Osprey Raptor 14 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - 2012 Closeout

Comments about Osprey Raptor 14 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - 2012 Closeout:

There is nothing but awesome quality out of this Osprey Raptor 14 pack. I couldn't believe the quality of the seams and the construction when I got it and compared it with my other small packs that I used for hikes and mountain biking. The compartments in this pack are awesome - 1 large one, and one smaller one, as well as the bladder area if you don't use the hydration bladder. This pack is just the perfect size for an all day bike trip or an all day hiking trip.

The are a couple of minor negatives about the Raptor 14, though. The first is that the hydration bladder has a fixed tube. Guess if you really want to add an inline filter, you'd have to cut the tube and fit in some quick release ends. Washing the tube might be a problem if you want to wash out everything separately. Or, you can buy a better hydration bladder like the Geigerrig bladder system. I plan to buy a Geigerrig bladder and put it in the Raptor 14 later. Second minor negative is the hip belt. The thumb straps have a plastic coupler fixed to the strap that is used for tightening the hip belt. The plastic coupler is then hooked onto the main strap and can freely slide along the hip belt strap. So, trying to pull the hip belt tight against the waist through the thumb loop by pulling forward doesn't do much. I found out that pulling on the sides of the straps works well. And to loosen the hip belt, you can tug back on the side buckles or pull the thumb loops towards the back. I just discovered that you can take the plastic coupler off the main strap or take it out altogether if you don't like the thumb strap coupled together with the hip belt strap. By doing that, the thumb straps will hang loose and fling around. Also the belt pockets are a bit small and no zipper (guess they added the zippers in the newer version). The belt also sits a bit high, so it doesn't actually rest on the hips. That's not an issue if you're riding the bike.

Overall, I love this pack over all other hydration packs that I have owned. I got the red color one and it looks awesome, better than the web pictures I've seen. Again, no one can beat the quality of an Osprey pack. I own quite a few other bigger Osprey packs and all of them are just quality and comfort.

Comments about Osprey Raptor 14 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - 2012 Closeout:

I bought the Camelbak M.U.L.E. to compare side by side with this Osprey. It took me less than 5 minutes to pick the Osprey much better design. The magnetic hold on the mouth piece and the Nalgene reservoir was enough. You will not be disappointed.
DJ Dylan Skidmore - live life and be a light

Comments about Osprey Raptor 14 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - 2012 Closeout:

I've used Camelbak products before and I like these Osprey packs MUCH better. My son has this one and it works fantastic for him as a day pack.

Comments about Osprey Raptor 14 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - 2012 Closeout:

The construction is great and seems very sturdy even though i did mention the shoulder straps being a bit thin. They are purposely made this way to breathe and keep you from sweating. Being a day pack, this will typically not be packed very heavy anyway. However I have packed it full of heavy groceries and it still carries very well and stays well centered on my back. I decided to purchase this pack after owning an Osprey Aether 70 and trying on many smaller packs in the store. (Was primarily looking for a mountain biking pack) Osprey makes good quality packs with well thought out designs. I have been mainly using for mountain biking and snowboarding (w/o the hydration bladder obviously on the snow). I like the water bottle holders and compression straps. Best part is that it fits close to the body and stays centered so that i don't even know its there while on the trails. Large enough for small tools, extra water bottles, snacks, spare tubes/parts etc, even an extra layer. Bike helmet holder is a nice extra feature too! In response to the one other review below me, the water bladder hose can be turned to an "off" position to prevent leaks. Another important point to mention is the bladder hose snaps to a magnet on the shoulder strap to provide easy usage while on the go. This magnet warned not to wear the pack if you have a pacemaker/defibralator, as this magnet is very strong and could set it off. Even though it can be removed, the bladder hose still contains the other half of the magnet and therefore i would look into another option that does not contain the magnet feature. I usually don't bother to post reviews but this product deserves it! Bottom line, this pack rules.

Comments about Osprey Raptor 14 Hydration Pack - 100 fl. oz. - 2012 Closeout:

This is a good piece of equipment that is well made and well designed. I bite valve works well, although if you throw the pack in the back or your truck and other gear presses on top of the valve, it will leak a bit. I learned the hard way. Overall, a great piece that I would recommend.