Platypus Origin 5 Review

Platypus likely isn't the first name that comes to mind when considering a new pack, but they are looking to change that with their Origin bag lineup that takes a streamlined approach to hauling your supplies. The five bag Origin series ranges in size from the svelte Origin 3 (three liters of storage) to the large Origin 32 (32 liters), but we chose the reasonably sized Origin 5 because it's big enough for an all day ride while still being small enough to also take out for quick loops. Rather than adorn the Origin 5 with numerous buckles, straps, and pockets, Platypus designed the bag with a simple layout that aims for sleek instead of methodically organized. The 1lbs, 6oz Origin 5 is available in the blue color shown here, as well as green or black, and retails for $89.95 USD.



The details
Platypus' Origin 5 bag features five liters of storage capacity (not including the bladder), and is constructed out of Ripstop Nylon fabric that has received a urethane coating to keep the rain out during long, wet rides. That same nature-proof theme can be found elsewhere on the Origin pack, with heat taped seams and sturdy all-weather zippers utilized on the bag's exterior, both being measures not found on most other bag designs. Externally, the Origin 5 appears much more streamlined that the competition, lacking, for better or worse, the usual array of mesh pockets, and buckles and straps that adorn other options. If you look closely, though, you'll spot two small loops on each side of the bag that are designed to run a open face helmet's straps through, as well as two stealth looking light attachment points at the top and bottom of the bag. A large, non-zippered pocket on the front of the Origin 5 is big enough to stuff a jacket, gloves, and other items into. Likely the most convenient bit of storage space to be found on the bag are the two "on-the-go" pockets that are on each side of the waist strap. These nearly hidden compartments are not zippered, but are likely a great place to store energy gels and other things that you might want to grab while moving.


That same stripped down external appearance continues inside the bag as well, with Platypus taking a simple approach to organization. A single zippered internal pocket is the only concession to keeping smaller items in order, meaning that riders with OCD organizing tendencies may feel like Platypus overlooked them. While it be the only internal compartment, it is big enough to hold a good sized multi-tool, sunglasses, and many other items, but its mesh construction means that it isn't ideal for separate, smaller hex keys and such.

Platypus uses what they call their BioCurve backpanel that is shaped to fit your posture when in the saddle, with raised and padded sides that step the center section off of the wearer's back in an effort to encourage air flow. Wide padded shoulder straps feature two different attachment points, a high or low option, that allow it to be adjusted to better fit those with freakishly long or short torsos, and both the waist and sternum straps employ glove friendly quick release buckles.


Platypus' own "Big Zip SL" 2 liter bladder comes included with the Origin 5 (although it looks like a 3L version would also fit), featuring a full width opening that should allow for easy cleaning, and a hose quick release that keeps you from having to pull the drink tube out as well. The bite valve also employs a proper on/off switch to keep it from leaking when you set the bag on top of it in the back of your car, as long as you remember to use it, that is. Hose routing can run down either the left or right shoulder strap, or even out from the bottom of the bag if that setup meets your needs.


Performance
Any bag on the market, as long as it's sized correctly, is capable of carrying the supplies that you need on your ride, but the key is finding one that scores high marks when it comes to comfort and stability. CamelBak and Dakine are the go-to bags for most mountain bikers, with the general concession that both company's packs perform well, but Platypus is a bit of a dark horse in cycling circles. Not knowing what to expect, we were quite surprised to find that the Origin 5 feels more comfortable on the back than any bag we've used in the past. The Origin's backpanel looks rather simple when compared to the the textured mesh pieces found on some of the competitor's bags, but it simply felt airier in hot conditions. Our back stains were smaller, and the Origin 5 didn't feel as bothersome when the temps were high. Its wide shoulder straps, while not invisible, are soft and formed to fit just right, but we would like to see its waist strap be a bit wider - currently it could feel a touch pronounced when done up snuggly.

The Origin's great fit contributed to how well it stayed put on our backs as well, regardless of excessive body english (otherwise known as bad form). We didn't spend very long setting the pack up, only taking a few minutes to adjust shoulder strap length and dial in the sternum and waist straps correctly, but the Origin 5 displayed very little side-to-side roll, and the dreaded up and down movement - you know, the one where the bag hits the back of your helmet - was nonexistent. The Platypus bag uses the same basic strap layout as others on the market, but it appears that they have nailed the proper geometry to keep it put on your back. The Origin 5's great fit and high stability make for a very unobtrusive bag, not undetectable, but certainly ahead of the rest.



Issues
The simple and streamlined design of the Origin 5 is sure to have some fans, but the open and nearly pocketless internal storage became more of a hassle than anything. The inner zippered pocket is big enough to hold a good sized multi-tool, tire levers, and even a pair of sunglasses all at once, but that left our pump (both tire and shock), two tubes, and anything else too big to fit into the zippered pocket, in a jumble at the bottom of the bag. We much prefer the more organized approach to storage as found in some of the competitor's bags - a pocket for tubes, a pump sleeve, and maybe a few smaller zippered pockets to keep things separate (things like car keys, wallet, cellphone). Compounding the issues is that the Origin 5's main pocket only opens up at the top third of the bag, meaning that we had to reach in and fish around for what we were looking for - it's much easier when the bag can be completely opened. The Origin's on-the-go waist pockets are admittedly convenient, but, because they aren't zippered, we wouldn't ever use them to carry a multi-tool, phone, or small camera. That's a shame considering that those are the items that we'd like to be able to reach without having to remove the bag. It should also be mentioned that the two helmet loops on the bag's exterior don't play nice with a full face lid's shorter straps.

The Big Zip SL bladder is free of the horrible plastic taste that is found within others, and the hose quick release works as advertised, but the flow rate out of the bite piece is far too slow. Simply put, we couldn't get enough water out fast enough when we really needed it. Nothing like trying to get as much water as possible when you are at your personal redline, only to discover that it comes out at about half the rate that you'd like, regardless of how hard you suck. It also doesn't help that the bite valve is larger than what is used on other designs.


Pinkbike's take:
www.cascadedesigns.com/platypus

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