Osprey’s 2019 hydration pack collection adds all-new models that simplify internal organization and features to bring them in at a lower price points. The higher end models get bold graphic patterns in matched colors, as do the upcoming waist belt packs they showed at Sea Otter Classic. Check that coverage for full details on their new hip packs, which offer the option of running bottles or a reservoir and were designed specifically for mountain biking.
Shown on the center/left, the Siskin (men’s) and Salida are new mid-size hydration packs for mountain biking that come in 8L and 12L sizes.
They use a large front flap pocket that’ll hold a full face helmet and light pads. Behind that is the main compartment, which zips wide open with zippered organization pockets on the flap itself. A separate, softly lined Sunglasses/phone pocket is on top. The smaller sizes have a webbing hip belt with no pocket and replaces one internal mesh pocket with the sunglasses pocket. The larger size gets pocketed hip belt and keep the separate shades stash.
They get Osprey’s Airscape back panel with nice center channel, which uses a less rigid internal frame than the Syncro line’s higher end Airspeed system that keeps the pack farther off your back.
Not shown, a clever rolled shoulder strap eliminates the seam and edge from the main contact point, so it won’t dig into your shoulder or chest when loaded down. Both come with 2.5L reservoirs and will retail for $100 and $110 depending on size.
Hitting a new low price point for Osprey, the 2019 Katari (men’s) and Kitsuma hydration packs come in 1.5L, 3L and 7L sizes and are very simple with just one small zip pocket up top on the 1.5, with the others getting stretch mesh pockets and the largest has a large vertical zip cargo area (shown above in blue). They’re meant for minimalists or those on a budget, but maintain the solid construction of the rest of Osprey’s line…just with fewer pockets. They’ll come with 1.5L to 2.5L reservoirs depending on size and retail for $55/$65/$75.
The Syncro 5 (shown on far left in top image) is the new version of that model, slightly larger than before, with a redesigned rigid frame that eliminates any hard contact points with the body. Joining it is the all-new Sylva, a women’s version, with the same features but a more female friendly shape, size and fit. They’ll come in 5L and 12L sizes, retail is $120 and $130. Both use their higher end Airspeed back panel and have a built in rain cover.
The Seral 7L and Savu 4L hip packs are looking more production ready, but still not shipping until Mid January. As are all the rest of these new bags. Look for the new graphic patterns across all of them, along with some upcoming artist collaboration series available by the time they launch.
