The Raptor series consists of four packs (6, 10, 14, and 18) each available in two sizes (S/M and M/L). I used a S/M Raptor 10 as my primary riding pack for two years. Normal cargo consisted of a tube, multi-tool, levers, tire pump, shock pump (there are sleeves on each side of the main cargo pocket that hold pumps safe and secure), emergency tech kit (hanger, cleat bolt, chainring bolt, Powerlink), zip ties, electrical tape, and some combo of bar, chews, gel.
The Raptor 10 has one large main pocket with the above mentioned pump sleeves and a cargo net. It works well for tube, levers, e-kit, food, and any random ride requirements. There is also a small, smooth-lined pocket toward the top that works great for phone, billfold, and other non-scratchy stuff. A mid-sized third pocket located on the side of the exterior has a key clip and is where I put my multi-tool because it’s quick and easy to reach.
The Raptor 14 version is similar, but the main pocket is larger and the third pocket is much bigger and center mounted. Organization of smaller things like tools and energy food is a snap. No jingle-jangles.
I chose a S/M with the Raptor 10 because my shoulders are fairly narrow and I didn’t want to worry about the straps migrating down toward my arms in the midst of a rough descent, something that had occurred with a Dakine pack in the past. Shoulder strap slip has never been an issue, but I always found myself adjusting the pack over the course of a ride as I drained water and lightened the load. In hindsight, the S/M back panel was just too short for my torso, so the pack had a small sweet spot where it fit well. When loaded up it felt better a bit lower on my back, but as I ate and drank, I would have to cinch up the shoulder straps considerably to find a well-balanced spot.
The Raptor 10 was great for “daily” and mid-length rides (2–3 hours), but for bigger backcountry excursions I found myself easily maxing out the capacity with layers, camera, and more food. So recently I got a M/L Raptor 14 to better handle longer, more remote terrain riding, and the bigger size fits much better—the pack is longer and sits more consistently in a comfortable spot on my back. My concerns of shoulder strap migration also seem to have been unfounded—no issues so far—and I am doing much less adjusting over the course of a ride. The Raptor 14 would be my recommendation for a do-all pack. The four compression straps allow the rider to cinch down smaller loads for shorter rides while the pack also expands quite nicely for longer escapes.
It should be noted that the listed 100 oz./3L bladder does not quite hold a full 3L. The bond to the rigid frame reduces a bit of volume, so the fill is usually more like 2.9L. And after two seasons, the elastic straps that hold the bladder hose on the right shoulder strap have lost their stretch. They still function fine and hold the hose in place, just a little looser than before. Fortunately, Osprey has a great warranty and can repair or replace if I choose to send it in. Also, though awesome, the magnets don’t play nicely with pacemakers or other electronics. So be aware of that if you use a shoulder strap mount for a little camera or smarty-pants phone.
Overall, I am more than satisfied with my Raptor packs. The fit, adjustability, storage options and cool, unique features like the magnet bite valve and bladder system are well thought-out details that add up to create a near-perfect riding pack. I have not yet detected a fatal flaw, and at this point I don’t see it happening. My only gripe with the Raptor 10 was a minor fit issue that is now remedied with a bump up in size. That was my problem, not Osprey’s. Given some more trail time with the proper sized Raptor 14, I might very well be dropping the modifier and just declaring it perfect.