Yes, the Waypoint has a great hipbelt and a really nice suspension, modeled after Osprey's best selling Aether backpack. It is a panel loading, which makes it easy to get into your bag and organize / retrieve your stuff!

Have fun!

Hey there, The size you need has nothing to do with your height and everything to do with your torso length. Its a simple measurement. Go to this link on the Osprey site to figure it out: http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

Have a great trip!

Wow - that sounds like an Awesome trip! Perfect pack, but you might even think Aura 50 if you are packing so light. This is my new favorite pack from Osprey, after being a devoted user and fan for the past 18 years!

Wow - that sounds like an Awesome trip! Perfect pack, but you might even think Aura 50 if you are packing so light. This is my new favorite pack from Osprey, after being a devoted user and fan for the past 18 years!

Hey Stephen, There are 2 poles, one is 50" and the other is 59". Hope that helps!

Gosh Vanessa, so hard to tell. Do you have compressable light gear, or not so much. My gut is saying go bigger, because you don't HAVE to fill it! Plus if you are carrying group gear too... You will love this pack!

Hey Amy, Yes, this parka is great. It is not "snug" because it allows you to layer if needed - and in Boston you will need to! It has a double zipper, so you can open up the bottom to get a bigger stride if needed. It DOES have a hood, which is detatchable! Even better. You will love this. Have fun!

Hey Chuck - these pants are highly water resistant.

Hey there! I am one of the reps for OR, so consider your comments HEARD! I like having a non-hooded option, BUT the contrast lining is actually one of the things that sells the jacket for so many people. Really.

I will pass on the option for a non-hood. I think it is a good one! Thank you!

You know, Ian, pack size is about torso length, not how tall you are. So, do this: Get someone to measure you from the bump on the back of your neck (the C-7 vertebrae. It protudes when you bend your head down.). Once you locate it, then put your head up, and draw a line down your spine to measure. The "end point" will be above your butt. Specifically, take your thumbs and put them on your side, locating the TOP of your hipbone. This is called the "crest." Literally, I want your thumbs on the side, NOT in front of your side... Once you find the top of your hipbones, in the same lateral line, come around to your spine. THAT'S the end point. Make sense? Measure that distance from your C-7 vertebrae to that bottom point that you just identified. Then, Ospreypacks.com gives you the sizing on their website.

My guess is that at 5'1", you are probably a small, but the official way to find out is to do what I listed above.

Hope thyat helps!

Tommy - Can I come?? Sounds like a blast! Both reservoirs will fit, but I recommend the larger... you don't have to fill it all the way if you don't want the weight, but the volume is there when you need it. Have a great time!

Bobby, the Western Mountaineering website is now accurate. So sorry for the confusion!

It sure does! stretch mesh on the sides will hold bottles well.

Hey Bobby, great catch. I am one of the reps for Western Mountaineering and the WM website is not accurate. The correct retail on this piece is $315. I will contact Western Mtng today and get that changed. $300 was Fall 2010 retail pricing, and I tell you, prices have gone UP! Backcountry.com is a totally above board retailer, and they have never done any price gouging... I have been working with them for 17 years! Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Leta Sharpe

Evan, OR overbuilds its products, and then backs them with an "Infinite Guaranty," which no other vendor does. It's full Gore ProShell, 40D body and 70D shoulders for added durability. I own one. It is awesome. I LOVE the "torsoflo" concept which opens up the jacket to vent either from the hem or from the pit, giving your heat a very easy place to dump.

This is a SCREAMING DEAL because its last year's color and they want to move it out. You should snag it before everyone else does!

Hey Ian, the hood goes right where you want it. Adjustment on the back crown of your head, and two adjustments at your jawline. You will NOT be disappointed. I promise you!

One more thing, Gary - you can buy both and return one, just to be on the safe side, but I am leaning towards medium. It's a kille jacket!

hi there! a 5 liter bag would be tight, but doable, a 10 liter bag would be better, and plenty roomy. Hope that helps!

