There are very few pieces of gear I own that I would characterize as perfect. This is one of them.
I’m shocked I haven’t mentioned this piece of gear before, because it’s on my back just about every time I throw a leg over my mountain bike. But when I saw it hanging in the garage looking like this, I’m glad I didn’t, because this picture really sums up how awesome it is.
This is my Osprey Raptor hydration pack, and it is amazing. Every detail of the pack is meticulously designed and engineered to be equal parts bombproof and useful, from the cinch straps, to the helmet mount, to the waterproof phone pocket. The bite valve is easily the best I’ve used on any pack from any manufacturer, and it’s paired with a bladder that should be the industry standard..
The retention system is possibly the best feature of the pack, if one could be chosen. The straps are wide and ergonomically curved, and the waist band sits right on top of your hips, taking the load off your shoulders. This is crucial when hiking or biking with the pack loaded up and full of water, because it prevents fatigue. Honestly, you barely notice it’s there, even when it has 20+ lbs of gear and water in it. And it’ll hold all of that securely enough to never bounce or jostle while mountain biking.
I picked up the pack in California in 2011, and since then, it’s seen thousands of miles of use and abuse in every imaginable condition. I’ve crashed in it, landed on it, and raced with it, and all I’ve ever had to do was replace one worn-out bladder. If you’re looking for a pack, stop. And buy an Osprey. There just isn’t anything better.