We know a fair few OM users ride mountain bikes as well as hitting the hills on two feet, so we reckon there'll be a fair amount of interest in Osprey's new range of bike-specific Raptor hydration packs and new in for review, is a brand spanking new Raptor 10.
The basic principles of the Raptor packs are the same as the multi-sport packs in Osprey's Hydraulics range like the Manta 25 we recently reviewed, but with some added bike-specific touches and a different shape along with smaller capacities.
That means the same Nalgene-made reservoir with stiffened back and magnetic bite valve facility, the ability to slide a full bladder into a loaded pack and a compression system that not only stabilises the contents of the bladder, but also means fluids are under pressure, so flow is improved.
Also similar to the Manta are perforated, stretch foam shoulder straps and waist belt and the sort of build quality and attention to detail we've come to expect from Osprey.
Where the packs differ is in the back system construction. The Raptors come in 6,10, 14 and 18-litre versions and the smaller capacities mean that the LightWire alloy frame is no longer needed, so Raptors just have the mesh-covered, ride foam AirScape back panel. As a bonus, Osprey says that arching your back when riding actually applies more pressure to the reservoir upping flow rates even further, erm, sounds interesting... Don't overdo it folks.
The packs are also a little more streamlined looking, being smaller, and have an interesting helmet holder arrangement with a shockcorded plate which goes through a helmet vent to hold the helmet securely onto the pack.
We really like the way the Manta works, so we have high expectations of the Raptor 10. A quick try-on suggested it'll give a limpet-like fit for stability when hammering it over rougher terrain and we'll be taking it out for a thrash this evening to see just how it performs.
One last thing, at 1070 grammes for pack and three-litre reservoir, it's not the lightest option out there by a way and at £74.99 not a cheap option either, so we're expecting something very good indeed. Full review to follow.
More Osprey information at www.ospreypacks.com.