No, they flip up.

Gosh, there really aren't temperature ratings for garments... However, depending on how warm or cold you run, and depending on what you are doing (sitting on your butt belaying or skinning up the mountain...) you should think of this piece as a "system" piece. It can be by itself, but is light and thin enough to layer. It stuffs into a small ball (a stuff sack is included)and is great to have in your pack at all times in the colder months. If you need something warmer, try the OR Virtuoso Jacket or the Maestro Jacket. Those are big and huge and are great stand alone pieces. Hope this helped!

Center front length: 20in
Center back length: 24 1/2in

So yes, longer in the back. This is absolutely one of my most favorite pieces of apparel from OR. It is an incredibly versitile softshell, can stand alone, or be worn as another layer. You will love it!

Thank you to the fine folks at OR who helped with the specs on this!

No, sorry - this is a "closeout" deal, hence the awesome price. This is all that is left, so their won't be more anytime soon.

Yes to a backpack. Try the Osprey Momentum or the Metron. Both designed for carrying what you want it to carry, plus, the weight is distributed to BOTH shoulders and also your hips. Great bags!

Yes, easy to do. The number above is correct and they will take care of you!

You should be good with the small for a 32".

Osprey makes a Raptor 14 and an Raptor 18. Go with the 18. It also depends on the size of your computer.

Thanks!

Plenty... It would work even better with an Osprey reservoirs because the bag doesn't slouch down after you drink out of it. It has a frame backpanel to support the water and prevent bulging in your pack. Also makes it easy to load!
http://www.backcountry.com/osprey-packs-hydraform-hydration-reservoir

The straps are adjustable so you find the right placement for you. However, what Kate said is right on... the Sirrus 24 has "curvier" harness straps to accomodate a woman's chest area even better. The Stratos 24 is good. The Sirrus 24 is even better!

Tyler, I have a Talon pack with a similar material and it gets bruised, but no performance issues. The best this is that Osprey has an All Mighty Guaranty, meaning that they will repair any issue for any reason on any pack, no matter when you bought it. If they can't perform a quality repair they will replace the pack at no cost to you! Best warranty in packs in the business!

Actually, by the Osprey website, the weights are Argon 70 M = 6/1 vs. Aether 70 M = 4/15, and Argon 70 L = 6/6 vs. Aether 70 L = 5/2.

There is difference, but the benefit is additional comfort in padding and suspension. Both are great choices, but the additional weight of the Argon might be more than you are looking for!

Correction again! Spring 2012 will have padding, Spring 2011 did not. Thank you.

Rebecca, the XS will be perfect. It will cinch around your pack.

Phil nailed the answer. Megalit is my call too!

Carol, it is not made in the USA, however, it fits the physical description you have here, minus the words and emblem. Does that help?

26x13x9, so no, not technically. However, I know that the airlines ofter don't check smaller looking packs. Good luck!

CORRECTION! Yes to padding, no to underwire. GREAT top!

I don't know how much insuation is in the Marmot, but this one from OR is really sweet for warmth. It's not your "sub-zero" Alti Mitt that they do, but it is warm on any given day. The liner is a glove line, separated out. Waterproof, breathable and great dexterity!

For a 13, I would go with the XXL. You MIGHT be able to fit into an XL, but why risk it... even though you know Backcountry will take care of you on the return! 13 is the cutoff to go from an XL to a XXL. Because these sound like large volume boots, go bigger. AWESOME gaiters. Just used mine on Shasta this summer!

You could go with either. More versitile with the Aether, though!

great question and ABSOLUTELY! BPA and PVC free. Thank you for asking the question. BPA is nasty stuff!

