Osprey’s Rev Series Hydration Packs

Osprey Rev Series Packs, $40-130. Available Spring, 2014, at OspreyPacks.com

The Good: Extreme comfort while on long trail runs with minimal jostling

The Bad: Water still sloshes in the Hydraulics LT reservoir even though the new design includes baffling that claims to significantly eliminate that problem

The Awesome: So many bells and whistles in an incredibly user-friendly design

When I’m on the trails, it takes all of my mental fortitude to avoid tripping on a root and smashing my face into the ground. Because of this, I have long been on the lookout for a hydration pack that allows me to focus on my feet instead of the bouncing of the pack on my back. Osprey’s new Rev Series, available in Spring 2014, absolutely nails it.

Offered in six sizes ranging from a solo bottle up to a 24 liter, the Rev Series is unique in that it features the new BioStretch body wrap harness and waist belt. Truthfully, it sounded gimmicky until I tested it on the trails. However, the BioStretch is legit in that it allows the pack to move with the wearer, almost fitting like a shirt instead of a backpack. After 35+ miles on both trails and road, I can confidently say that I have never worn a hydration pack that moves so easily with my body.

I was also impressed with the weather protective DigiFlip pocket on the left shoulder strap. It easily unclips to drop down, exposing the touch screen of your phone. Obviously, playing with gadgets in the woods is not exactly a requirement, but I found this pocket to be easy to use while moving. I could even adjust my music or check out Strava will wearing my gloves.

The Rev Series continued to dazzle with their fancy magnetic bite valve with corresponding sternum strap magnet. Again, no one really needs a magnetic mouthpiece but that sucker has me singing of unicorns and fairy dust; that’s how much I love this feature! The bite valve is always easy to find and the magnet on the sternum keeps the tube from swinging while in motion. Who knew that a magnet was all it took to make me see stars?

Although Osprey claims that the new baffles in their Hydraulics LT reservoir significantly eliminate the sloshing of water, I tend to disagree. I filled the reservoir halfway, just to see how the pack handled with swirling water inside, and the amount of liquid noise was noticeable. In fact, I found myself digging for my headphones on one run just because I needed to drown out the splashing.

Bottom line? Run (pun intended) to the nearest store this spring and buy yourself one of the Rev Series backpacks. The features and comfort truly make this Osprey pack one of the best in its market.

Guest post by the excellent Heather Balogh. Want more Balogh? Check out her website: www.justacoloradogal.com