The multi-award winning Osprey raptor 14 is your perfect companion for long days in the mountains or at the trail centre. Designed specifically for mountain biking it features plenty of storage for all your clothing and equipment and has an integrated 3.0l hydration bladder, rapid access Tool Wrap and the brilliant Lid Lock helmet retention system.
Comfort and stability is taken care of by the fully ventilated carrying system that uses Osprey's superb AirScape back panel. Ridged foam sections are overlaid with breathable mesh to allow maximum airflow whilst retaining full contact for stability. Both the shoulder straps and the hip belt are fully ventilated and have an element of stretch to allow the pack to move with you even on the most demanding single track.
Access to the integrated Hydraulics bladder is quick and easy thanks to the long zip that extends down onto the shoulder strap to captivate the hose. A magnet on the bite valve connects to the sternum strap to stop the bite valve flapping around when riding and places it within easy reach. The bladder itself is simply one of the best available and features a large easy opening and a unique hydrostatic plate that maintains an anatomical shape and keeps the water pressure high for a smooth delivery without having to suck hard.
The main compartment features plenty of space for lightweight waterproofs, food and first aid kits and has a zipped mesh organiser pocket and two pump sleeves for shock pumps and air cannisters etc. An external soft lined zipped pocket is ideal for glasses and other equipment that you want to keep safe and scratch free. On the front of the pack a quick release panel acts to compress the load and adds useful extra storage and has a vertically zipped organiser pocket; there is even a stretchy stash pocket on top of that with mesh drainage designed to accept wet soggy clothing. Two stretchy hip belt pockets complete the multiple storage options and are ideal for energy gels and snacks.
One of the features we love the most is the rapid access ToolWrap in the base compartment. This enables you to store all your tools in one well organised space so they are easily accessed when you need to make some trail side repairs; the ToolWarp itself is secured by toggles and can be completely removed should you need the extra space or if you are working on the bike back at home.
The unique LidLock system provides a quick and secure attachment point for your helmet without taking up valuable storage space inside the pack. I reckon we have got around 100 years of mountain biking experience between us here at Trekitt and we all agree that this is one of the best bike packs available...in the world!
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AirScape backpanel with foam ridges for ventilation
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Zipped panel access
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Zipped scratch-free sunglasses and electronics pocket
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Stretch front pocket
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LidLock bike helmet attachment
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Reflective graphics
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Twin zippered hip belt pockets
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Integrated roll-out ToolWrap
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3L Hydraulics Reservoir included
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Front zippered pocket
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Internal key attachment clip
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Internal organisation pocket
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LED bike light attachment point
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Main compartment with elasticated load control system
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Side compression straps
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Sternum strap buckle with magnet
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.