Osprey Raptor 6

I purchased this pack for summer long runs (3+ hours, road and trails) where my 32oz. Camelbak just didn't carry enough liquid. I've only used it 3 times (all long runs) before the bladder started leaking, so am returning it for a different pack, but figured I'd give my initial impressions. Keep in mind this is from a running point of view, I never did try it on a bike.

+ Looks sleek and fits close to body, doesn't feel like you are wearing a heavy pack even when loaded with water.

+ Magnetic clip for bite valve is awesome, definitely one of the best features.

+ Compression bladder is nice when bladder is full, very easy to get a lot of liquid without having to expend energy sucking on the mouthpiece. As the bladder empties the compression doesn't help so much though. I did like the round bite valve much better than the one on my Camelbak.

+ Bladder is rigid and very easy to take in and out of pocket, helps when filling it up also.

+ Plenty of extra storage for extra stuff like food, cell phone, maps, etc.

+ Cloth lined pocket for easily scratchable things like sunglasses.

+ Straps easy to tighten and loosen.

+ Fits snug when should straps tightened, moves up and down just a bit unless waist belt is uncomfortably tight, but for most part I liked how it rode.

+ Lifetime "anything goes" warranty on pack, 1 year on bladder.

Ok, now the minuses...

- Hipbelt clip a bit small, need to concentrate to buckle and unbuckle when tired, at one point I almost broke one of the prongs off when I didn't get it aligned properly.

- Hipbelt rotates side to side when running, causes some discomfort to stomach area. Not really a minus for the Osprey in particular, but for any pack that has a hipbelt while running. I didn't like it (my Camelbak just has chest strap).

- Pack causes shirt to ride up above hipbelt while running, forcing me to tuck it in my shorts.

- Rigid backpad and hydration bladder add bulk to pack, definitely felt a bit heavier than I would like for short runs but for long runs not a big deal.

- Backpad kept my back nice and sweaty. There is a zipper that can be opened to remove it, but I never got a chance to experiment. It has ridges to help ventilate, but I feel a performance wicking material would probably work better.

- Adjustment strap ends are attached to a sliding clip so they don't flap, but quickly discovered that the resulting loops created more annoyances and made it harder to tighten on the go. I had to reach behind me and tuck in the shoulder strap loops to keep them from rubbing my arms while running. Biking might be a different story.

- Adjustment straps loosen really easy, which can be a plus, but also causes you to re-adjust after removing the pack for any reason. Along with having to tuck in the extra loops, it took a bit longer than I hoped to re-fill my bladder and get moving again, and kept me from grabbing stuff in the rear storage pocket as much as I would have liked.

- Hip pockets don't have any closure mechanism, so things could fall out easy, but I didn't have a problem carrying an energy bar and a small camera on one run. They aren't waterproof though, so my camera got soaked with sweat. I bought the tiniest camera I could find (Samsung TL105) and it just fit.

- Bladder started leaking after my 3rd run. Bummer, probably would have hung onto this if that hadn't happened.

For my next pack I will go with a dedicated running pack that does not rely on a hipbelt. As a hiking or biking pack, this Osprey might still be a good choice. It definitely looks cool, I had the yellow color which was perfect.

Fantastic compact hydration pack with enough room for the essentials of a day riding the trails.

Bought this pack for mountain biking and longer mtb races and it is perfect. 

The fit is amazing, as with all Osprey packs I have tried (I have a wardrobe full) and the small frame even stretches to fit my 6"5' tall boyfriend ok.

The straps aren't bulky or over the top and follow the curve of your body and shoulders nicely. You do get a sweaty back as it doesn't have the venting mesh frame, but hey — I'm riding my ass off most of the time so sweating is always expected, pack or no pack.

The hydration bladder Osprey include in their hydration line is fantastic. So easy to fill with a handle that helps the bladder keep its shape, and also easy to get back in the pocket of the pack (which can be a real pain with other styles if you have things in your bag). They have a magnetic clip system on the chest strap so the hydration tube clips into place right under your chin for easy access when fumbling for water on singletrack. (My favourite feature!)

I fit my pump, spare tubes, multitool, emergency mars bars, gels, keys, phone, snake bandage and still have space for arm warmers and a light spray jacket if needed. Yet it isn't too bulky. 

I feel confident doing 4 hours plus with this pack in the Australian bush in summer, I know I have everything I need to keep me hydrated and safe. (with perhaps an extra water bottle on my bike if its really hot!)

The only real drawback for me...the mustard yellow. But hey, at least it's high vis.

Fits a Macbook Air. I know this isn't a laptop bag, but I was very pleased when it fit my computer and charger, making it easy for me to bike to work without needing a bigger and more obvious bag.