I have the original radial 34 for bike commuting and short trips and I much prefer the original design. The outer mesh was designed to secure a bike lock and the side pockets at the front and key holder worked really well for quick access. Another selling point was a dedicated laptop and tablet compartment that was separate from the main compartment. Finally the mesh back panel is the most comfortable of all my backpacks and works wonders while cycling. The handle was also superb and the yellow nylon liner made it easy to see the contents. Unfortunately, I feel many of these features were lost in the newer versions.
Agreed. I prefer the 1st generation. It also had an additional front storage with organization. Not sure why they removed that feature. 2nd generations straps felt sturdier and a bit more comfy, but I feel like they removed a ton of features that made me love it
I bought this bag a year ago and have been raving about it online and leaving reviews everywhere I probably look like I'm being paid but I love this bag so much. Maybe it's not perfect but it's so close for my EDC.
Thanks for the review. This updated version has some nice features over the old one, but not by too much to warrant replacing. Still allowing those waist straps to dangle, I see. I solved that by not using them; rolled and fastened them up in a ball with velcro. And I never really understood shoe compartments. Used it is sweaty and then locked up in a closed pocket in the vicinity where you might store your lunch... If used outside takes street dirt into the pocket. I never want anything like that inside a fancy backpack. If Osprey added more of those clips like for the bicycle helmet, but for shoes, it could be fasted outside the bag.
Why is the angled water bottle nice while on a bike? When I lean over while pedaling the bottle is facing even more forward, making it potentially fall out even easier, no?
I've been thinking the same thing. But out of all videos, no-one has complained about their bottle falling out continuously. So I guess Osprey do know what their doing😅
I have both this and a Chrome Barrage for bike commuting. Most of the time I'm using the Osprey since it has a larger carrying capacity. Very comfortable for long miles on the bike. Can't go wrong with this one.
Obviously they never tried to put anything in the rear mesh pocket, it's so difficult to get anything in/out, let alone a large U lock. Angled pockets really limit what you can put in them, annoying. I solved that by adding water bottle pockets from JustinUL on the shoulder straps. I've thought about getting better hip belt like the gossamer gear fast belt if it will fit. The bag standing on its own is an underrated feature and almost makes the rest of the annoying design choices worth it. Also being able to adjust the torso height should be a feature on every bag. I hope the next version keeps the good and changes the bad!
I recently stumbled on the channel and website and I love your reviews! I did end up getting the Radial if only because I couldn't get my hands on the Tropos (they seem to be fairly similar although I kinda prefer the non angled water bottle mesh pockets and the front mesh compartment being zipped on the Tropos!). I might try to have some strap keepers sewn in because I too was definitely surprised by the absence of them. Thanks again for the in-depth look! Liked and subscribed!
thanks for the awesome in depth review! Really liked it. I wish more review about gear would be so spot on and thorough! Have been browsing online for that bag and this video review gave me solid hunch and overview whats the bag all about. I am about to order it and cant wait to have it on during cycling to work and back. Could you please tell me what brand packing cubes you used in this review? Also, what brand phone holder you have on the harness starps? Thanks in advance!
It is one of the best bags Osprey has ever made. I carry it to work if I am going to the gym after work and I strap it to my back on mornings I am riding to work. The kickstand is one of the most amazing things about this bag. I was taking a martial arts conditioning class. And every night we had to take different gloves and tapes out of our bags. I had tried that with that crappy Metron and returned it. Having an Osprey bag with that that kickstand feature has been invaluable. If Osprey makes a bag like this again and my bag is wearing out, I would buy it. And I would never buy a Metron to be a daily bag. The fact that it cannot stand upright rules it out for me. I have the Osprey Porter 46. It lays flat. I like that since I use it to pack and unpack clothing. But for going to the gym a stand up bag is needed. Shame on Osprey for no longer making this bag. It is invaluable to me. If anything ever happened to mine, I would look to eBay for another. Osprey is stupid to no longer make this bag and I have told then so.
Hi Helene! The depth of the pack makes it so it does not fit within specifications for most airlines, at least not when fully packed. Thanks for the comment! - Austin
Thanks for the review. I own the "Osprey Momentum 22 Daypack" from 2015 and am very much satisfied. This was the best bag that could fit a 13 inch laptop and also a DSLR camera in the main compartment. This was the best bag for both work and small hikings. I am now looking for a new bag that can fit a 13-14 inch laptop and also a DSLR camera that I can carry for everyday work and also for small hikes. Can you please tell me which one I can go for?
