This cute-but-tough bag was designed with women in mind, so it fits well and doesn’t slip off the shoulder. If you need a laptop bag for casual use and want something a little different than anything else out there, this might be right for you and the price is reasonable, too.
Q: I’m searching for a great multi-purpose backpack for graduate school. I’d like to use it while biking to carry my laptop, books, and some dog accessories. In addition, I’d love to be able to throw a bladder in there along with some hiking gear. Any suggestions for me as to what route to go for a super sweet new pack?
A: … On the more backpack-y side of things, there is the Osprey Stratos 24 ($99). Same size as the REI pack, but a little less streamlined as it’s mean to be carried while walking. But you can use it on a bike. It’ll take a hydration bladder, it carries great, and its design gives you easy access to the stuff you need.
Even if your commute involves no pedaling, this new courier-style bag from Osprey will deliver you to the office or elsewhere with your MacBook intact. A floating, padded laptop sleeve protects your machine with room enough for all the other junk. If you actually do ride in, you’ll be hyped on the comfy ergonomics of the bag & features like a light attachment slot and reflective styling hits.
As its name suggests, the Osprey Variant 37’s greatest asset is its transmutability. In standard mode, this pack will bear a heavy guide load comfortably. Yet, when the approach necessities—the hip belt, frame sheet and lid—become superfluous, it takes only a minute to strip and cinch it down into a simple and light (34 ounces) alpine ascent bag. When I needed the hip belt out of the way of my harness but did not want to dismantle it, the Variant 37’s design allowed me to clip it around the front, through the tool holsters. Its versatility makes it a true ice, rock and ski mountaineering pack.
For you, probably something like the Osprey Sojourn 28″ Wheeled Convertible Pack ($289). Not a duffel, but a big suitcase (4,800 cubic inches) that has both wheels and zip-away padded shoulder straps so you can throw it on your back if need be. Lots of organizer pockets, retractable handle, all the features that make a good travel piece.
Superb pack design and comfort with an excellent bladder to boot. Comfy and well designed.
Osprey pour 35+ years of outdoor pack experience into their versatile Raptor 10 – a superb pack first and foremost, which just happens to have an excellent reservoir, too.
Not surprising given the company heritage, comfort and fit are among the Raptor 10’s best attributes, with a well-ventilated semi-rigid padded back panel that distributes weight evenly across your torso and never feels too hot or stifling.
The mesh main straps are similarly padded and ventilated, and combine with the stretchy sternum strap, broad hip belt and dual compression straps for an ultra-stable and body-hugging fit that moves well with you even on technical terrain.
The Osprey Meridian is built for active travelers who hit the trails instead of the hotel treadmill. Large, smooth-rolling wheels handle bumps easily and negotiate curbs well, while the chassis is strong, light, and rugged while sitting higher off the ground than normal to clear obstacles. The retractable handle is comfortable and locks securely.
Recently Grannygear and I were able to check out the Osprey line of hydration packs. (You can check that post out here.) In this post I wanted to give an extended view of my experiences with the Osprey Raptor 10 pack.
I’ve used the Raptor 10 exclusively since the pack came in back in early May. I have used it for training rides, mountain bike rides, gravel road excursions, and most recently I have used it on two fully self supported rides.
I’ve been using the Manta on day hikes and more recently while paddling my kayak. I am so impressed with the fit and function of this pack. I have been consciously trying to drink more water, and the Manta has been a great help while active. The ease of use is the biggest factor. I can easily fill it before heading out. I have used it numerous times, and have not noticed any ‘plastic’ or off taste. The reservoir is made by Nalgene, and is BPA and PVC free. The the AquaGuard anti-microbial formula is designed to prevent bacteria and mold from developing. This appears to be working because the reservoir has not developed any mold, and the water still tastes fine. Keeping the water clean and tasting good is the easiest way to keep me drinking it.
When Osprey asked if we wanted to take a look at their new packs, I thought we’d get a few of their hydration packs, (and we did in fact get one, the review of that is forthcoming) but the package also included the new Flapjack, a backpack-style laptop bag that’s the bee’s-knees.
With a padded laptop sleeve (here seen holding my iPad and a magazine—we like to rock both old-school and new-school media in the Hugger East Cost HQ) the Osprey Flapjack has been finding itself on a lot of my rides to town.
Undoubtedly riding off the success of their Flap series of casual daypacks (which we are in the process of road testing), Osprey is introducing the 24/7 Series for the FW 2010 season. The Colorado based manufacturer is most well known for their epic technical packs, but have found a niche in travel bags, and now, the urban-inspired day pack market.
All 24/7 packs get the usual urban features like laptop and tunes pockets, removable waist belts, and more grab handles. But what you also get is Osprey’s attention to detail, giving much better than average straps and back systems.
Osprey Packs, an outdoor company, is bolstering its personnel as it makes an aggressive push into the bike market with the launch of new hydration packs (see story page 8).
“We’re looking to hire 10 or 11 new people,” said John Pieper, sales director for Osprey Packs. “A lot of that is growth into the bike market.”
The company recently hired a bike sales manager and is in the process of hiring a bike marketing manager. “We’re committing pretty heavily to this,” Pieper added.
The Raptor 14 is a great long haul pack for an all day adventure on your favorite single track. Stretch woven side pockets with InsideOut™ compression provide versatile gear carry options, while a large zippered front pocket with dedicated compartments for bike tools keeps essentials handy. 3-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included. Colors available: Silt Gray, Spruce Green, Sand Gold.
Lightweight and durable, this carry-on bag is easy to roll and a soft grip on the telescopic handle. Testers had difficulty unzipping the main compartment, and in tests, the handle sometimes stuck. Also, the bag doesn’t have front compartments for additional storage. In charcoal. (ospreypacks.com)
