Osprey Raptor 18 Pack

The Raptor Series from Osprey Packs is the company’s first venture into a hydration system for biking and hiking applications.

  Riding on the western coast of Canada always entails a small bit of hiking, to get the good lines. (PS – check out those calves!)

Osprey is based in Cortez in south-western Colorado, but the owner of the company lives in Vietnam where the packs are manufactured. Osprey Packs come with a tonne of history.  Starting way back in 1974 in Santa Cruz, California they have won numerous design awards and continue to push forward.

   But there is always a reward for those that get off the bike and push, if only for a bit.

The Pack

The Raptor 18 is the largest in the biking/hiking line at 18 liters and contains Osprey’s “Hydrolics” hydration system. Weighing in at less that 1.2 kg (pack and hydration system empty), or 2 pounds 10 ounces for the metrically challenged, this is one light pack. Construction is predominantly  double rip stop nylon with a large elastic pocket with closure for stowing small gear.

There are numerous small pockets centered around one full pack-length compartment, accessed via a large zipper along the top half of the pack. The large compartment contains two narrow pockets along the side of the pack with a small mesh one between them to store small stuff. There is a smaller compartment at the base of the pack which also contains 2 mesh pockets for small tools and to keep items within easy reach, without having to access the main compartment. In addition to those there are two small zipper pockets located in the hip straps and one at the top of the pack in front of the hydration access. Osprey’s “LidLock” technology lashes your helmet to the top of the pack just below the main compartment’s zipper.

    The large compartment was big enough to pack all the requirements for a great ride. The zipper around the top of the pack, could have extended further down allowing for easier access to the small bits at the bottom of the pack.

The Hydration System

Based around a stand alone Nalgene baldder system which allows you to arch your back while riding, forcing water out the mouth piece, the fundamentals of the 3 litre hydration system as noted on their webpage are:

• to eliminate poor fit and carry through Osprey design, fit and sizing
• allow and enable dynamic movement
• create an efficent system for inserting and removing the reservoir
• properly compress the reservoir for consistent water delivery
• eliminate barreling
• reduce sloshing
• allow for gear storage despite full reservoir

    The magnetic attachment for the mouth piece on the chest strap illustrate Osprey’s attention to detail.

The Fit

The pack is attached to the rider with two mesh covered foam shoulder straps attached with an adjustable strap across the chest containing a magnet for securing the hydration mouth piece. In addition there is a waist strap at the bottom of the pack.

    Nice and compact, the pack fit well without feeling bulky. In fact it was probably one of the nicest fitting packs I have ever worn.

Function

The pack worked as intended – flawlessly. The restraint system was easy to set up and adjust and comfortable to wear while riding. Once on the body the pack never moved and it comforms to your shape. The pack’s slim profile and hooded zippers allowed the rider to duck under trees and branches, without worry of it catching on anything. When the pack did snag a marlin the double rip stop nylon prevented it from tearing. The vented back panel and straps kept the rider reasonaby dry.

    By simply sliding the rubber piece through one of the vents on your helmet, it was more secure than strapping it to the pack, and easier to remove with gloved hands.

When pedalling up the mountain to the goods the lidlock technology held the helemt tight to the pack, without the nuisance of it swinging around. (XC lid)

The hydration system was super easy to use, both in filling and use on the trail. The stand alone nature of the baldder and the integrated handle allowed easy removal/filling without it flopping all over the place like a baby seal. The design of the bladder allows for easy access to water while riding, without the need to suck on the mouth piece, while eliminating the sloshing of the contents, when pedalling up or decending.

Use

While historically a guy that enjoys the use of chairlifts and trucks, I have turned a corner and have begun to enjoy earning my runs. I have been known to ride from my house in Vancouver to the ferry terminal enroute to the Sunshine Coast, only to miss the ferry cut off by 2 minutes. Also when rolling Fromme or Pemberton, smashing some trails on Cypress or railing the tangled mess of XC trails in Squamish, the pack has seen a variety of locations.

     The vented straps kept the rider reasonably dry, while providing good support and a comfortable fit.

The Goods

Excellent fit – the pack hugs the body both pedalling up the hill, and again in turning around and heading back down.

Hydration System is top notch, ease of filling/emptying/use. In fact I found that I tended to drink more water with this pack than the others that I have used in the past.

Magnetic attachment on the chest strap is an excellent detail to keep the nipple where you want it.

The Not-So-Goods

The zippers easily got caught in the nylon fabric

Zipper pulls/clips/straps were too small to use with gloves on, or by people with large fingers.

The access to the main compartment could be longer. Many smaller items tended to settle at the base of the pack and were difficult to access, without emptying the entire pocket.

Not for use in wet conditions – the contents of the pack easily got wet.

Finally…
MSRP is listed on the website at $119.00 American. If you can get your hands on this pack it is well worth the cost.

For more information check ospreypacks.com

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