What is the Raven 14?The Raven is a hydration pack with mountain biking in mind. The 14-litre capacity makes it perfect for full days out where you need to pack some extra layers and additional food/water.
What is it made of?Biking packs take a fair bit of abuse, which is why Osprey have equipped the Raven with a 210D Nylon Diamond Ripstop fabric, an ultra-tough fabric built to handle pretty much anything the trail can throw at you. I can personally vouch for the durability of these packs — mine has had numerous encounters with branches, sharp bushes and, on less-fortunate occasions, the floor, and is still holding up perfectly years later.
Which backsystem does it use?The Raven features Osprey's widely-used AirScape backsystem, a breathable, comfortable system made using a mixture of soft foam and grippy mesh. The foam has cut-outs in various areas to increase breathability, while the mesh grips securely to clothing. The shoulder straps and hipbelt follow a similar theme but feature specific shaping to keep the pack still during technical descents. The chest strap can be easily attached and detached with one hand thanks to a handy magnetic closure system.
What are its features?Okay, so this is where the Raven shines. Osprey kindly includes a 2.5-litre Hydraulics LT Reservoir with the Raven, giving you plenty of space for liquids when heading out for an all-day ride. This reservoir takes up very little room in the pack, so even if you've only got a few hundred ml's in there, it doesn't eat up space.
The base of the pack includes Osprey's ToolWrap, a useful piece of fabric with various zipped pockets which rolls out to give you easy access to your pump, tyre levers, spare tubes, etc. If that isn't enough tool storage, there's an internal organiser pocket which features yet more pockets for bits and bobs. While we're on the topic of pockets, you've got a front stretch compression pocket, perfect for a spare layer, and a zipped pocket for your sunglasses, phone or GPS with a scratch-free lining. Just be careful practising your manuals with your phone in this pocket.
Another cool feature of the Raven is Osprey's LidLock system. There's an odd-looking piece of plastic on the front of the pack — pull this out, pop it through the vents in your helmet and your helmet will be secured to the pack. This is pretty useful for uplifts or simply a good way to keep your stuff together in the car. If you're using a full-face helmet without vents, the compression straps can also be used to secure it to the pack.
Other useful features include an internal clip for your keys so you don't lose them when you pull out your other kit, an LED attachment point so you're easily visible and reflective graphics.
- Zippered panel access
- Front zippered pocket
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Internal key attachment clip
- Sternum strap buckle with magnet
- Reflective graphics
- LED light attachment point
- AirScape backpanel with foam ridges for comfort and fit
- BioStretch hipbelt and harness
- Front shove-it pocket
- 2.5L Hydraulics LT Reservoir included
- Front stretch compression pocket
- Integrated roll-out ToolWrap
- Internal organiser for bike specific tools and spares
- LidLock bike helmet attachment
- Zippered scratch-free sunglasses and electronics pocket