Hey William, Western is the MOST conservative on temp rating, and because most of their bags have changed little in the past 20 years, they have a really good history with temp rating. The EN rating has some flaws, and we think consumer history on temp rating is the best way to call it. Certainly, if she sleeps cold, get a little warmer bag. Either the Versalite or the Antelope would be my call. It is worth every single penny. If she feels like after using it, she would like to get it just a little warmer, no problem. Call Western Mountaineering in San Jose, CA (where they have been made since 1970!), and ask them to give a little more down fill to the bag. The cost is inexpensive, but you cannot do that with anyone else's bag on the market. Enjoy your Western!!

The harness is super comfy and is made of EVA foam. The backpanel is a spacer mesh foam to allow for breathability and comfort.

Hey Brett. The board lashes to the outside of all Kode packs very securely and easily. Also, whether you are a medium or a large will depend on your torso size. Please see this link to help you determine which is right for you:
http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

You will love this pack!

Pablo, the Raptor is not the right pack for urban commuting. Try the Momentum 26 or the Metron 25. Both have sweet raincovers and awesome features for the bike commuter. ENJOY!!

Agreed, but it is waterproof and seem taped. It's also a membrane, not a coating, so its more durable. However, going with Gore and a more duarble outer fabric would be a better choice for serious rain protection.

That sounds about right!

yes, you can do it, but think about protecting your base in some way.

Not as designed, but anyone can wear it. If you are looking for a cool OR chic's sun hat, please consider the Oasis Sombrero or the Solar Roller.

hey Billy, this pack does not have specific straps for carrying your board, but it has a ton of lashing points, and you can certainly make it work.

Hey Zach, not specifically designed for that but you sure can rig it if needed. The Kode / Karve packs are a better option.

From the Western Mountaineering catalogue, I got:

5'6" = 1 lb 14 oz
6'0" = 2 lb
6'6" = 2 lb 2 oz

Thanks!

Agreed! I will speak with the buyers!

Hi Mary, yes, depending on what you are looking for (what you want the pack to do for you - day hike, overnight, etc...) this pack is great. Follow the suggestions above and find your right size. link for sizing below:

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/sizing_and_fitting

Enjoy!

Hey there, osprey has seen some of these. You are 100% covered to get a new one!

Confirmed!!

what are your dimentions?

No, I think you'll get busted... You should just check it, but get the Osprey Airporter to put it in before you do - it will protect your investment!

Hey there - there IS a subtle difference, not in the frame, but in the cushioning / thickness of the harness and hipbelt. To make the larger Atmos 65 carry more comfortably with heavier loads, Osprey increses the thickness of the harness and hipbelt by 2mm to make it more comfy on your body.

absolutely! NO BPA!!! :-)

Hi Shelly, these packs are two different animals. The Sirrus will give you more cush and more suspension, but more weight. It will also carry more weight better. The Talon is one of my favorite series, so you can't go wrong either way. Its really up to you: lightweight, or more featured?

Hey Matt,

The Aurora, Alpine and the Advanced bivys use Gore fabric for the most waterproof, breathable fabric you can get. Proven technology, 100% backed by Gore AND by OR. The Aurora does not have a pole, the Alpine has one pole, and the Advanced has two poles with a foot vent. The Highland Bivy is also good, made of Pertex which is WP/B too, but Gore is more proven technology. Check out the OR website to see a video about the Bivys: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/browse/Shelter%20Systems.html

Thanks!

The fabric is coated, but the seams are not taped and the zippers are not waterproof.

Yes, China.

Hi there! Actually, its behind the airscape backpanel which has a foam framesheet, and right in front of the back of the pack. Not exposed. It is one layer of fabric away from being inside the pack. Does that make sense?

No, verry different, although the shape is similar. The Transit is cotton canvas, made to dunk in the water and serve as a swamp cooler on your head. The Helios is lightweight synthetic, UPF 50. Both are great hats. Let me know if you have other questions!

The moldable option is an added bonus if you can do it, not necessary, but really nice if you can do it. The belt will feel like any other belt off of the shelf, not any stiffer than that. And certainly not uncomfortable. The molding just gives you that "broken in" feeling right away.