Hey Guru, I use an Osprey Radial (the older version, without expandable main compartment) and instead of getting a dedicated camera backpack I got a LowePro GearUp Creator XL II. It fits really well in the main compartment of the Radial and is large enough that I can fit my Sony A9 + Sony 200-600 (MASSIVE lens) + some spare lenses + stuff in it. It feels great that I did not need to get another backpack (already have too many...) and I can really recommend this combination.
Hi Gabriel! The dimensions make it so it doesn't fit within carry-on compliance, at least not when fully packed out. We also prefer bags that open up suitcase-style to make packing easier. Thanks for the comment! - Austin
@@PackHacker2 ruin is a strong word to use, I think it's a good bag. But I feel you're limited to the size of water bottle you can fit in compared to other bags. The angle of the mesh too is unnecessary due to being able to use a water bladder .
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Halfway through this video, and I just wanted to say I appreciate the level of detail. Earned a new subscriber.
Thanks for watching! 😃
-Eric
I have the original radial 34 for bike commuting and short trips and I much prefer the original design. The outer mesh was designed to secure a bike lock and the side pockets at the front and key holder worked really well for quick access. Another selling point was a dedicated laptop and tablet compartment that was separate from the main compartment. Finally the mesh back panel is the most comfortable of all my backpacks and works wonders while cycling. The handle was also superb and the yellow nylon liner made it easy to see the contents. Unfortunately, I feel many of these features were lost in the newer versions.
Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙
-Eric
Agreed. I prefer the 1st generation. It also had an additional front storage with organization. Not sure why they removed that feature. 2nd generations straps felt sturdier and a bit more comfy, but I feel like they removed a ton of features that made me love it
Thanks for the really detailed review and commentary of the bag. Really helped me decide if it meets my needs and understand the pros and cons
So happy you found it helpful 😁
- Austin
I bought this bag a year ago and have been raving about it online and leaving reviews everywhere I probably look like I'm being paid but I love this bag so much. Maybe it's not perfect but it's so close for my EDC.
Hey is the back a luggage sleeve for suitcase?
@@smaao you could use it for that but it's not recommended
Thanks for the review.
This updated version has some nice features over the old one, but not by too much to warrant replacing. Still allowing those waist straps to dangle, I see. I solved that by not using them; rolled and fastened them up in a ball with velcro.
And I never really understood shoe compartments. Used it is sweaty and then locked up in a closed pocket in the vicinity where you might store your lunch... If used outside takes street dirt into the pocket. I never want anything like that inside a fancy backpack.
If Osprey added more of those clips like for the bicycle helmet, but for shoes, it could be fasted outside the bag.
Thanks for sharing, McWabbit!
- Austin
Why is the angled water bottle nice while on a bike? When I lean over while pedaling the bottle is facing even more forward, making it potentially fall out even easier, no?
Agree, I don't understand it. At that angle, on a bike, if my lid wasn't on tight, wouldn't water be dripping out continuously?
@@johntan9853 haha yes!!!!
Same question! I think the angle makes the water bottle fall out easier when you’re riding your bike and lean your face towards the front of the bike.
Nonono, when you are riding your bike at supersonic speeds the angle helps pushing the bottle in its place
I've been thinking the same thing. But out of all videos, no-one has complained about their bottle falling out continuously. So I guess Osprey do know what their doing😅
I have both this and a Chrome Barrage for bike commuting. Most of the time I'm using the Osprey since it has a larger carrying capacity. Very comfortable for long miles on the bike. Can't go wrong with this one.
Thanks for sharing!
-- Austin
Obviously they never tried to put anything in the rear mesh pocket, it's so difficult to get anything in/out, let alone a large U lock. Angled pockets really limit what you can put in them, annoying. I solved that by adding water bottle pockets from JustinUL on the shoulder straps. I've thought about getting better hip belt like the gossamer gear fast belt if it will fit. The bag standing on its own is an underrated feature and almost makes the rest of the annoying design choices worth it. Also being able to adjust the torso height should be a feature on every bag. I hope the next version keeps the good and changes the bad!
Can this bag accommodate a 16 inch MACBOOK PRO? Although the official description is 15 inches, I love this backpack so much
I recently stumbled on the channel and website and I love your reviews! I did end up getting the Radial if only because I couldn't get my hands on the Tropos (they seem to be fairly similar although I kinda prefer the non angled water bottle mesh pockets and the front mesh compartment being zipped on the Tropos!). I might try to have some strap keepers sewn in because I too was definitely surprised by the absence of them. Thanks again for the in-depth look! Liked and subscribed!
thanks for the awesome in depth review! Really liked it. I wish more review about gear would be so spot on and thorough! Have been browsing online for that bag and this video review gave me solid hunch and overview whats the bag all about. I am about to order it and cant wait to have it on during cycling to work and back. Could you please tell me what brand packing cubes you used in this review? Also, what brand phone holder you have on the harness starps? Thanks in advance!
