Osprey Seral 4 Lumbar Pack - Red, One Size

Top quality materials and construction that you would expect from Osprey however this is the first time one of their packs did not exceed my expectations. It's still a good pack for its intended purpose but it wasn't quite as comfortable as I was expecting.

Features are minimal. I wish it had either an exterior pocket or a bungee cinch to secure a jacket on the back. However it provides more storage than I anticipated for such a small pack. With the 1.5L bladder full I was able to pack a full set tools mini pump spare tube wallet key phone a couple cliff bars and a light jacket however it was difficult to zip with all that (see below for why I don't recommend loading this much). Inside there is a sleeve for the bladder one zippered pocket a key clip and a little mesh pocket for either a multitool or keys. 

It's important to load the pack properly for it to fit correctly; otherwise it has a tendency to slide down and ride at the top of my butt rather than sitting on my lower back. I recommend not filling the bladder more than 2/3 full (1 liter) don't over pack only put light weight items in the zippered interior pocket and fully tighten the compression straps to keep the weight as close to your body as possible. Even with careful packing I had to keep the waist belt very tight for the pack stay in place on my lower back. With no hips and not much butt a lumbar pack might not be the best solution for me; however I like how it places all the weight on your body's center gravity and allows air to flow over your back.

The included hydration bladder is excellent and well thought out. Rather than just a sack it's formed to perfectly fit the contour of the pack and molded such that it retains it's shape as water is drained (it's to see in attach photos than explain). The tube exits the pack below the zipper on the right side and has a magnetic clip that attaches to the left hip (not sure if this is ideal if you are left handed). The tube crosses your body along the belt and it never got in my way. The magnet seemed to be in the perfect location and strong enough that it never came loose while riding. Bite valve provides good flow and never leaked or dripped.

I see myself using this for short summer mountain bike rides or as a supplement to the bottles and storage on my bike for really long gravel or remote road rides where extra water is required. Unless it's really hot I think a hydration backpack is a more comfortable and versatile choice for me.;

The size is perfect for someone just looking to carry the bare essentials and water. It is perfect.

The size is perfect for someone just looking to carry the bare essentials and water. It is perfect.;

has weird reservoir little awkward to fill especially with ice for hot rides
magnet holder for tube is hard to adjust well
top notch construction
comfortable to ride with;

Holds wallet phone & keys easily (plus room for a few small bike tools). The magnet holds the reservoir tube tight when riding or hiking (stays secure even through big hits). Best of all it eliminates the sweaty back area you get when using hydration backpacks.