From my own involvement with the Minneapolis Panjshir Tour coming up October 8th, I’m seeing first-hand that companies do in fact have a conscience and their generosity goes epic distances. Osprey, LIN socks, Vasque, Overland Equipment, Aircraft Demolition, Polar Bottle and Timbuk2 all believe enough in a cause to sponsor a bike ride that benefits women and children in Afghanistan (if you ride a bike, your muscles and sweat equity are both needed and appreciated!).

So to companies like, Osprey LIN socks, Vasque, Overland Equipment, Aircraft Demolition, Polar Bottle and Timbuk2, I thank you again for coming on board to support the inaugural Minneapolis Panjshir Tour. To Sierra Designs, Terramar, Clif Bar, Manzella, Sierra Trading Post, Outdoor Research, Sole, Chaco, Merrell, and FRS, I thank you, and countless others thank you, for always keeping your radars open and on.

Read Full Post
Download PDF

Examiner Brand

We tested out Osprey’s Jet 18 backpack, designed with younger school kids in mind. Osprey sent us their cool Cherry Shake (also available in Lime Squeeze) to test out.

It’s designed for kids 5 to 10 years old. It fits my kindergartener nicely with room to grow – but not so much so that she is swimming in it. Yet enough room to fit her lunch box (and eventually snow boots, pants, gloves and hat).

It has a fleece-lined harness, which my daughter commented on its softness. There’s lots of room to stay organized  – with a big exterior pocket with a buckle – to put in notes for kids to give their teachers and other stuff you don’t want them to forget.  It also has side mesh pockets – perfect for a water bottle or a hat. Inside there’s an organizer to keep things neat – like books away from those extra shoes.

Read Full Post
Download PDF

Examiner Jet

If you: Need some serious hydration, where a bottle just won’t cut it.

Then try: The Cadillac of hydration packs, the Osprey Verve 4 ($64.00) is a ridiculously-comfortable way to tote two liters of water without feeling like a pack mule. Created specifically with a woman’s body in mind, the Verve series not only utilizes mesh panels for breathability and an adjustable harness for comfort, but it also offers quick access to water at all times, thanks to a smartly-designed built-in magnet system in the bite valve and sternum strap.

Read Full Post
Download PDF

Examiner verve 4

That’s why my new best bike commuting friend is the Osprey Momentum. It has all the standard pockets and compartments that are expected from a pack, but with some unique extras. Bike commuters of the world, rejoice.

Read Full Post

Download PDF

Examiner Momentum

If an all-day hike evokes thoughts of schlepping around with a hefty pack slung uncomfortably across your shoulders, it’s time for an attitude change – and a gear upgrade. Today’s packs are technical, performance-oriented tools: Lightweight, custom-fit and (dare I say?) even comfortable. Simply put, the Osprey Sirrus 24 is a gift to hikers that keeps on giving. I tested it on several day hikes, and was amazed at how much it could fit, not to mention the ingenious and efficient way in which all of the compartments are organized. Even when packed to the brim, the Sirrus 24 felt deceivingly light, thanks to the back panel suspension, padded belt and strategically-placed harnesses. It’s even hydration-compatible if you want to purchase a coordinating reservoir, and another bonus is the integrated rain cover, which can easily be whipped out if you’re taken by a surprise storm. $99; 21 x 13 10.25 in; S-L,

Read Full Post
Download PDF

Examiner Sirrus 24

We are all fortunate to live in Minneapolis, which has dethroned Portland, OR as the best bike city in the country. Losers!

We have segregated bike lanes, municipal bike racks, bike boulevards, cyclists having the ear of local government, bike carriers on buses, the impending bike-rental program, the vibrant bike culture, and of course Grand Rounds, the Midtown Greenway, the Blaine velodrome, the Stupor Bowl alley cat race, a butt load of savvy bike shops.

Read Full Post
Download PDF

Examiner Commuter Pack, Osprey Momentum

Regardless of where you live, Osprey can outfit you on your daily bike commutes, rides to the grocery store and even on the mountain bike trails with an entirely new line of commuter and hydration packs because they are debuting some amazing new packs for bikers to hit the stores Spring 2011: the Momentum and the Metron.

Read full post
Download PDF

Examiner cycling, Metron, Momentum

Osprey is debuting some amazing new packs to hit the stores Spring 2011. If you’re a bike commuter, keep your eyes out for two great new packs designed with you in mind: the Momentum and the Metron.

The Momentum is weather resistant, hydration compatible and laptop friendly. It has a high-visibility reflective graphic to ensure cars see you, an integrated rain cover and a LidLock™ helmet attachment. A few other features include a blinky patch and a U-lock pocket. Side “briefcase” handles easily transition the pack from the bike rack to the office.

Deliverying a more streetwise look to bike commuting, the Metron has a high-visibility raincover that deploys on the fly to keep your gear dry, padded laptop sleeve, smartphone pocket on the shoulder strap, internal organization for mp3 players, pens, and a LidLock™ helmet attachment.

Read full post
Download PDF

Examiner, Internet Press Hits Hornet, Metro, Momentum, Sirrus, Verve, Viper

Osprey Packs have integrated a comfy harness and waist belt into the Raptor 6. The harness is flexible due to its mesh and foam design. The flexibility allows the harness to adjust to your body movements. The mesh and nylon hip belt has 2 pockets and cinches in the Raptor 6 above your hips.

The pack has 3 zippered external pockets. One is for the hydration bladder and where the back panel is located. A small zippered non-scratchable pocket is designed for essentials such as sunglasses and a GPS. The main zippered pocket is the largest and has 3 internal pockets to organize tools and snacks. The Raptor 6 does have one stretch woven non-zippered front pocket. It works well for stashing a rain coat and can easily be accessed when a downpour emerges.

Examiner hydration, hydration pack, Hydraulics, Raptor

It’s got all the bells and whistles, says Examiner.com gear reviewer about the smallest pack in the Kestrel Series, the Kestrel 28. To read and see more, click here.

Examiner kestrel, Kestrel 28