Osprey have created a super-comfy day pack that will continue to surprise you with another clever feature each time you use it.

Whoever designed the Osprey Raven 14 Women’s Hydration Pack seems to have thought of everything – combining endless practical features into a backpack that looks great to (so say my cycling buddies, unprompted).

On a recent long-distance mountain bike ride, the pack easily held:

• Windproof layer
• Base layer
• Food
• Tools (a roll-out tool pack I hasten to add)
• 3-litres of water in its reservoir

The Raven is really comfy, and easy to adjust with the ErgoPull™ Hipbelt and does seem to have been shaped with hips in mind.

Over 200 miles in summer sunshine, the pack never felt clammy on my back or stifling, and it was easy to forget I was wearing it. Features such as the zipped hip-belt pockets are brilliant for coins or train tickets and save you having to take your pack off every time you need such small essentials. There’s even a clip to attach your bike helmet to the pack, when not cycling.

I really liked the way the drinking tube runs neatly through the shoulder strap and can then be stuck, by magnet, in various positions on your chest, so it’s close at hand, but not slapping you in the face. There are separate internal pockets for important items such as your wallet and phone and a ‘shove-it’ pocket on the outside, which closes with a single clip. The loop for a rear light and reflective graphics are great if your pack has to double up as a commuter bag.

As with all Osprey reservoirs, it scores big points for the rigid handle which makes it so much easier to hold while filling and to slide into the pack. The bite valve works a treat and the drinking tube provides a decent flow, when needed. Plus, there’s no horrible taste of disinfectant – despite the anti-microbial qualities of the reservoir.

Verdict

All you could ask for in a day pack, whether you’re on a long-distance MTB trek or a daily commute.

Pros

– Really comfortable
– User friendly
– Masses of great, useful features

Cons

– Limited colour choice, may not be to everyone’s taste
– Tool pouch pockets too small / short
– Cost (if you want something simpler)

Price: £79.99
Colours available: Clover Green or Iris Purple
More information: Osprey

What Osprey says about the Raven 14 women’s hydration pack

The largest capacity of the Raven series, the women’s specific Raven 14 has an added large front zip pocket with shove-it behind and stretch mesh pockets.  This pack is ideal for 3 plus hours of riding with the capacity for extra food, tools and layers.

Unique Features:

• Women’s specific shoulder straps, waistbelt and torso sizing
• Large front zip pocket with shove-it pocket behind
• Lower zip compartment for quick access to tool pouch
• Stretch mesh side pockets
• Removable roll-up tool pouch