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Righto STW massive.
I've got numerous camelbaks, all of which deform around the back panel when the bladder is full.
I find them uncomfortable when they do, this applies to my HAWG and more so the Mule and Mayhem.
do the Osprey packs do the same? or are they more rigid.
and what about Dakine Nomad, does that deform as well
advice and experiences please
Ta
Chuck
we've just got the ospreys in our shop.
The construction of the backing, and the way the bladder mounts into the bag, means you don't get that bulgy feeling when it's full of water. the backing is a floating net arrangement with a corrugated back panel.
The bladder also has a locating bar on the front of it, which guides the hose, and also guides the bladder when you put it in the bag, it stops the bladder when full of water being a faff to get into the bag itself.
For the size they're really versatile.
Sounds good
any idea of prices at your place?
forgot to add
do they quote capacities with no bladder in place?
I can fit bugger all in my Mule with a full 3ltr bladder in it.
Raptor 14 is £84.99 and the 18 is £89.99.
Not sure about the actual capacity once the bladder is full, i don't think they quote a figure for it.
Even for STW dwellers 😆
😉
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Used my Raptor 10 for the first time the other day and although impressed by the various features and the bite valve I had a constant chafing on my back from it. I guess I ride with a slightly hunched back and the ultra-stiff back of the Raptor meant all it's weight was centred on a small part of my back which was irritating. Straightening my back helped but it's not my natural riding position. I also haven't played around much with the strap adjustment but not convinced that will sort the issue either. Might also need a breaking in period but something to bear in mind for anyone about to purchase (oh and it felt fine when I tried it on in the shop, it's only after about 10 minutes on the bike I noticed it).
The bladder with about 2.5 litres of water in was a struggle to get in the pack to (I did have a fair amount of stuff in the pack though), still easier to get in than on the Camelbak it was replacing.
I use an Osprey Talon 11, and it's very comfy. The bladder expands into the bag rather than into your back, so it maintains a good close profile even with lots of water. Noticeably more comfortable and stable than my old blowfish. The volume does get less with more water in, but it holds plenty for day rides all year round. If you want more capacity, the 22 doesn't actually look much bigger or bulkier when it's on. they don't come with bladders, but at £60 for the 11, it seems to be comparable to a camelback in price.
+1 for the Talon 22. Exceptionally comfy even full for day ride with 3L bladder, food, tools, spare clothing, first aid kit, emergency bivvy etc
Who stocks raptors? My local outdoor shops who stock Osprey say they won't be selling it because 'it's for bikes' !
Got mine in Evans (although they only had a Raptor 10 & 14 in the shop), only seen them in online outdoor shops other than that.
Cotswolds stock the Raptor 18.
Biketreks in Ambleside have the 18, 10 and 14 in stock as well as the 20 and 25l Mantas.
Just done a quick search on Google and it came up with Biketreks - looks like they've got a few in
http://www.biketreks.net/474/Osprey.aspx
£81 from cotswolds for the 18 using vouchercloud app on iPhone for 10% off.