Whether you are looking to hit the mountain bike trails all day or need a backpack that is bike commute friendly, the new Osprey Escapist Series will have you covered. With a range of sizes from 15L to 30L, the hydration friendly packs are ideal for anything from quick rides with just the essentials to multi-day bike packing trips.
I have been mountain biking all around Marin wearing the Osprey Escapist 30 that I was sent to test. The packs are compatible with both a 2L and 3L hydration reservoir, leaving you plenty of fluids for a full day on the trail. The hydration compartment is external to the main pack, making it easy to get the reservoir in and out and also saving your gear from any water leakage. The hydration tube can be routed either left or right.
The backpanel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt are all made of a mesh covered perforated foam to help with ventilation. The hipbelt has two zippered pockets which are great for quick access snack storage. The belt is also flexible enough that is can be tucked behind your back if you don't feel like securing it around your waist while you ride.
The Escapist 30 features a bottom zippered compartment divided from the main pack contents where you can store dirty or wet clothes or even an extra pair of shoes. The panel load main compartment provides more than enough room for a change of clothes, pair of shoes, and various other small items. You could probably fit a small sleeping bag if you are out on a multi-day adventure.
A smaller front pocket comes with a variety of different organization and stash pockets to hold your bike tools, pump, spare tires, key clip, and anything else you may need for the day. A further zippered stash pocket at the top of the pack is lined with soft fabric to protect your gadgets such as phone or GPS.
A mesh pocket on the front of the Escapist 30 is great for storing muddy or wet items or even easy access snacks. When I was testing demo mountain bikes, I kept my pedals in here as they were full of grease and mud. Two side mesh pockets can hold water bottles or even an extra pair of shoes. You have to be careful to cinch the compression straps down tight over the objects because they can easily fall out when you throw your pack down on the ground.
The bike commuter will appreciate the blinker light attachment at the base of the pack and a zippered rain cover compartment. A built-in high visibility raincover slips over your entire pack to protect the contents from rain or even mud. You can remove the raincover completely to let it dry before repacking. The LidLock Helmet Clip is extremely useful for stowing your helmet when you are off the bike.
Bottom Line: With a variety of sizes, these hydration friendly packs are loaded with features that everyone from the hardcore mountain biker to the everyday bike commuter will appreciate.
The Osprey Escapist Series of backpacks range in price from $100 to $150 and are available now.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSb0Gji1Uns?fs=1&feature=oembed]
