Finding the perfect mountain bike pack can make your rides that much better, and today I try to find that ultimate pack in the Osprey Raptor 14.
I’ve used the Osprey Raptor 14 on all my rides for the last 2 months.
This includes ripping through Curt Gowdy State Park, Hard Money in Black Hawk, all over Winter Park / Fraser, Frisco, Breckinridge, Teton Valley, and Sun Valley Idaho.
What I love about the Osprey Raptor 14 backpack
- There are so many organizational compartments. You have places for snacks, a 2.5 liter bladder (included), helmet carry, plus a larger zippered compartment, two stash pouches on the back, and another two side pouches (where I’ve been tucking my gloves).
- The Osprey bladders are the best, and it comes loaded with a 2.5 liter.
- In fact, I love the whole bladder system in the pack. How it hangs. It’s easy to get in and out. The hose staying zippered out of the way. And the magnet on the chest strap. All good stuff!
- The shoulder straps and back panel are very nice and comfortable.
- The big pull loops that Osprey used on all the zippers are clutch, and so easy to use, even with gloves on.
- AND what a great addition of the built in tool compartment! This should be industry standard!
Where the Raptor 14 leaves me wanting more…
- The waist strap is just uncomfortable. It feels like it should have been wider. Because it’s so narrow, it digs into my stomach when tight. And I can’t get the pack to fit tight enough for bombing down technical single track without the waist strap being up around my belly button. Otherwise the whole pack jumps around. If I’m moving slower (or climbing) I can have the waist strap at my hips, where it feels comfortable, but I need to readjust when things get interesting.
- The pack feels good when it’s minimally loaded, but once I add a jacket, a few extra snacks, and a full bladder, it feels bulky.
- The waist strap pockets are too far back, and make it awkward when trying to grab a snack or the bike multi tool that I like handy. Also, they are too small for the smaller sized iPhone Pro.
- I wish there was an add on attachment for my GoPro so I didn’t have to wear the GoPro chest harness under the pack. This isn’t deal breaker, but would be nice.
Overall
It’s a really good mountain bike backpack, with all the features you need to keep you fueled, and able to bring all the safety gear you need for a whole day of mountain biking fun.
Try the backpack on, and if the waist strap feels good to you… rock it!
The bladder and tool kit compartment are industry leading for sure!
If you like your pack to feel super secure when bombing down a trail or launching off jumps… this might not be your ideal pack. But if you aren’t getting crazy on your bike… this could be a great pack for you!
Where to buy
Osprey makes their Raptor packs in 14 and 10 liter sizes, and an equivalent female version (called the Raven) in the same sizes.
