Osprey Verve 10

Summary

A great, small pack for mountain biking and trail running.

This is a great small pack for mountain biking or trail running. I really like the variety of pockets. There are three pockets on the inside where you can keep tools, and an outer pocket for you cell phone and/or keys. The outer pocket is completely waterproof, which is great if you every get caught in a downpour. The outer mesh pocket is also good for stuffing maps, jackets or snacks that you want to have quick access to without unzipping anything.

The Nalgene/Osprey hydration bag is made of stiff plastic on one side which helps it sit nicely in the backpack. I also really like how the mouthpiece has a magnetic that attaches to the sternum strap — no more looking for your hose!

I've had the Osprey Verve for almost a year, and have mostly used it for 2-4 hour bike rides, were I carrying keys, cell phone, a snack, water, a jacket and a map. This is about what it's best at. It's not a huge pack, and the few times I have used it for day hikes I have found it too small. 

I've also used it for trail running, and the only problem I've had then is that the hip strap sits quit high and sometimes pulls up your shirt. The solution to this is just to make sure to loosen the hip strap, so it's not a big deal. The pack straps down very well if you are only carrying water; it doesn't feel loose even if it's empty. 

The pack has held up very well so far, except for the elastic band for attaching your helmet to the outside of the pack which loosen on one end, so I had to resow it.

I would highly recommend this pack for mountain bikers - if you're a pure trail runner you might want something even smaller.