Absolutely... really good ones, too!

Absolutely... really good ones, too!

small for sure! I am 5'5", 147, and I take a medium. You are definitely smaller than me. i LOVE these shorts! Great choice!

Yes, same as the Bison WS. Gore WS is their same laminate without the PU coating... its not as WP as what they have now, but they can still use this laminate and call it water resistent. It is HIGHLY water resistent! You will love either the Puma or the Bison, depending on where you're going, Garrett. Have fun!

This is a roomy bag. Seriously. 64" gives you enough space without feeling confined and not too much space so that you are wasting your heat trying to warm an oversized bag. I don't know about the Marmot bag dimensions, but you'll be very happy in the Bison!

Yes, it uses Gore WindStopper which is incredibly water resistent, and close to water proof, but not seem taped.

It's toned down from the image you see here, but still a good visible yellow. Hope that helps!

There are 2 rear pockets with hook and loop closure, but no zip pockets.

hey there - great choice all year! And, on August 1st, Osprey is introducing their own insulated tube to make that pack truly all season. Have fun!

Large for sure!

Hey Bill, go with the 85. Osprey has a great way of compressing your load, even if you are not all the way filled up. So go with the 85, and you will be psyched!

YES!!! There is a zip pocket specifically for a water bottle. When you open it up, it has the mesh on the inside to hold your bottle in place. Then it zips away to keep it clean! VERY COOL!

The only thing about the Mentor Jacket is that it is a trim fit, so it fits closer to the body. If the Helium was a little snug in a Large, then try the XL. If it is too bigm the folks at Backcountry.com are the best at swapping things out so you get just what you need.

Really good choice for your trip. Be sure to utilize the "stow on the go" feathure for your poles so you can scramble with your hands if necessary, and hopefully, you won't have to use the raincover! But it's included if you do!

The Viper (men's) has a "detuned" hipbelt, harness and packpanel, and a slightly different "hydra lock" system on the inside to carry your reservoir. The inner pocketing is the same as the Raptor. The Raptor comes in two sizes, S/M and M/L. The Viper comes in one size only, and fits like the Raptor M/L. Let me know if you have other questions!

Yes!there is a shock corded Delrin pole that holds it up. GREAT bivy for the money!

Dawn, I really agree with Phil here. It might be a tad big right now, but if you went smaller, he will probably be out of that size by next year. Great pack. Go Medium.

Hey Pat - totally. Be sure to secure both the top and bottom straps on your shoes and you are good to go!

Hey there - I like the OR AirPurge. It is burlier, and the compression works great. The orange band around the bottom is actually a Gore membrane, so the air purge works really well and it is completely dry. Also, OR's warranty can't be beat: "Infinite Guaranty." No matter what, OR will take care of you!

Hey there, I think the sweet spot for this pack is 25-35 pounds. It can handle 40+, but remember, it is a lighterweight pack, and one of the ways that this is achieved is by lightening up the harness and hipbelt. So, to carry loads much over 40 "comfortably," personally, I choose a cushier hipbelt and harness, found in the Aether and Ariel Series. But then it might be too big for your space requirements.

Absolutely! Super comfy!

Hey there, The size will depend on what you are carrying,but you can totally cinch down the Atmos 50. The comfort is awesome and it has no durability issues. I wouldn't consider the Granite Gear pack that Jason lists above, unless you would like to go ultralight. And in THAT event, go with the Exos 46 by Osprey. The other thing to always consider is the warranty by the vendor. Osprey has an "All Mighty Guarantee" that they stand by 100%. Your fault, Osprey's fault or the "bear's" fault, Osprey will repair or REPLACE your pack for any reason. That is my kind of warranty!

Yes, it's the largest size prior to compression.

