Osprey has long been creating backpacks for hiking, biking, and beyond. It has a particularly large cult following of cyclists that purchase their cycling backpacks.
We have created this Osprey Viper vs Raptor comparison because there is much confusion as to which of these backpacks is the best. It is difficult to tell the difference because so many of their features are the same. Below, we have made a comparison of both of these backpacks. But before we get into it, we are going to cover all of the features that are the same.
Osprey Viper vs Raptor
What The Viper And Raptor Have In Common
These hydraulic cycling backpacks are very similar to one another. Below are all of the features that you can find in both.
Made for cycling:
Perhaps one of the biggest differentiating features between these backpacks and others from Osprey is that they are specially made for cycling. They are made to have a very slim profile and their weight is distributed evenly so that they don’t flush around while you are cycling.
Access to main compartment:
We love the fact that the Viper and Raptor provide access to the main compartment through a front zipper panel. This makes it easier to access all of your items right away.
Stretch mesh front pocket:
Those of you who have read our other backpack comparisons that probably noticed that we love stretch mesh from pockets. It allows people to stash their large gear such as jackets or even dirty gear and keep it away from the rest of the backpack content. Both of these backpacks have a stretch mesh front pocket so that you can store your jackets and other large items.
Scratch free sunglasses pocket:
Do you carry sunglasses around a lot? You can use the scratch free sunglasses pocket to keep them safe. After all, why let a good pair of sunglasses go to waste by scratching it up in a backpack?
BioStretch shoulder harness:
The shoulder harness on these backpacks are very similar as they both use BioStretch technology. This allows for a more contoured fit, and gives the impression that you are not even wearing a backpack on your back.
Compression straps:
Both of these backpacks have compression straps at the top and lower parts of the sides. You can use these compression straps in order to cinch down a backpack that is half-full for his carrying extra weight. This provides for more stability while you are being very active.
One-size-fits-all:
There is no guesswork when it comes to choosing a size for these backpacks. Both the Viper and Raptor come in a one-size-fits-all size.
Dual-sided mesh pockets:
There is a mesh pocket on each side of these backpacks. You can use these pockets to store energy bars, maps, and other goodies. Some people use them to carry around water bottles. However, these backpacks have hydration sleeves so there is no need to carry around these bottles.
Hydraulics reservoir:
Perhaps one of the best things about the cycling backpacks is the fact that they come with a hydraulics reservoir. There is a built-in reservoir sleeve and each of these backpacks so that you can keep yourself hydrated while on the go. There is no longer any need to pull a water bottle out on the side of the backpack. The water reservoir has a tube that sticks out and locks into your shoulder straps. This means that you always have the water readily available.
Lidlock helmet attachment system:
The helmet attachment system on the Viper and Raptor are way of putting away your helmet without making it a big ordeal. The mechanism is very simple to use for putting the helmet on and taking it off and just a couple of seconds.
The Differences Between The Viper And Raptor
In this section, we are going to go over the differences between these very similar cycling backpacks. More specifically, we are going to make a list of all of their differentiating features.
Osprey Viper Features
- Hydraulics system: The Viper comes with a 2.5-liter Hydraulics LT reservoir.
- Foam frame sheet back panel: The back panel of the Viper rests firmly on your back. This stands in contrast with the mesh back panel of the Raptor, which is lifted off of your back.
- Very lightweight: The Viper is generally lighter than the Raptor backpack.
Osprey Raptor Features
- Hydraulics system: Comes with a 3-liter Hydraulics reservoir.
- Mesh back panel: The back panel of the Raptor rests away from the back, thus allowing the sweat to evaporate.
- Tool pouch: The Raptor comes with a tool pouch for your bicycle. It is inserted into a zippered pocket at the bottom of the backpack. However, you can completely remove this tool pouch when you’re using it. This tool pouch allows you to keep your bicycle tools organized.
- Blinker light attachment: The Raptor has a blinker light attachment at the bottom of the front panel. This means that you’ll stay safe by showing your presence during dark conditions.
As you can see from the above, the Raptor is the most fully-featured backpack of the two. Not only does it have a tool pouch and a blinker light attachment, it rests away from the back. Customers have noted that they sweat less with the Raptor than as with the Viper.
Also keep in mind that the Raptor comes with a larger hydraulics reservoir, which will give you more time on the trail. The only downside to the Raptor is that is a bit heavier than the Viper, but the differences not very significant or even noticeable.
Osprey Viper vs Raptor: Price Comparison
If you’d like to compare the current prices for the Viper and the Raptor, please see the Amazon links below.
