Osprey - Escapist 25 - Cycling backpack

I bought this to replace a much smaller Camelbak that I've been using for sometime. I was a little dubious that it would be too big, for both me and for general use. The Camelbak was uncomfortable with a full bladder especially and ventilation was not brilliant. By contrast the Osprey is very comfortable. It is very light and fits well, the Talon being too long but the Escapist is shorter. There are lots of pockets which is ideal for me for a day pack and everyday carry, it even doubles up as my search kit for search and rescue. The harness adjustment is good and although I have it adjusted down to the smallest it fits me OK. I love the lower pocket that can be incorporated into the main one if required. I have my over trousers here and can extract them without even taking the pack off. There is a rain cover incorporated which saves you money having to buy one separately and also means it can't get lost as it is attached. All in all I now carry more weight, with more water and kit than I used to now I've more space but it is more comfortable despite this.

I did find choosing a pack very hard. Osprey has such a wide range that to find the right pack is a challenge, both fit and function wise. The Ladies specific packs are mostly less well equipped than the mens and come in awful colour choices. The men's packs are too long for me but the few unisex packs they do are just right.