Review: Osprey Raptor 10

I recently started using an Osprey Raptor 10 pack and let me say I like it. I picked up a Osprey Flap Jack pack for my work travel and really liked it. I was so impressed with the quality of the Flap Jack that I looked for a new hydration pack for 1 to 2 hour rides from Osprey. I got an Osprey Raptor 10 and it is a great bag.

The attention to detail is amazing. They clearly thought through everything. Lets check out some of the nice touches.

The shoulder straps are lightweight foam with cutouts to let them breath and keep you cool.

And what I think is the greatest idea I have seen in a hydration bag in a long time is this magnet on the sternum strap to keep the bite valve from bouncing around when you are riding. It just works so well and so easy to use while riding.

The valve also has a shutoff by turning it one way, which is great to keep you water from spilling during transport.

While we are talking straps, the sternum strap adjusts easily by sliding it up or down on this piece here.

The bag has 3 main compartments on the back,  an external flap area on the back and each side of the waist belt has two small slots to hold things.

Right on the back where it says Raptor 10 is a large pocket to hold a jacket or popped tubes. It is deceptively large.

The top pocket is what Osprey calls “NoScratch” which is a heat embossed fabric, or think of it as a big pocket made out of glasses case material.

What I was saying about attention to detail is obvious here, like most people I listen to an iPod/iPhone while riding, and this pocket is perfect for that. But they added to it buy making a notch in the trim to hold you earphone cable.

 Then the main tool compartment is set up perfectly, with slots to hold your pump, tools, an elastic mesh spot and a perfect spot for a soulrun tool roll.

The waist belt is a great design, instead of just a 1″ thick piece of webbing it uses panels of material then 3/4″ webbing. The pack comes in two sizes S/M and M/L. I got the M/L but I probably should of gotten the S/M.

The waist belt also has compression straps on it to pull the pack closer so it does not move around on technical trails.

The pack also has a side stash pocket for your keys.

Osprey uses a Nalgene bladder. It stashes in above the shoulder strap adjusters at the top of the pack.

And there is a little strap to keep the bladder from sliding down.

I don’t know why I have not seen this before, but the bladder is rigid and has a handle making it easy to fill and easy to get back in the bag. It is such a pain on other bags to cram the bladder back in the bag when full.

The bag also has a light loop which can be used to hold the waist belt out of the way if you are not using it.

And a neat atachement to hold your helmet after the ride.

And here is another shot on me.

So how does it work when riding? Awesome. It does not move around at all. I have been using a Deuter Race X Air  for longer rides, but this has replaced it. Where the deuter would move around a bit when going over roots and rocks this stays put. It fits really well and is built to last.

Also I have been using it on day hikes and it is really handy for that as well.

Bottom line: Buy it, its a great bag, well built and a good deal at the price. I will actually look at Osprey before any other brand now for packs from now on… I’m a believer.

Osprey says:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=198&colorCode=520&tab=description

Raptor 10

Mountain Biking
An ideal size for everyday riding, the Raptor 10 offers streamlined organization with enough room for extra food and layers.  Lower side compression straps keep the load close to your back and a stretch woven front pocket stashes extra gear.

* 3-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included
Colors available: Silt Gray, Spruce Green, Sand Gold