Women’s Verve 10 Hydration Pack, Breast Cancer Edition
EDITORIAL REVIEW
I’ve become so numb to the ubiquitous pink ribbon that it’s rare when a special-edition breast cancer awareness product catches my eye. So when I spotted this amethyst-hued hydration pack and learned that Osprey donates $4 of the purchase price to the nonprofit Breast Cancer Fund, I was intrigued. With its strong-yet-feminine color and subtle graphics of prayer flags that Fund supporters use to communicate inspirational messages, the pack doesn’t scream cliché.
As for functionality, the lightweight pack features an outer mesh pocket and two zippered pockets, the divided main one big enough to stow several spare tubes, CO2 canisters, cell phone, and enough food for hours on the trail. The reservoir holds 100 ounces of fluid, more than enough for my weekend afternoon trail excursions. The bladder contains no BPA or PVC, so water doesn’t take on a plastic aftertaste, and an antimicrobial coating prevents germy nastiness. Thanks to an anatomically contoured shape, the pack is comfy to wear and doesn’t bounce around or slide.
This women’s specific pack features smart designs for female cyclists, including a harness curved to fit a woman’s body, a sternum strap that won’t squish your chest, and an extremely roomy profile. It’s also packed with more pockets than a pair of cargo shorts. The rear panel pocket opens gapingly wide to store tubes, tools, extra layers and maybe a Subway sandwich. There’s a handy harness pocket for your Gu. A top, fabric-lined pocket holds your iPod and shades. Other smart features include a lidlock to hold your helmet; a loop for a blinky light, and a magnetic bite valve “clip” on the chest strap for easy access and to keep the hose in place and out of the way. Available in Lava or Seasquall, it’s pretty too.
Allison Gannett, an extreme skier and avid mountain biker from Crested Butte, CO, took part in the Brita Climate Ride for global climate change, and wrote an article about the experience for the Bicycling.com blog. She noted in the article, that throughout the ride she used her Osprey Talon 11 pack to carry a lot of her gear. To see more, click here.
