I've been running an Osprey Raptor 14 for years and years and have yet to find anything better. I've always really liked the look of these ESWE ones and some of the Ergon ones. The Osprey is crazy light, super tough (very torn, never broken a zipper), and stays put. I swear they used to come in multiple sizes.
I'm always looking for something lighter or more minimal but hip packs don't work well if they're overloaded and all the ones I've tried are tricky to get a water bottle back in while you're riding and more minimal packs typically haven't fit well (don't carry what I need, move around a lot, etc) and they generally don't save any weight so what's the point. The Raptor is light, expandable and tough as hell. It's the oldest piece of gear I run on virtually every ride for the last 8 years.
I have Osprey travel packs too. I'm definitely a fan.
Edit: I did break the sternum buckle once when I slammed it in my car door. Ordered a replacement and had it installed by Leslie's Luggage across from the old MEC on Broadway.
Oct. 4, 2022, 7:08 a.m. - Cr4w
I've been running an Osprey Raptor 14 for years and years and have yet to find anything better. I've always really liked the look of these ESWE ones and some of the Ergon ones. The Osprey is crazy light, super tough (very torn, never broken a zipper), and stays put. I swear they used to come in multiple sizes. I'm always looking for something lighter or more minimal but hip packs don't work well if they're overloaded and all the ones I've tried are tricky to get a water bottle back in while you're riding and more minimal packs typically haven't fit well (don't carry what I need, move around a lot, etc) and they generally don't save any weight so what's the point. The Raptor is light, expandable and tough as hell. It's the oldest piece of gear I run on virtually every ride for the last 8 years. I have Osprey travel packs too. I'm definitely a fan. Edit: I did break the sternum buckle once when I slammed it in my car door. Ordered a replacement and had it installed by Leslie's Luggage across from the old MEC on Broadway.