The Osprey Syncro and the Osprey Raptor are two popular hydration backpacks. While you can take these on a hiking trip, they are specially made for bicycle excursions.
Osprey is a high-end backpack company that produces men’s and women’s casual and hiking backpacks using high-quality materials. The choice between their products is not a matter of which is best quality, but of which set of features meets your needs. This is why we have created the Osprey Syncro vs Raptor comparison. It is our hope that we can help you decide between them by informing you about what their major differences are.
Before we go over what makes the Syncro and the Raptor different, we will cover their similar features so that you can get a better idea of what makes them so great.
Osprey Syncro vs Raptor
Similarities Between the Osprey Syncro and the Osprey Raptor
The Syncro and the Raptor are small to medium-sized hydration backpacks. It is important to understand their main features before really getting into the meat of what makes them different.
Fit for cycling:
The Syncro and the Raptor were specifically designed to keep you hydrated while you are cycling. They both come in a slim design that fits your back in such a way that they prevent from too much swaying back and forth.
Blinker light attachment:
In order to keep you safe in hazardous conditions, such as low light and fog, both of these hydration packs come with blinker light attachments.
Biostretch technology:
These hydration packs have bio stretch shoulder harnesses that work with the padded hip belts in such a way that they stabilize the load of the backpack. These fit onto your back in a comfortable way so that you forget that you are even wearing it.
Stretch mesh side pockets:
The side pockets are made with a stretch mesh fabric to allow you to insert readily accessible items. Since you will already have a hydration reservoir inside of the backpack, you will not need to store any water bottles in the side pockets of your backpack. You can use the side pockets in order to store your energy bars or your keys.
Top slash pocket:
Both of these backpacks have top pockets that allow you to store smaller items that need to be readily accessible. The slash pockets have a scratch-free lining for the storage of your sunglasses or your electronics.
Water reservoirs included:
Unlike some other hydration backpacks, the Osprey Syncro and the Osprey Raptor come with their reservoirs included.
LidLock helmet carry:
Having a LidLock helmet carry attachment is the fastest way to attach your helmet to your backpack. This is simply a bungee cord that extends outward with a knob at the end that fits through one of the holes of your helmet and keeps it in place.
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Our Osprey Syncro vs Raptor Comparison
There are several features of these backpacks that make them great for slightly different preferences. Below, we have made a list of all of the main differences between these backpacks so that you can make a decision as to which would be best for you.
Water reservoir sizes:
The sizes between the included reservoirs for these backpacks are slightly different. While the Osprey Syncro has a 2.5 liter hydraulics reservoir, the Osprey Raptor has a 3.0 liter reservoir.
Rain protection:
The Osprey Syncro has an integrated rain cover built into the bottom of the backpack. You can simply unzip the rain cover in rainy weather and cover your backpack. But the Osprey Raptor does not have an integrated rain cover.
Storage for your tools:
It may seem like an obvious feature to include in a cycling backpack, but the Syncro does not have a tool pouch for your cycling tools. The Osprey Raptor has a tool pouch built into the bottom of the backpack where the rain cover would have been.
Fit of the backpanel:
The back panels of these backpacks fit in slightly different ways. The Syncro has a tension back panel that makes it feel like its weight is not touching your back. This allows your back to stay highly ventilated. However, the Osprey Raptor has a different kind of technology. It has an air escape back panel with a mesh-covered foam that lays close to your back but provides for maximum ventilation. The Raptor has an Atilon foam frame sheet that transfers the weight of the backpack evenly across your back.
Osprey Syncro vs Raptor Price Differences
The prices of the Sychro and the Raptor vary. If you would like to view current prices on Amazon, please follow the links below:
The Verdict
There are a few differences between the Syncro and the Raptor that you would want to pay attention to. As explained above, the Syncro has a 2.5 liter reservoir, while the Raptor has a 3.0 liter reservoir. Which size reservoir you need depends on the amount of fluids that you drink and the length of time that you will be outdoors. Most of the time, a 2.5 liter reservoir is enough for several hours of cycling.
Perhaps the biggest difference between these hydration packs is the fact that the Syncro has an integrated rain cover, while Raptor has a tool pouch. In both backpacks, each feature resides at the bottom inside of a zipper compartment. If you enjoy having a rain cover to protect your backpack against the rain and you not need a tool pouch, the Syncro is a great option. Personally, we prefer having the option to make repairs to our bicycles while on the go.
Which of these hydration packs do you feel would be best for you? Please let us know in a comment below.
Other differences are the hip belt pockets on the raptor, none on the syncro.
The syncro rides higher and could bump into your helmet.
The raptor has an exterior “pouch” that could be used for additional storage.
Still can’t decide. As far as backpanels and ventilation go which is better? Comfort is my highest priority.