As much as we’ve liked Osprey’s hydration packs and their included bladders, the fact that their bite valve’s “closed” position has traditionally been straight out meant that the bite valve is the first thing to hit the ground when unloading the car. Osprey have heard the cursing and the spitting of pine needles and updated their bite valve to close in line with the hose. Problem solved.
I have a raptor 14, I threw out the hydration reservoir. I prefer camelbaks because they offer a cover for the bite valve, which is important to me because I am a mountain biker, I cover myself with insect repellent. Despite osprey’s magnet on the chest strap to secure the bite valve, I still end up with DEET in my mouth when I take a drink. Osprey should offer something, even a little bag with an elastic closure, to cover their bite valve. I would still buy a raptor 18 if I could find one, the packs are well designed.
JimmyZ- Thanks for the comments. You can get an insulated delivery system for the Osprey reservoir that comes with a cover for the bite valve. The insulation helps keep the liquid in the hose from getting too hot in the summer and from freezing in the winter. The bite valve cover is easy to unzip and drink from. http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/mens_1_1/hydraulics_insulated_delivery_system