Hey Natalie. Yes, look at the Osprey Ariel 65. You will love it. Like Eli says above, you can add a detatchable daypack called the Daylite. The other awesome thing about Osprey is the Warranty: All Mighty Guarantee. NO MATTER WHAT. They take care of you. It's not a "limited lifetime" or "manufacturers defrcts" warranty. It's anything: You're fault, Osprey's fault, the bear's fault... :-) Osprey has you covered! here's a recent pic of me with the Ariel 65 - Stairway to Heaven!

Natalie, The stretch pockets on the detachable pack will fit a Klean Kanteen / Sigg 27oz bottle. There is no bottle pocket on the main bag.

Hey there - I am not sure what kind of stuff you are carrying through the airport, but I am thinking for general carry on stuff, this is great. awesome for day hikes!

Patrick, it's a tough one when you talk about physical space needs since I am not there to see you gear. I can answer load questions, like, the Aether 85 will carry 45 pounds very well, and 50 - 55 if you want to push it. But if you go with the Argon 110, then not only do you get more space (which, by the way, you don't HAVE to fill!), but you get a more stout suspension for heavier loads. You can always compress the load down with Osprey's "straight-jacket" straps to secure your load at any volume.

However, Eli, above, make a nice case for a sled! Up to you, of course, but I am thinking Argon 110 if your loads are up there, but if you pack lighter, the Aether 85 will suffice!

Wow! Tall order! The more bombproof you want it, the more dense the fabric - ie hotter than you are talking about. You need it waterpoof? The Mentor is 40denier and 70 denier face fabric with Gore ProShell laminate, while the Furio Jacket from OR is all 70 Denier (D) face fabric with Gore PacLite. The lightest Gore version from OR would be the Foray Jacket, Gore PacLite with a 40 D face fabric. So tell me more about your needs, but hard to have "cool" and "durable." By the way, all three of these jackets have side zips for torso-flow, which will help to dump heat quickly. An OR - exclusive feature!

Yes, and you can couple it with pretty much any Western Bag. But your feet will be separate as Angus says above because the zip does not go around the bottom on this one.. Have fun! ;-)

Just measured - you are all good with your pump in the Raptor 6!

Hmmm... all sounds good, but I am concerned about the height of the mountain morph. It's over 13" right? Let me measure the depth of the Raptor 6 and get back to you. Hang tight!

Wow - great question. The whole glove vs mitt thing. Yes, Mitts are warmer in general, but the Alti Glove IS the warmest glove that OR makes to date. I think you would be great with the Alti Glove.

hi there. No drawstring, but I am a swimmer and these bottoms stay on! The band at the top has elastic on the top and bottom, and this helps the bottom stay in place. This is Carve's BEST bottom for staying on.... I have about 6 different bottoms from them and love them all. But for staying on when super active (swimming), go with the Catalina.

Hi there, I received some info from OR that might help you here. Check you sleeve length on the Patagonia that fits perfectly. Measure from the center of the back to the middle of the cuff. This measurement for OR on the XL is 37.5". On the Large it is 36.5". Let me know if you have more questions!

The Talon 22 is awesome, and even without an HDPE framesheet, it has awesome structure. If you get an Osprey Hydraform reservoir, you will add another barrier to stuff buldging out, especially the water. No barrelling, easy to load, additional frame support, etc. Check it out on Backcountry. Osprey has a 2L and 3 L res that you can load into anyone's pack. Erik, I think you also asked about the Stratos... I would go with the Talon over the Stratos, and the Raptor over the Talon if it has enough room for you. The Manta is a good option too if you need more suspension. Good luck!

Eventually, it will break in to you, but if you were to get it molded once you get a pack - (many brick and mortar retailers will do it for free, but please remember to give them some of your business when you go to have it done!) it will fit that much better.

