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Osprey Zealot Pack Review

Reviewed by: Essex Herts MTB - September 2015

The Osprey Zealot Pack. This is Osprey's take on the big mountain, shuttle ready pack.

Osprey Zealot Pack - Introduction

Osprey Zealot Pack - Specification

• AirScape back panel
• BioStretch Harness
• Blinker light attachment
• Bottom compartment/roll-out tool pouch
• Front shove-it pocket
• LidLock helmet attachment
• Main compartment back panel access
• Slash pocket
• Pack weight does not include reservoir
• Comes in 2 sizes S/M & M/L
• Weight is 820g - 850g

Osprey Zealot Pack - Design & features

• 15 Litres is just about right for a full day back country ride. In our experience 18+ Litre packs can limit manoeuvrability and affect balance. Less than 13 and everything is too tightly stuffed in.
• The tool pouch which also appears on other Osprey packs is a great feature. Housed in a pocket at the base of the bag it keeps the weight low and is easy to access. There was even enough space to get a good sized mini pump in there, when placed horizontally.
• The main compartment zip is very long and allows the bag to open right out like a suitcase.
• The Zealot has been constructed for a lighter more breathable material this year. That has allowed it to shed some weight and give it a slightly less rigid feel. This allows it to conform to its contents a little easier.
• The belt support features 2 good sized pockets, which are more vented than previous iterations.
• Although it doesn't come with the excellent Osprey a hydration bladder, the housing and pipe routing are clean and easy to use. We always use the Osprey quick connect kit and it makes for a set up which is very easy to refill.
• The colours are either stealth black or bold orange. Both look good in the flesh.
• Fit is always a subjective thing but the option of 2 sizes and a good range of adjustment should mean that most riders can find a set-up which works.
• The option to attach either a full face or a trail lid to the pack to the Osprey Zealot is a great option. Many enduro races require full face protection these days so being able to carry one on your pack is essential.
• The price is very competitive when matched against the competition.

• There is no option for a back plate. However the included back padding does a good job of keeping your spine away from the packs contents.

Osprey Zealot Pack - Performance & Durability

• The mesh hip pockets are a good size for snacks and bars and can be easily opened and closed even while riding. The mesh does appear a bit delicate but didn't damage it despite a few rolls in the dirt while wearing the pack.
• The pack got washed on numerous occasions and there was no fading in any of the colours. The fabric remained bobble free and the stitching held up well throughout the test.
• In use the Zealot was comfortable for long tours. The numerous adjustments and straps in conjunction with the BioStretch harness kept the pack it secure at all times.
• Even when carrying heavy loads the bag did not swing around and put any of the riders who tested it off balance. Its low profile shape and the way that heavy items like tools are packed low down, meant that it had a low centre of gravity.
• The Zealot's AirScape back panel did its job. Breath-ability was good for a pack of this size. Extended summer rides were handled with ease.
• All the zips, even the internal ones, had finger loops on them. this meant that opening and closing the bag in a hurry was easy
• We found the Zealot's shove-it pocket useful when you needed to quickly take off a layer and get it in your back. The straps pulled it tightly down so we never worried about jackets or tops flying out.

• There are a lot of clips and buckles to navigate when using the pack. It requires a bit of learning to ensure your opening the right compartment, when you're tired. Staying away from the green buckles is key. The multitude of storage options that the Zealot offers, does come at the expense of simplicity.
• There is no way to tidy the straps on the Zealot. We found this strange as other Osprey packs we have used have had this feature. You have the choice of letting them flap, using your own Velcro cable tidies or cutting them off. None of which are ideal.

Osprey Zealot Pack - Test Info

• Size tested – Medium/ Large
• Rider Size - 178cm 80kg.
• Tested – Spring / Summer 2015.
• Riding – UK trail centres, UK DH, The Alps.
• Care level - Washed if very dirty. Every couple of rides.