Price: $175
Pack Dimensions: 9.8H X 8.7W X 18.9D in.
Pack Volume: 14 L
Hydration Bladder Size: Hydraulics LT 2.5 L included ($46 value)
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Colors: Firestarter Orange, Black, Postal Blue (Raptor 14); Aprium Purple, Space Travel Grey, Waterfront Blue (Raven 14)
Options: Hi-Vis rain cover ($25)
Availability: Online and retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Outstanding Features, Comfort, and Performance
It’s obvious the folks designing Osprey packs are also bikers themselves. Every thoughtful detail of their Raptor 14 for men and Raven 14 for women packs was spot on, and never once did I think, “Gosh, I wish this pack had XYZ.” Never. The body-specific fit provides comfort and stability. For example, the women’s specific packs are best suited for shorter, narrower, and curvier body types than the men’s.
I originally planned on testing this pack in June on a three-day bikepacking trip on Minnesota’s Mesabi Trail. However, the trip was canceled due to heavy rains and giant sinkholes on the trail. While I still hope to go on that trip, I tested the Raptor pack on single-day rides.
The Raptor 14 and Raven 14 hydration backpacks are designed for mountain bikers but also excel in performance and functionality for bikepackers. With a 14-liter storage capacity and a next-generation Hydraulics LT 2.5 L reservoir, it is ideally suited for all-day rides.
Unrestricted Body Movement
Osprey uses their Airscape suspension designed with an Atilon foam frame sheet that allows you to move freely on the bike while distributing the pack’s weight across the entire back panel. To keep your back cool, the Airscape™ back panel is mesh-covered and has deep-ridged foam, allowing maximum ventilation.
The Raptor/Raven pack uses a Biostretch harness and bike-specific winged shoulder straps for stability and comfort. The Airmesh-wrapped hip belt is breathable, transfers the weight to your hips, and adds to the pack’s stability.
With so Many Features, It’s Hard to Keep Track
I kept referring to the company’s website to make sure I checked out all the features the pack offers. The list is long, and while you may not use each and every single one on a ride, it’s nice to know these purpose-built features are there when you need them.
The pack weighs 2.116 lbs and measures 9.8H x 8.7W x 18.9D inches, providing riders with a compact yet spacious solution. The Raptor 14/Raven 14 has tons of individual storage pockets to keep everything organized. The key is remembering where you put it. I stored items like my phone, keys, and nutrition in the most accessible pockets, while gear I didn’t readily need was stowed in one of the many back compartments.
Features of these two packs include a scratch-free, heat-embossed zippered slash pocket that provides safe storage for sunglasses and electronics and stretch mesh zippered hip-belt pockets for easy access to small essentials while on the trail.
The pack offers a LidLock to carry a helmet when not in use. There’s also a stretch mesh front pocket for extra gear, a blinker light attachment, and a reflective patch for increased visibility and safety. Also included is a removable roll-up tool pouch and bike tool organization in the main compartment, which are essential for long rides that might require bike maintenance.
The pack includes a Hydraulics LT 2.5 L reservoir that enhances the backpack’s utility with features like a compact bite valve for excellent water flow and a thumb-operated on/off lever for easy one-handed operation. The Slide-Seal opening simplifies filling and ensures a secure seal, while dual baffles flatten the profile for better control and stability. The hydration sleeve is designed for easy loading with direct zip access and a hose path.
The lightweight sternum strap magnet facilitates easy access to water without stopping. The drink tube is accessible via a quick zip, making loading and unloading the reservoir simple and fast.
Protection from the Elements
The optional Hi-Vis rain cover packs nicely in the bottom compartment with the tool bag, nicely compacted into its own little bag. On rainy days on the trail, use the rain cover to protect the pack and contents from getting wet. The cover sells for only $25 and comes in a hi-vis color for added visibility to drivers.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Raptor 14 and Raven 14 are versatile and well-designed backpacks that meet the rigorous demands of serious mountain bikers and bikepackers, offering a blend of comfort, functionality, and thoughtful design. Choose the size that fits your body the best and the color that makes you happy. The Raptor is available in Firestarter Orange, Black, and Postal Blue, while the Raven 14 comes in slightly more feminine colors, including Aprium Purple, Space Travel Grey, and Waterfront Blue. At $175, plus $25 for the waterproof cover, these are packs you’ll use for years and years.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I picked up an Osprey a couple of years ago in a store’s close-out sale. I love all but two things about it. First, ALL such pack reservoirs should come with a quick disconnect hose. I have an after marked disconnect, but that last couple of inches of tubing are a bit of an issue. Second, the waist strap does make access to jersey pockets difficult when riding. Given that these are the only things I dislike about it, I can’t imagine riding with anything else. GREAT PACK!