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Osprey Adds Killer Features to Hydration Packs, Updates Reservoir & Adds Women’s Raven

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Osprey Raptor hydration pack gets new tool roll and zip in hydration tube

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.

Osprey Viper hydration pack gets new zippered drinking hose tunnel

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.

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chuck
chuck
11 years ago

So heavy. So many little do-dads you don’t need or want. Why have a heavy, sweaty hip belt for maybe 8 pounds of gear.

Gc
Gc
11 years ago

What would you use Instead?

Fox
Fox
11 years ago

Chuck,
A lot of people like a nice hip belt because it gets the weight off of your shoulders and the hip belt pockets provide easy access to items like snacks or a camera without removing the pack. For these riders, Osprey makes the Raptor series. Other people like you don’t want a hip belt and prefer a lighter more streamlined pack. For those riders, Osprey makes the Viper series with a removable webbing hip belt. You’re covered either way.

Tony
Tony
10 years ago

I have the Osprey Viper 7 and love it. 70oz of water and 400 cu/in storage. For all day epic adventures where there is no option of refilling water and you want to carry tubes/tire just incase, a big pack is the way to go. I’m not trying to get stranded in the mountains where there is no cell service.

+1 on what Fox said. It’s nice to have access to gels without removing the pack. I usually stuff them in my jersey pockets when using the Viper.

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