Gadling Gear Review: Osprey Raptor 14

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Also understand that the Raptor series (and the Viper) are aimed at the mountain biking crowd. I love mine, and coincidentally also took it to Zion this year, but after that experience realized the need for a true multi-use daypack, so I upgraded to an Osprey Manta for doing longer trips, to carry more gear, food water, etc. The Manta also has a more open Airspeed back and true internal frame for weight transfer to the hipbelt. Speaking of the hipbelt, it also has storage pockets on it with zippers. One thing I found that would have been handy in Zion is the loops for gear. I like to use a non-climbing carabiner to carry an extra Nalgeen bottle on water or trail-mix and clip it to the outside for easy access.

9-08-2011 @ 4:29PM

Mike Barish said...

Thanks for your thoughts on the Raptor and Manta. I agree, that the Manta offers many of the features that I wish the Raptor had. If the Manta offered a slightly smaller option (perhaps a 14) rather than just the 20, 25 & 30, I'd probably grab one. Right now, however, I was more in the market for a smaller pack.

Appreciate your sharing your tips, though. Really useful for everyone reading and sounds like you really put your Osprey packs to the test! Thanks for reading and chiming in!

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