Osprey Packs

Siskin 8L Backpack

Pick the right task

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This is a great hydration pack, just pick the right task for it. Hiking, gravel cycling, mtg'ing cross country, minimal loads. The water capacity will last for hours, and storage is enough for snacks, extra tubes, CO2 cartridges, tools, and a baselayer. I would not use this for road biking on really warm days (too much contact on back) or for camping hikes as storage is too small. I had a question on care and maintenance and called Osprey on it. Their customer service was incredible. I own 2 Osprey packs (Manta also) and have called Osprey multiple times for use questions. 10/10 for customer service.

Perfect bag size

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Perfect bag size for short or long rides I’m able to keep a spare jacket and other items that I may or may not need during a ride

Smells Awful

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

8L

Height:

5' 10"

Weight:

160

I purchased this backpack in November, but didn't use it until February of this year and have now used it a total of three times. I bought this pack primarily for road cycling. Immediately after my first 90 minute ride with this pack, the mesh on the back and on the straps smelled awful. That made me think that the pack had been used before it was sent to me (not likely because the original tags were attached) OR the material is just inherently susceptible to odor production. My body and clothes were clean prior to the ride, so it's not like I was pushing this piece of gear beyond expected performance. I thoroughly cleaned the pack according to manufacturer's instructions, which removed the odor, but it returned immediately after my next 20-mile ride. Again, I gave it a thorough cleaning, sprayed with Lysol, and cleaned again, but it happened once again and I'm no longer willing to deal with this piece of crap. Unfortunately, the 30-day return window is long past. Just warning potential buyers to avoid this pack if you perspire to a moderate degree. Very disappointed in Osprey.

Terrible Re-design

Needed to replace my old Mountain Biking Hydration pack. Didn't want anything too bulky, but wanted something with storage that works. Should have trusted my instinct that those compression straps that connect PAST the zippered section would be a PITA -- they are: if you want to get in the zipper compartment, you have to unclick the strap which means anything you have stuffed in the outer stuff pocket falls out. No easy in, easy out possible.

Poor design

Osprey has really messed up their design on many bags. In order to open the main compartment, you have to unclip both sides of the outer ""expandable"" pocket. If they had just stitched it to the outer part of the zipper, it would have made so much more sense.

Worth buying; pack light

Pac gets used several times a week. The pack is versatile enough for both for trail running and day long mountain bike tracks. A design improvement would be to add 2"" in. of depth to the pack; when full, the water bladder fills the majority of the pack leaving little room for a few other essentials.