Test conditions
Backpack was tested over one month period, mostly in December’s winter conditions. Combined it spend round 12 hours on my back, did little less than 4000 m uphill and drove about 82 km of mostly single trails.
Review Osprey Viper 13
Osprey Viper 13 is a big surprise. At first glance I thought, this is a small backpack, to small for me. I’m used to carry a lot of stuff on my rides. Different volumes for different needs. It’s really hard to compare sizes of different brands from provided volume numbers. It looks like volume of 1 l is not the same round the world.
This backpack is smaller by size (not volume) this is why it sits a bit higher on your back and not on your hips. It weighs 584 g without and 752 g with included reservoir. Viper 13 is divided into 3 compartments. Closest to our back is reservoir compartment holding a 2,5 l Osprey reservoir in my case. Second is main compartment. On the each side inside main compartment is a thin net “pocket” for storing longer items like pump. Small softer pocket, accessible form top dives into main pocket. This can be used for delicate things like phones, glasses or items that needs to be accessible quickly. The last one is smaller organizing pocket. This pocket attaches to the upper side of backpack with straps on each side making big expandable space in between the last two pockets. This space is very useful for holding extra layer, soft protectors or wet clothes. On each side of backpack are very convenient stretch pockets you can reach while riding.
Shoulder straps and back are designed to be as breathable as they can be. Still, from all backpacks I tested my shirt gets wet and here is no different. Smaller pocket on the front side of left shoulder strap is just big enough to pack one or two snack bars. An iPhone size phone does not fit inside in case you wonder.
Drinking hose goes form the back over your right shoulder strap and is attached to chest strap by magnet. Easy fitting of reservoir and hose is really nice. No need for clumsy house routing through holes just zip it over the right shoulder strap and its done. If you adjust the chest strap correctly you can drink hands free. Just take the hose by lovering your head, the same way you can put it back to its place. Be careful your eyes will not be on the trail while doing that. Magnet holds the hose in place also on smaller jumps, bigger ones were not tested. In case of crash the hose doesn’t hold, this was tested…
While riding the backpack stays still on the back as long as you have the straps adjusted and tightened. Soft back nicely fits to your back even when it’s fully loaded. Removable waist strap gives you additional customization of the backpack. I prefer having them on.
The only thing I was missing on this backpack is rain cover. Not so much for rain protection but more for keeping my backpack clean in this moist autumn/winter rides.
Conclusion
Viper 13 does its job perfectly. It offers plenty of space and great functionality for organizing your gear. Easy accessible pockets, loops on zippers, hose routing definitely get my thumbs up. For longer rides where you need more layers, gear, water etc. I would recommend bigger backpack.Pros:
- loops on zipper pockets
- easy hose routing
- lots of space for 13 l
- magnet holder for hose
Cons
- No rain cover