I own the Talon 22 but not the Stratos. Mtn biking with a framed pack? What are you carrying?? :-) I would be concerned with the Stratos hitting your helmet. Really how much weight are you carrying? I've gotten close to 20 pounds in my Talon without a problem. Another option could be the Manta 20, 25 or 30. More structure than the Talon, more similar to the Stratos. The BIKE specific version of the Manta is phenomenal, called the Raptor 18. But I am not sure it has enough space for you. Give me more info and I am happy to help out!

Completely agree with Phil here. Maybe, if you want to (or can) go smaller, go with the Varient 52. It is designed specifically for alpine climbing. The mesh backpanel on the Atmos 65 is designed more for hot weather use, not for snow. It can work, i'm sure, but there is a better tool out there from Osprey for what your needs are.

Sorry Eric - not the right pack at all for mt biking. Too much structure. Buy another pack for mt biking - the Osprey Raptor 10 or Raptor 14. you will love it!

I think the Atmos 50 is a great pack, but Osprey has better ones for what you are taking about. The mesh ventilated backpanel on the Atmos 50 is not designed for the rigor of climbing and all the abuse that goes with it! for a pack more oriented to climbing, try the Varient 52. For a pack more oriented to backpacking, maybe the Aether 60. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hey Bill, if you are set on a 20 lb load, maybe look at the Manta 20 or Manta 25. These packs have more suspension to carry the loads you are talking about and also come with the hydraform reservoir.

Hey Bill - Heck yeah! It comes with a hydraform reservoir, Osprey's very own "shaped" reservoir system that fits "hand in glove" to the pack. You will love it!

Hey Kevin - super easy. Just grab the handle, and slide the handle "down" towards the bottom of the res. Use gentle force. The handle will slide off and expose the hose attachment. From there, easy-peasy lemon squeezy. Let me know if that works out for you!

Hey Natalie - Dean is right on. Backcountry also carries the women's Waypoint. An awesome pack. You have the choise of an 85 liter or 65 liter pack. Have fun where ever you are going!

Is "really big" relative? :-) I think you will be ok, but Backcountry.com will take it back if it doesn't work out for you - they are great!

I agree with Dwayne above. HOWEVER, there is no protective laptop sleeve in the Talon 22 (not designed for that). But, what I do when I use my Talon 22 for a laptop is throw the coputer in a neoprene sleeve. My favorite is made by Built Designs. Check out the dimentions and make sure its right before you buy one, but they are great.

Pertex Shield is great. It's waterproof and breathable, but there are indeed other "more breathable" membranes out there. Still, this is a good one, especially for the price!

The Advanced, the Alpine and the Aurora Bivy all use Gore Respiration Positive membrane. They actually did tests when the zipped a person inside and monitored them with machines in a lab. VERY breathable. Probably the most breathable waterproof membrane that Gore makes.

Hey there - the cargo pocket is about 6" deep and zippered. Very secure!

No, its all one piece. Great jacket!

I have a medium and it looks like 26".

But.... if you do want a detatchable daypack (in addition to the lumbar pack provided), then look at the Osprey Daylight pack. Super sweet!

You may have an Atmos 50 from a few years ago that does have a very instrusive frame to the inside of the pack. The redesign shouldn't give you any problems!

Bobby, the only reason to go with the Exos is if you are counting grams. If you are not that guy, than go with the Atmos because the hipbelt and harness are more comfortable - thicker. If you do want the lightest possible, than you cannot get a better carry than the Exos for light loads. But keep the Exos loads between 30-35 pounds. Still, with the Atmos harness and hipbelt being more cushioned, that's the direction I go.

I am totally with you . I had the same pants, but gave OR another try. SUPER happy. soft sanded supplex nylon, quiet, not crunchy. They really made a nice change!

Go with the Talon 44. I had a friend who owns a store and did a blind test with his customers on 4 packs in this range - not sure if the Dueter was one of them. the cool thing is that all of the packs had 30 pounds in them, and customers, (NOT KNOWING THIS)had to guess how much weight was in each of the packs. CONSISTENTLY, all customers said that the Osprey 44 had 25 pounds in the pack, while the other packs were well above 30 pounds! So the Osprey clearly was the best in carrying the load most comfortably. You will LOVE the stretch harness on this pack. Makes you forget that its there!

