Thanks to their thoughtfully-designed hydration packs, Osprey has made an impressive gain of market share against the once untouchable Camelback. After years of using nothing but a Camelback, I recently switched to the Osprey Raven 10 and have been impressed by its comfort and functionality.
The Raven is Osprey’s women’s-specific 10L storage / 3L reservoir mountain bike hydration pack. The pack comes in a variety of bright colors, has an ergonomic fit, and boasts plenty of “extras” that help justify that somewhat painful pricetag. The pack in Osprey’s mid-range size, making it a good all-around hydration pack for both 2-hour rides and all-day epics.
May 2023: Updated to reflect new price and additional details on the long term durability of the pack.
Review in a Nutshell
Pros:
* Comfortable
* Good airflow to back
* Attractive and durable construction
* Helmet clip
* Roll-up tool pouch
* Plenty of compartments to keep tools and personal items separate
Cons:
* Magnetic bite-valve doesn’t hold well
* No way to secure extra staps
Specs:
* 10 liter gear storage
* 3 liter water reservoir
* 1.34 lbs
Price & Where to Buy:
Storage in the Raven 10
The Raven 10 hits a bit of a sweet spot on the storage to weight spectrum — there is plenty of storage for all-day epics, but it isn’t excessively large or heavy. Here’s what I typically carry (with some space to spare):
* Phone and keys
* Rainjacket or fleece jacket
* Mini tool, tire levers, spare tube, pump
* Small first aid kit
* Snacks
The 3-liter water reservoir is enough for an all-day ride (for me). For a more typical 2 or 3 hour ride, I generally fill it half-way, unless it is a particularly hot day, in which case I fill it all the way. Thanks to the wide mouth, screw opening, the reservoir is easy to fill and I’ve never had an issue with it leaking.
In terms of storage pockets, there are 4 main compartments: a large “stuff” pocket on the front (usually where I store a jacket), a “sunglasses” pocket with smaller interior zip pocket (where I usually store my cell phone and keys), a large zipper pocket with interior mesh (where I like to store snacks and my pump), and finally a small tool pocket with roll-out storage. On each of the hip straps, there are is also a small zippered pocket.
Osprey markets these for storage of a cell phone or keys, but I’ve found that they aren’t quite big enough or comfortable enough for doing so. They are big enough for a drivers license and cash or a GU packet.
In addition to the storage pockets, there is a helmet clip and blinky light clip. Quite honestly, I’ve never used the clip for a blinky light, although it seems handy.
The helmet clip is nice to have, although I rarely use it and find it a bit difficult to use. My husband, on the other hand, has the male version of this pack and uses his helmet clip constantly, proving this is merely a matter of personal preference.
Bottom-line on storage: if you plan on only doing short rides or racing, this pack would be too big for you. If you plan on using a pack for an overnight, then you might want a bigger pack. Otherwise, the Osprey Raven 10 is just the right size.
Women-Specific Pack
Aside from the pretty colors, what’s the point of buying a women’s-specific hydration pack? Women tend to have shorter torsos, narrower backs, and wider hips then men.
The Osprey Raven is appropriately sized and contoured with this in mind. The torso length of the Raven is 18 inches and it measures 9 inches wide.
Bite-valve
Compared to the Camelback bite-valves, which I find leak easily, the bite-valve on the Osprey works really well. I’ve been using the same valve for about 9 months now and have never had to replace it or have it leak. The valve rotates 90 degrees to turn on our off, and is easy to with your mouth while riding.
The one thing that I was really excited for on the Raven, and then really disappointed about, is the magnet that is supposed to hold it in place and keep the hose from dangling. Located on the sternum strap, I’ve found that the magnet is not that strong, fails reguarly, and attracts lots of dirt and debris — not something you really want near your bite-valve. This is the only major complaint I have about the Osprey Raven 10.
Straps
I’ve been really pleased with the straps on the Raven. They are both easy to adjust and comfortable. With other hydration packs I’ve owned, I’ve suffered from shoulder straps pinching a nerve in my shoulder. Not so with the Raven. Similarly, the hip strap sits in just the right place and doesn’t rub.
Unfortunately, the design of the waist and chest straps is such that you’re more or less forced to buckle them or else you have a bunch of straps hanging precariously around you. It would be nice if they could tuck away cleanly when not in use.
Breathable Back
Perhaps the thing I like best about the Osprey Raven 10 (and all Osprey packs for that matter) is the highly breathable back. The “airscape backpanel” holds the pack provides lots of airflow between your back and the pack. I rarely end up with the dreaded sweaty patch on the back of my jersey when wearing the Raven.
Long-term Durability
I first wrote this review in 2017, and now 6 years later, the pack is still going strong! Can’t say that for much of the mountain bike gear I was using in 2017.
The only issue I had was my fault. I ended up leaving the pack on the ground while having a snack, and a little rodent decided to have a snack too. Oops!
I ended up with a hole chewed right thru the front pocket. After using the pack with said hole for way too long, I finally sent it in to Osprey for repair. Yup, they’ll do that! Couldn’t be happier with the company and with their commitment to repairing products rather than having to buy a brand new pack.
Bottom-Line
If you want one pack to do it all, the Osprey Raven 10 should be on your short-list. The pack is comfortable (even on long rides), boasts plenty of storage space, and provides excellent back ventilation. All the extras–helmet clip, roll-out tool storage, reflective details–are just the cherry on top.
More Stuff You Might Like
- 7 Best Hydration Drink Mixes For Cycling
- 5 Best Mountain Bike Fanny Packs & Hip Packs
- Everything You Need To Know About Cycling Hydration
About The Reviewer
Kristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.
An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years — a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.
Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life. Kristen’s favorite disciplines are mountain biking and bike commuting, although you can also find her cranking out a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son. If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, and she runs Rascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.