It is one of the best bags Osprey has ever made. I carry it to work if I am going to the gym after work and I strap it to my back on mornings I am riding to work. The kickstand is one of the most amazing things about this bag. I was taking a martial arts conditioning class. And every night we had to take different gloves and tapes out of our bags. I had tried that with that crappy Metron and returned it. Having an Osprey bag with that that kickstand feature has been invaluable. If Osprey makes a bag like this again and my bag is wearing out, I would buy it. And I would never buy a Metron to be a daily bag. The fact that it cannot stand upright rules it out for me. I have the Osprey Porter 46. It lays flat. I like that since I use it to pack and unpack clothing. But for going to the gym a stand up bag is needed. Shame on Osprey for no longer making this bag. It is invaluable to me. If anything ever happened to mine, I would look to eBay for another. Osprey is stupid to no longer make this bag and I have told then so.
Thanks for the detailed insights on your use of the pack! We love hearing how folks use gear.
-Eric
kickstand already wearing through the fabric? 5:47
Would this backpack fit also under the seat in an airplane if you take this as your personal item?
What is that watch on Tom's wrist as he's reviewing the bag?
Michael Young PXR-5
Do you know a good analogy of this backpack, but for commuting or travels?
GREAT VIDEO!!
Can you use the second side zipper pocket to store another tumblr?
I think the angled mesh side pocket makes the bottle falls off if leans over in riding position
This review was super helpful, thanks. What kind of wallet do you have when you showed the contents of the outside pocket?
Could you share a timestamp? Thanks 😃
-Eric
@@PackHacker2 Hi it’s at 13:12 when you mention your wallet, thanks
That’s the Secrid Cardprotector! More info: packhacker.com/travel-gear/secrid/cardprotector-with-moneyband/
-Eric
While the compression seems nice, the height makes it prohibitively tall to be used as a personal item.
what kind of watch you're wearing? 🙂
Hi,😊 Could the radial pack serve as a minimalist travel pack for Europe? Appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Helene! The depth of the pack makes it so it does not fit within specifications for most airlines, at least not when fully packed. Thanks for the comment!
- Austin
I have flown with a number of airlines in Europe with this backpack and there has never been an issue.
Very cool sir.. unfortunately they are out of stock.. your max phone seems need a bigger gossman pouch ?
where is the placement for the helmet lock tensioner ?
Hi! Can you add a hydratation bag in this backpack? Thanks
Hey JH! Unfortunately not. Thanks for the comment!
- Austin
@@PackHacker2 thanks for your answer.
Thanks for the review. I own the "Osprey Momentum 22 Daypack" from 2015 and am very much satisfied. This was the best bag that could fit a 13 inch laptop and also a DSLR camera in the main compartment. This was the best bag for both work and small hikings.
I am now looking for a new bag that can fit a 13-14 inch laptop and also a DSLR camera that I can carry for everyday work and also for small hikes. Can you please tell me which one I can go for?
Hey Guru, I use an Osprey Radial (the older version, without expandable main compartment) and instead of getting a dedicated camera backpack I got a LowePro GearUp Creator XL II. It fits really well in the main compartment of the Radial and is large enough that I can fit my Sony A9 + Sony 200-600 (MASSIVE lens) + some spare lenses + stuff in it. It feels great that I did not need to get another backpack (already have too many...) and I can really recommend this combination.
Hi, hope you can do the Lululemon Cruiser some time
Thanks for your suggestion! I'll pass along to our editor.
- Tom
Is this waterproof?
Is it suitable for travel?
Hi Gabriel! The dimensions make it so it doesn't fit within carry-on compliance, at least not when fully packed out. We also prefer bags that open up suitcase-style to make packing easier. Thanks for the comment!
- Austin
This is a perfect backpack but those sideways lookin side mesh pockets scare me… I feel like my water bottle will just fall out
먼지 잘묻어ㅠ
The side bottle mesh ruins this bag
Why do you think so, Dan?
-Eric
@@PackHacker2 ruin is a strong word to use, I think it's a good bag. But I feel you're limited to the size of water bottle you can fit in compared to other bags. The angle of the mesh too is unnecessary due to being able to use a water bladder .