The Osprey Escapist 25 is a beefed-up, more bike-friendly take on the established Talon daypack range and while it's slanted squarely at mountain bikers, it's also ideal for anyone looking for a neatly compartmentalised and generally tougher take on the Talon.
Technical Lowdown
As ever with Osprey, there's loads going on with the Escapist, but the three main points we'd pick out are the Bio-stretch ventilated harness and AirScape back panel, which incorporate venting and enough stretch for a little give even when things are well snugged down for stability.
The super tough feeling Nylon fabrics, including a reinforced base, which should cope easily with the occasional crash as well as general wear and abrasion.
Finally, there's the compartmentalisation. There's a lower compartment with its own zipped entry along with a zipped internal divider so you have just one large main storage space or two, just like with Osprey's big load haulers.
Additionally, there's a front pocket with internal sleeves for bike tools and pumps, though you can equally well use them for other stuff too. The key point is that it makes organising your kit on the move easier.
First Impressions
We actually got the Escapist in with an eye on a big hut-to-hut bike trip later in the year, but what weren't expecting is just how good it's turned out to be as an all-round, fast-moving outdoors pack.
The ergonomics are spot on thanks to an adjustable back length - there are two sizes of the pack available - and a harness with just enough give to be snugged right down without feeling tight or restrictive.
It's great on a bike, where the pack sits low enough not to foul a helmet on steep descents, but also spot on for running or fast walking where the pack feels absolutely planted with a confident, limpet-like fit on your back. As a bonus, the back system has a little venting, but crucially is non absorbent, so won't turn into a soggy sponge as soon as the sweat starts to run.
It feels distinctly tougher than the Talon as well thanks to fabrics beefed up to cope with the odd crash and while that makes it slightly heavier, it should also cope with a little more abuse as a result.
There's plenty more to like too. Lots of pockets - easy zipped ones on hip-belt and one shoulder straps, which are ideal for snacks, gels, phone and anything else you want easy access to. Then there are three stretch mesh stuff pockets, which - in the case of the side ones - you can reach easily while wearing the pack, plus a front pocket with tool sleeves and the divided, panel-access main compartment.
We like the option of a separate lower compartment, where you can stow, say, a waterproof jacket, some emergency insulation or even an ultra-lightweight sleeeping bag and access it without half-emptying the rest of the pack.
The same's true of the external hydration reservoir sleeve which means you can top up your water supplies without disturbing the contents. All of that makes this a great pack if you like to organise what you carry, though you can still un-zip the internal divider and have just a single, large compartment.
We can't fault the bike features either. LidLock is great if you're pushing up something steep and gnarly in the noon sun, tool stowage is easy and there's even a slot to hold a rear light.
Initial Verdict
We were expecting this to be a great bike pack, but we're blown away by its general useability too. It's comfortable, grips your back like a limpet and is beautifully made and well thought out too.
That makes it a great option not just for those who ride mountain bikes, but for anyone looking for a tougher take on the Talon. Sure, there are lighter alternatives out there, but they're unlikely to be quite as durable. A surprisingly crackingly good fast-mover's daypack.
