Construction

These two hydration packs are constructed from high quality materials. The materials are light, durable and stretchy, giving the packs a very comfortable feel. As a result, the Osprey Raptor 10 and 14 rank among the most used packs by bikers for backcountry excursions and daily rides.

Bladder Specifications

Osprey Raptor 10

A major highlight of either pack is the water reservoir, popularly referred to as the bladder. The bladder has a sturdy and rigid frame and a water capacity of 2.9 liters. The rigid frame of the bladder prevents it from sagging even when half-full. Customers are quite happy with the bladder’s construction and its attendant benefits, claiming you can never hear water sloshing around in the reservoir even when it’s not filled to capacity. The bladder comes with a vertical handle attached to its frame. The handle stabilizes the bladder and helps in either removing it from or placing it back into the pack. Many users report that it is very easy to insert or remove the bladder, even when both it and the main pack are filled to the hilt.

Older models of the bladder come with a round cap covering on the lid. Newer Raptor models have a water reservoir with a folding zip lock. The covering is sealed, rather than the screw-type of the previous model. Whatever model gotten, the bladders are reputed to be BPA and PVC free. They have been designed with full protection against microbes and ensure your water has no lingering chemical taste or odor.

There is no difference between the bladders in both packs. They are of the same size and water capacity and have the exact same features.

Gear Capacity, Space and Size

The Osprey Raptor 10 and 14 are available in two sizes: S/M and M/L. The S/M-sized bags are for individuals having a torso length around 18” and a height below 5’6’’. The M/L-sized bags are better suited for individuals above 5’6” with a torso length greater than 18”.

The Raptor 10 has a gear capacity of 8L for the S/M-sized bag and 10L for the M/L-sized bag, while the Raptor 14 has a gear capacity of 12L for the S/M-sized bag and 14L for the M/L-sized bag.

Simply put, the Osprey Raptor 14 offers a greater gear capacity than the Raptor 10. If you are looking to take longer bike rides in more remote terrains, and you feel the need to pack more stuff than usual, then the Raptor 14 is your best choice. If you don’t need the extra space the Raptor 14 offers and are packing for just your normal daily rides, then the Raptor 10 would serve you better.

The Raptor 14 is noticeably longer and bigger than the Raptor 10, but the Raptor 10 offers a slimmer fit. The bigger size and additional space of the Raptor 14 accounts for its higher price in the market.

Click here to get more details on the Osprey Raptor 10

Click here to get more details on the Osprey Raptor 14

Colors

Both backpacks have three different color options: black, blue (Persian Blue) and red (Red Pepper).

Compartments and Security

Osprey Raptor 14

Both packs have a large zippered main cargo pocket, sleeves on either side of the main pocket for storing pumps, and two medium-sized zippered hip pockets. The Osprey Raptor 10 has two external pockets: one towards the side of the bag and another towards the top of the bag for storing small personal items that need to be accessed quickly. The Raptor 14, apart from having a bigger main compartment, has an exterior mesh pocket mounted right on the center of the pack and a side-access front pocket.

They both contain a removable tool pouch at the bottom of the bag to help in storing and accessing your tools in an organized fashion. The tool pouch also prevents your tools from moving around uncomfortably in the bag during transit.

Comfortability

Both bike packs are designed with an impressive suspension system that help in weight distribution and total body stability. Their shoulder straps, chest (or sternum) straps and hip belts are made of stretchy materials and cause no discomfort during use. The chest strap has the option of being adjusted to any desired height. The packs also come with a mesh-covered foam back panel that help in ventilation and good air-flow.

Convenient Features

They both have internal compression straps for securing the bag’s contents during transit, providing stability and enhancing comfort. The packs also possess attachment points for helmets and blinker lights near the base of the front panel.

In addition, the sternum strap has a magnetic clip that works together with a second magnet in the bite-valve and helps to keep your bladder hose securely in place while riding. The hose itself can be easily attached and detached, and the bite-valve works just fine. However, several customers complained that the magnets in the sternum strap and bite-valve interferes with electronic devices and compasses. Others claimed that the elastic straps securing the hose on the shoulder strap tend to lose their elasticity over time, making them a little loose but still effective.

Durability and Warranty

The general consensus of users is that both the Osprey Raptor 10 and 14 are light and yet, very tough and durable. Just like with all its products, Osprey offers a lifetime warranty on these hydration packs, ensuring that you get swift replacements anytime anywhere for any damage or defects detected in the packs.

Pros and Cons of the Osprey Raptor 10

Pros

• Made of durable and light materials
• Very comfortable
• Lifetime warranty
• Slimmer fit
• Sturdy water reservoir
• Efficient magnetic system between the chest strap and the bite-valve

Cons                                                

• Lesser gear capacity and space than the Raptor 14
• Rain covers have to be purchased separately

Pros and Cons of the Osprey Raptor 14

Pros

• Greater gear capacity and space than the Raptor 10
• Made of durable and light materials
• Lifetime warranty
• Comfortable
• Sturdy water reservoir
• Great choice for extended biking trips
• Efficient magnetic system between the chest strap and the bite-valve

Cons

• Rain covers have to be purchased separately
• Bigger and bulkier

Click here to check reviews and ratings on the Osprey Raptor 10

Click here to check reviews and ratings on the Osprey Raptor 14