Review of the Osprey Rev 1.5 pack

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Sep 27, 2009
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This is a pretty new pack from Osprey, geared towards running, but find it equally nice for mountain biking. It's a small pack- 1.5 liters according to Osprey, but it seems to pack a little more than the volume would belie-more on that later.

Weight is a svelte 11 oz (16 oz w/ the bladder). The most important aspect of a running (or biking) pack is that it rides comfortably and doesn't bounce- they really hit the mark w/ this pack- it is bar none the most comfortable pack I've run w/ (and I've run w/ a lot of packs!).

The bladder is 1.5 liters and that is as big as a bladder as it will hold. It's a nice setup in that the tube can be easily separated from the bladder, which allows for a very quick removal (& reinstall) of the bladder.

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the bladder is neat in that it has several baffles that cut down on sloshing

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this isn't new for Osprey, but a feature I love- it's a magnetic piece on the bite valve- which secures the valve to the sternum strap- very handy!

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the pack has a nice adjustable bungee setup- easily fits my rain jacket and windshirt

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the harness setup is very comfy and w/ two adjustable (adjust up and down as well as length) sternum straps- very secure

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it has two stretch pockets on the right side- I carry food in those-fits a couple of bars in the rear pocket, the front I carry a couple packs of shot bloks, the right pocket has a large stretch pocket that my camera goes in- in addition it has a "digi-flip" feature- the pocket flips out and is meant to hold a smart phone- I use it to carry my maps

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there is room in the main compartment where the bladder is for additional items- I keep a beanie, gloves, buff, extra food, emergency blanket in it

also a small slash pocket, that I keep additional food, sunscreen, bug dope and my waterproof ditty that includes a small knife, fire starting kit, headlamp, whistle, TP and small first aid kit

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full loadout

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I've run several 20-ish mile trips w/ this pack and it's definitely my new go to pack. It's nice to have a light pack that holds everything you need, that's comfortable enough you forget it's on
 
I like it, great review, can't go wrong with osprey stuff. Have you ever used one of the ultra marathon vests of any kind? Always thought they'd make a great day pack set up. This looks to sort of bridge the gap a little between a small pack and the vests.
 
I've used Mountain Hardwear's Fluid 6 and also Ultimate Direction's AK Race Vest, both solid vest/packs, but the Osprey simply fits better for me.

Here's the AK, it's a little different in that it has two bottle holders (20 oz each) carried up front

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Hey.

Between you and Owen and Russell I'm starting to think I should get a good hands-on scrutiny of a bunch of these Osprey offerings. I'm determined that the next little pack I have I shall make [just done a bunch of tredder frame bags, and a fuel tank bag that all work great. And I'm partially satisfied with a behemoth set of panniers that are sitting on the bench for revision]. So I've kinda promised myself a go.

I recall Owen being indifferent to the magnetic bit of an Osprey when it was part of the sales pitch, and then coming to really like his. At the moment I've had quite enough sewing for a bit, but little touches like that are the kinds of ideas I'm aiming to harvest. Mmmm, think I might be taking quite a lot from the Osprey camp actually.
 
Hey mt. warden. Quick question. I believe you have the talon 11 as well, so I was wondering which you would prefer for more of an EDC pack. I'm looking for something in the smaller size range. Enough to carry water, snack, odds and ends, maybe a jacket. Also double as a small outdoor bag for short hikes.
I'm leaning towards the talon 11, but I would value your opinion.

Thanks.

John
 
John- I do (also their discontinued 5.5 and 22 :D), definitely the Talon 11- the Rev definitely falls in the realm of a speciality pack- it's great for running or mountain biking, but for edc or even day hikes I'd go w/ one of the Talons. The Rev rides wonderfully, but because of this closer to the body fit, it's tougher getting in and out of it

Mike
 
Thanks, Mike.
I've been looking at the specs for the 11, and I think it might be just the right size for what I want. Something compact yet roomy enough for what I need.
Now off to search for one....

John
 
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