Osprey Zealot 15 Pack

The Lidlock Helmet Attachment is one of the coolest features on the Zealot 15 Pack, but the list is long. That's the Sweet Protection Bushwhacker Carbon MIPS Helmet by the way. 

If the main compartment of the Zealot 15 is full you can easily carry your elbow and shin pads in the Stretch Mesh Side pockets. Your sunnies, keys, and cell phone are best off in the zippered Slash pocket, which is lined with scratch free material. There are also two hip belt pockets made of stretch mesh (so they can accommodate more that just the standard energy bar and gel). While the tool pouch pocket located on the bottom of the Zealot 15 is meant to store your tools, pump, and spare tube, it also provides enough room for a small first aid kit and pack cover.

On the interior of the pack (against the back) you’ll find the zippered hydration pocket and the included three litre reservoir. The reservoir comes with a QuickConnect hydration system which lets you easily disconnect the hydration hose for fast filling.

To help the Zealot 15 remain stable and close to your body as you ride, Osprey integrated a BioStretch harness and hip belt in conjunction with a breathable, mesh-covered foam back panel. This allows moisture to dissipate as you ride while providing a high level of comfort. Compression straps on the top and sides of the Zealot 15 hold the pack load stable while you climb up, and ride down.

Main - 330D Nylon Dobby
Accent - 330D Nylon Dobby
Bottom - 420HD Nylon Packcloth

•  Compression Straps - Dual upper side buckle release compression straps help stabilize the load.
•  Backpanel Access - A dual zippered backpanel provides easy access to the pack’s main compartment. 
•  QuickConnect Hydration - Allows easy disconnect of the hose for faster refilling.
•  Stretch Mesh Side Pockets - Dual pockets allow for external storage for accessible items.
•  Back Panel - Atilon foam frame sheet allows for dynamic body movement while it spreads load across the entire back panel. 
•  Air Mesh hipbelt-  Provides a breathable and ride stabilizing wrap.
•  Lidlock Helmet Attachment - Easily and securely carries bicycle helmets.
•  Blinker light attachment - A strap at the base of the front panel to attach a light for riding after dark.
•  Shove-it pocket / Full-face carry - Designed to carry items you need quickly (like a rain jacket) and doubles as a full-face carry by using the quick release compression straps.

•  Slash Pocket - A zippered pocket lined with scratch free, heat embossed fabric provides storage for optics and electronic devices.

•  Airscape Backpanel - Mesh covered ridged foam allows maximum ventilation while keeping the load close to the body.

•  Hydration - Internal zippered hydration compartment and Hydraulics 3 litre reservoir included.

• Tool Pouch - An integrated removable tool pouch rolls out from a zippered lower pocket.

•  Harness Pockets - Dual stretch mesh harness pockets provide easy access to quickly needed items.

If the Osprey Zealot 15 Pack is too much pack for you and you’d prefer to go fast and light, then the Raptor 14 Pack is a good alternative. While it’s technically not that much lighter or smaller than the Zealot 15 Pack, it sure feels that way when you’re wearing it. It’s top loading with smaller pockets than the Zealot, but better suited to short laps after work, or bike park, DH riding. You’ll have to give up the following Zealot features not found in the Raptor 14:
•    Quick connect on the hydration system
•    Back panel access
•    Slash Pocket
•    Stretch Mesh Side Pockets

The Raptor 14 Pack still has the Lidlock helmet attachment system and the built-in tool pouch—two of my favourite features from the Zealot 15 Pack. 

A secure and easy-to-use helmet carry is a must for any bike pack I’d consider using (as I’m not one to ride uphill with my helmet on my head). Similarly, easy and quick access to my ’stuff’ is crucial and the Osprey Zealot 15 Pack has plenty of pockets and full back panel access that you won’t be able to live with out once you’ve tried it. In addition to the main compartment which easily holds your jacket, lunch, and water hydration system, the stretch mesh side pockets are ideal for carrying your pads if interior space is full. The back Shove-it pocket is ideal for a rain jacket or half helmet (as I typically use it for). The Slash pocket is where I carry my phone, keys and sunglasses, while the Tool Pouch pocket holds my repair kit, small first aid kit, and spare tube.

A few improvements I’d like to see on the Osprey Zealot 15 Pack are the location of the Slash pocket, and the shoulder straps that impede easy access to the back panel. The Slash pocket is a great feature of the Zealot Pack but it’s just too low down on the pack; When you use the Lidlock helmet attachment or the Shove-it pocket to carry your helmet (as I do) it’s almost impossible to gain access to the Slash pocket. If it were located at the very top of the pack instead, it would be easier to get into without really impeding the interior space of the pack itself. 

Back panel access is found on several Osprey packs that we’ve reviewed such as the Osprey Kode 42, and the Osprey Kode ABS Compatible 42L. The back panel access is a great feature, but Osprey places the zipper over the shoulder strap rather than under it. This requires you to undo the shoulder strap clips to gain full access to the back panel, impeding speedy access. Leaving the clips undone allows easier access, but compromises the pack’s fit and integrity.

Overall the Osprey Zealot 15 Pack has a lot to offer at a reasonable price. This well-designed pack will be on my back for any short and long haul rides for many seasons to come.