Osprey Syncro 15 Hydration Pack - Review
Hydration pack specialist Osprey has been gradually expanding their range over the years, and for 2015 they've updated the Syncro by putting it on a bit of a diet, with a claimed a 30% weight reduction compared to the previous model. As the name suggest, the Syncro 15 can carry 15 liters of cargo, and holds Osprey’s own 3 liter reservoir (sold separately) in a dedicated sleeve. The reservoir has an large cap that makes it easy to clean, and the whole thing holds it shape no matter how much water it’s carrying. The hose has an drip-free nozzle and a magnet clip attaches it to the shoulder straps. Biostretch ventilated harness straps at the waist and chest and Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension, a mesh panel stretched over a Lightwire frame, ensure the pack is elevated off your back and held securely in place.
As well as reducing the weight, Osprey has tweaked the harness and back panels on this updated pack to improve the fit and comfort. There are pockets aplenty, including side mesh pockets for easy-to-use food, and a front flap for a rain jacket. Inside, the main compartment is helpfully laid out with smaller pockets for storing tools, tubes and other ride essentials. There’s a soft lined pocket ideal for a smartphone or shades, and a hook for your house/car keys. On the outside there’s Osprey’s unique LidLock helmet attachment and below that, a loop to fix an LED light. There’s even an integrated raincover, a usual addition for riding through a British summer.
The Syncro 15 is available in two sizes and three colours (Blue Racer, Velocity Green, Meteorite Grey. Weight, without a reservoir, is 568g for the size medium/large tested here, and the pack measures 45x26x23cm. MSRP: $120 USD.
Waist and chest straps secure the Syncro 15 into place.
Osprey's smart reservoir goes into a special compartment at the back of the pack.
The Airscape mesh back panel prevents a sweaty back.
The LidLock is a handy place to secure your helmet when not riding.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | I reckon the Syncro 15 is about the ideal size for most typical mountain bike rides, with enough storage for the gear needed for everything from a few hours around the woods to a long day in the mountains. The main compartment is adequately sized to house all the usual bits and bobs you need during a ride, and there's plenty of space to stash food and a lightweight jacket if you're expecting a turn in the weather. The layout of the pockets and compartments helps you keep things organized; everything has it own place, and there's no need to turn out the entire pack to find your multitool. On the trail, the Syncro is extremely comfortable. The weight is evenly distributed across your back and it stays in place even over rough terrain. The mesh panel does work to keep you cooler; there's noticeably less sweat buildup on warmer days compared to packs that sit flat against the back. The Syncro 15 is very well made, and their haven't been any durability issues during the time I've been testing it (and previous Osprey packs have shown excellent longevity). The plethora of details give added value for money, as well as simply making it nicer to use. If you want a generously sized, yet lightweight pack, with good comfort and a stack of pockets and details - like the rain cover, LED light loop and helmet LidLock - the Syncro 15 is worth considering. - David Arthur |
www.ospreypacks.com
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Thanks osprey for making a great product and standing by your warranty!
My ride pack is a Talon 11. Ive had it a few years now and other than a smidge of mildew inside, its utterly bomb proof.
My 'school bag' is an Escapist 25 and I have had that four years and use it everyday to cycle to work, take the kids out, go on holiday etc. It has a very hard life. Other than a cracked (but still working) waist belt buckle, again its top notch.
Both bags are light.
Some times I think its a bit boring and that I would rather have an Evoc. Trouble is they dont wear out. Check ebay to see what they go for second hand! Think of it as the Volkswagen of bags. Solid, dependable kit that keeps on going.
I thought I solved it by cutting the tether off the cap, which does make it easier to thread on, but I still get the occasional cross thread where it feels like it cinched up tight. Now I automatically turn the bladder upside down after I fill it, just to check if the cap is on right.
Other than that, I love my Raptor 10!!!!!
And boy, do they support their customers. My first pack had a bladder with a larger diameter hose. That design phased out, and all their bladders went to smaller diameter hoses, and all the fittings changed. It had been a few years, and I needed a new bite valve when mine was destroyed by a truck tailgate. The stores didn't carry them anymore; I sent Osprey an email, got a friendly reply back that they still stock the old parts, and yes it would be a shame to throw out a good bladder. They then sent me two complete bite valves free of charge before I could even ask to buy some. Have heard a bunch of stories of similar above and beyond support from others, not warranties, mind you, but support for customers whose stuff got damaged or lost in mishaps.
Just read all the comments looking for someone who also feels the Osprey hose & bite valve is inferior to Camlebak's but clearly I'm on my own.
After switching back & forth I think I prefer the shorter non magnetic bite valve to be just dangling rather than the effort required to detach and attach the magnet.
Part of me wishes the magnet was crazy strong so I could just toss it in the general direction.
I have resolved to replace the Osprey tube & bite valve with Camelbak.
If I'm on the edge exhausted, the effort required fiddling around with the magnet is too much.
Furthermore I often find the tube has twisted slightly causing the magnet to break break free during moments of body language.
When you're throwing the bike around, the last thing you want is a long armed needy squid flopping about.
I feel a little ridiculous with that pipe across my chest around town.
At least with the shorter non magnetic tubes you can tuck them under your strap rather than having to actually pull the bladder out when you don't need hydration.
Lastly as cool as the tap mechanism is on the Osprey bite valve, it does feel overly heavy & overly complex compared to the lighter Camelbak Valve.
Despite all this I am very happy with my purchase and the bladder is great.
The harness system will hold weight up to 5 kg well. Beyond that it starts to weigh down due to the minimal waist strap which can't accommodate any weight. Under heavy load the bottom part of the wire frame may pinch on the back a bit. No too bad though.
The flimsy strap failed on mine after a crash and was completely ripped from its base. So, if you are planning to... crash a lot, look elsewhere! :p
BTW, Osprey wouldn't repair or replace the pack, but the CRC warranty is as certain as taxes.
Another option would be to use a Specialized SWOT Vest or Race Face Stash Vest and putting ice in the bladder w/water so it pulls heat from your body, at least for a little while.
The Osprey stuff is top notch, but I don't think any pack can ever do away with sweaty backs.
That's not to say the syncro isn't a great pack, i use mine all the time and it works better than any other mtb pack i've used
Never tried Osprey stuff, but I've been really happy with my two Vaude packs for mtb and ski touring/mountaineering (Challenger 45). Both of them are very well thought out.