I'm with Phil on this one as an either or, but I lean slightly to the Aether 85. The Aether pack is more flexible and offers better movement for ski mountaineering, and it kicks ass as a backpacking pack.

Hey Bobby, the only thing about the Exos is the lighter harness and hipbelt. So you will want to watch your load weight in this pack. 30-35 pounds max. The Atmos harness and hipbelt is more comfy for sure.

You know, I am not built like you which is why I don't wear the Rumor. I do think it fits better on a longer torso. I think you could do the medium.

Yes it will fit. If you are really looking for laptop carry, try the Quasar pack from osprey. That has a dedicated, padded and suspended laptop sleeve for your 15" cargo!

Hey Jim - no go. There is no waterproofness to this hat at all. I mean, its better than no hat at all, but it is more for hot weather and sun. It also has great vents!

Hey there - Simon is right on abaove. Think about your gear. Depends on how much you want to carry. They will feel similar, except, you will have more weight in the 110 (because its bigger!) so it won't be as comfy as it would be if you had less weight! Argon 85-110 are the right choices.

easily!!

Angela, the Osprey system is a huge step above any other hydration system. The reservoir has a shape to it so the water doesn't barrel on your back and its easy to load, even with a full pack... no hopping up and down to get the res in the pack. Also, Osprey has a "system" that marries the res with the pack, holds the water in place to reduce sloshing, and gives constant gentle pressure on the res for a steady water flow. This is definitely a step above.

Hey Tom, The Osprey hydration res has a large mouth and larger tube so it is not compatible with the MSR filter system. i know that Osprey is looking at a solution for the future!

No go on that Val. But a great pack!

Hey Bec - sorry for the delay. The medium for sure. You will have room.

Hey Brian, The Ferrosi Pant has not been ordered, but the Ferrosi short has. Another option might be the Cirque Pant, a bit more bomber (double weave as opposed to a single weave soft shell construction) with scuff guards on the inner lower leg. Cool pant!

Sadly no, but the women's Switchback cap has the same foldable brim construction as the radar, and has a ponytail holdr. Sorry ren, I am not sure if you are a chic with a ponytail or a dude! I do love the radar regardless, and I am a chic who wears a ponytail, just not with the radar cap!

Hey Snowman, actually, go medium on both. The small raincover ideally fits 20-40 liters. With a medium, you can always cinch it down! Have fun!

Hey Ben, at least the 14 if not the 18. especially with shoes!

The other option is the Mutant 38 for $10 more. Good for rock climbing, whereas the Varient is good for climbing, both snow and rock.

Hey Matt - Yes, you can use any other bladder, but the Osprey HydraLock system actually HOLDS the HydraForm reservoir in place. It gives gentle pressure for contant flow, reduces sloshing, and really, why would you want a formless IV reservoir in there anway? The HydraForm res doesn't allow barrelling on your back and allows for an easy load. WAY better!

yes! cozy brushed fabric next to your face.

Here is why I love the osprey Reservoir:

The Stiffened backpanel does 4 things:
1)Easy to load with the handle ( I have trying to fill a flacid IV bag with water!)
2)Easy to insert into the pack becuase it's stiff (no more sticking my hand down there to make sure it's in right)
3)It stands up on its own (now hanging clip needed)
4)Once inserted, no barreling into your back (rounded backpanel)!

Other things I love:
1) HydraLock system really helps to lock down water
2) HydraLock space system also allows you to insert a full reservoir into a filled pack
3) Large hose (who doesn't love that?)!
4) Locking bite valve - included!
and...
5) The MAGNET SYSTEM on the sternum strap!! Unbelieveable convenience!

Does that help?

Yes, I am a fan. A big fan...