Osprey has updated their hydration pack line with some fantastic new (and unique) features.
The Raptor, above, gets lighter shoulder straps with better ventilation and a more vented back panel. Bottom panel contains a roll out tool pouch. Side pockets have a full zip with a gusset to open wider and make access easier. Perhaps the best innovation is the dedicated zipper on the right shoulder strap that captures the drinking tube, which eliminates having to snake it through tunnels, holes and loops. Detail photos of all features and more below.
On the bottom row is the Raven, a new women’s version of the Raptor…
No more fishing your hose through tiny holes and loops. The outer flaps are a light mesh that still allows heat and sweat to escape through the shoulder strap.
Shoulder straps have a lot of holes in the padding, which is thin enough to be light but still has the expected substance. Note the waist strap pocket’s front gusset, letting it open wide enough to grab the contents easily. Pockets also seem a bit larger than before. On the right, the Raptor gets the roll out tool organizer of their larger packs, albeit a bit narrower.
Viper gets redesigned with more ventilation on back panel and shoulder straps, too. Main panel has sleeves for pumps, then an open stuff pocket and smaller front zip panel with mesh organization pockets. Sizing was modified to a 5, 9 and 13 liter pack capacity. It also gets the zippered drink tube feature.
Reservoir gets tweaked with their own design, no longer working with Nalgene. Back panel is welded in rather than sewn in, which makes cleaning easier. Cap is 3/4 turn and tubing is now 1/4″ inside diameter so it’ll work with third party filters and other inline accessories. Two and three liter options, both slimmer than before, too.
