I like Osprey bags. They think of all kinds of details and create bags that are specifically fit for purpose. I think I probably own too many of these rucksacks but I do like my gear to suit the exact job.
The new Osprey Momentum rucksack comes in two sizes, 26l and 32l. I have been testing the 32l.
These are aimed at cyclists who need a practical bag to carry all their gear and equipment to work or a meeting. Osprey state: “The Momentum strikes the perfect balance between performance and organisation, making it the ideal journey to work partner.”
Momentum features include:
Ventilated stretch yoke and load lifters on the harness.
AirScape™ backpanel with foam ridges for a stable and well ventilated back
Padded laptop and tablet sleeve, with zip top, for easy access to equipment
Lidlock attachment for stowing a bike helmet.
In wet weather and heavy traffic the built in high-visibility rain cover provides protection
LED bike light attachment point for when night falls.
Internal organiser for storing bike specific tools and spares.
Elastic hipbelt wings so the pack is able to move more closely with the body for flexibility and comfort.
It comes in green or black.
Osprey Momentum 26 is £90 while the Osprey Momentum 32 is £100.
See Osprey
On test: Osprey Momentum 32
The size is generous. I used it for a weekend away, rather than simply a commuter-style journey. If you needed a lot of kit for the office it definitely has enough room.
I managed to fit in a full change of clothes, a pair of shoes (in the lower zipped compartment), a small toilet bag, hair straighteners, small towel, laptop, iPad and phone, as well as bike tools (in the useful bike tool area).
It was quite heavy by the time I had all this packed into it but I still found the back to be comfortable on my back. It definitely seems to hug the back well.
I wasn’t too keen on riding too far with this amount of it on my back but for shorter trips of up to about 10 miles I can see it working well.
The separate area for laptop is great and I could easily fit in my 15-inch MacBook. IN fact, i would be able to fit in a laptop, tablet and all the associated cables and plugs without any trouble.
The waterproof and reflective over cover is a vital part of any commuter bag in the UK. I know some people choose to use full-waterproof packs so that they don’t need to stop to put on the cover and for extra guarantees of waterproofing.
I am not sure how confident I would feel with my expensive laptop inside a bag with a rainproof cover of it, compared to a full waterproof and sealed pack. Maybe that’s something for Osprey to think about, especially for Scottish commuters who face a lot more of the wet stuff when on a bike.
The other thing about the cover is that you can’t use the light attachment point with it on.
Useful Lidlock.
I really like the helmet holder. Osprey use these a lot on their packs and they are super useful when you get to your destination or if you are carrying the bag and the helmet in a car or on a train. The holder keeps bag and helmet together.
I have used this attachment far more than I thought I would.
Tons of space for kit, including a lower zipped pocket that can fit a pair of trainers.
For me, if I was to use the pack for commuting I’d go for the smaller size of rucksack. The 32 litre is more of a weekend away size of bag. I would also be cautious of over-packing the rucksack. However good the carrying system, and it is comfortable, over long distances it’s never that great to have a heavy pack on your back.
There are compression straps, so you can carry less and compress the pack into a more manageable shape and size.
As with all Osprey packs, the bag is very well made. The zips are excellent and there are plenty of pockets and spaces for all sorts of bits and pieces. I have counted 10 pockets, many of them zipped and in useful range of sizes.
Padded pocket for a laptop.
There are two mesh side pockets for water bottles as well.
There is no space for a hydration bladder (this space is taken up by a laptop) but the pack is presumably meant for shorter bike rides so you would not need a bladder. In any case you could carry a water bottle in the side pockets or put one in a bottle cage on the bike.
It’s a well thought out pack by Osprey and another to add to my growing collection. I’ll be reserving this one for bike weekends away.
See Osprey rucksacks.