn’t be driving within the rain, so… And, I really don’t know of any mountain bike pack that does include a rain cowl.
Is that this pack for you?
The Osprey Raven and Raptor are among the many greatest hydration packs for mountain bikers. I’ve tried a number of packs and my Osprey Raven 10L is to this point my favourite. I really like all of the considerate touches and options that make it cyclist-specific and I can attest that it’s snug to journey with, even on huge mile days.
The place it does fall quick is for bike park or rowdy driving, however usually these are lap type of days, so it’s simple to stash a water bottle someplace shut and go away the pack at residence.
In case you’re searching for a cushty and sturdy pack with plenty of group and nice air flow, the Osprey Raven or Raptor is a good selection!
The way it compares
The Osprey Raven and Raptor are a fantastic choose for riders preferring a hydration backpack. I personally love my Raven 10L and don’t suppose I’ll be swapping it out anytime quickly. In case you’re not offered on this pack, although, listed below are just a few extra to contemplate.
Nonetheless purchasing round? Try my publish on the Greatest Hydration Packs for Mountain Bikers for much more choices.
FAQs & Details
Q: What makes the Osprey Raven & Raptor mountain bike-specific?
There are just a few options that make the Osprey Raven and Raptor mountain bike-specific:
– The software roll that’s positioned in a separate compartment on the backside of the pack
– The winged harness, which is particularly designed for consolation in a biking place
– The LidLock clip for carrying your helmet
– The AirScape again panel for wonderful air flow
Q: What’s the distinction between the Raptor and Raven?
The Raptor is the lads’s model and the Raven is the ladies’s model. The Raptor has a barely longer torso and a wider shoulder harness, however apart from that the 2 packs are the identical.
Q: Ought to I get the 10L or 14L?
I initially ordered the 14L as a result of I wish to be ready with instruments and different necessities, particularly once I’m driving alone. However I ended up sending it again to get the smaller 10L pack. For on a regular basis driving, the 10L ought to suffice. In case you are guiding or teaching and wish to hold a primary support equipment or doing particularly lengthy rides, you may wish to go together with the 14L
Q: What’s the prolonged match?
The prolonged match mannequin for the Osprey Raven is new for 2024. It’s designed for larger-bodied girls to enhance match and luxury.
Store the Raven & Raptor at
What mountain bike pack do you utilize? Have you ever tried the Osprey Raven or Raptor? What are your ideas on it? Go away a remark beneath!
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I’ve been considering getting a new hydration pack for mountain biking. This review makes the Osprey Raven sound appealing, especially with its comfort features.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Osprey Raven. It’s good to know about the pros and cons before making a purchase.
I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the pack’s features. It seems like a solid option for longer rides.
It’s interesting to read about your experience with the hydration reservoir issues. Quality control can really affect user satisfaction.
Overall, this review is helpful for anyone looking for a mountain biking backpack. The organization and comfort aspects are particularly relevant.